260 BRITTLE HOOF. 



the hoof. Water in cases of this kind does harm. It 

 moistens the horn for a time ; but afterwards it dries, 

 and the hoof becomes more brittle than it was before. 

 Equal parts of tar, animal glycerine, and soft soap, 

 well mixed together, will make a good stopping ; 

 which may be spread on tow, and retained against 

 the sole by splints. 



Cow-dung stopping, with a small portion of clay in 

 it, to give it consistence, will never be found useful as 

 an application to sound and healthy feet ; as its con- 

 tinuous employment does injury. Linseed meal made 

 into a paste with water, is more cleanly and less dry- 

 ing; but if the linseed be moistened with the follow- 

 ing liniment, instead of water, its effects will be in- 

 creased, and the horn will be benefited. 



RECIPE (No. 57). 



Suppling Liniment for the Feet. 



Take — Oil or spirit of tar, a pint ; 

 Animal glycerine, a quart. 

 Mix them together. 



After the feet are cleaned out when the horse comes 

 from his work, let the paste, made as directed above, 

 be plastered over the sole ; and the next morning be 

 removed before the horse is taken out of the stable. 

 The quantity required will not be large; and the 

 same portion will, with very little care, answer several 

 occasions. At the same time that the feet are stopped, 

 the hoof may be dressed; which is soon done, by 

 simply dipping a brush into the liniment when it is 

 unmixed with any linseed, and well rubbing it over 

 the whole of the crust. This will tend much to pre- 

 serve the natural pliancy of the horn ; and at the 

 same time will very considerably increase its growth. 



