136 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY 



feet they are usually found in the inner quarter, 

 although they sometimes exist in the outer quarter. 

 The reason why the quarters are most liable to 

 this is, that the chief stress of the foot is where it 

 expands, and the inner quarter is weaker than the 

 outer. Sand-crack almost always occurs in the front 

 of the hoof in the hind feet, occasioned by the 

 pressure applied by the toe in progressive motion, 

 especially when the animal is dragging a heavy load 

 behind him, and more particularly on an ascent. 



Hoofs that crack in this manner are brittle in 

 the crust, which is an extremely bad defect, and is 

 caused by a want of that nutriment necessary to 

 keep the crust supple. It also proceeds from disease 

 in the foot. It may besides occur from a false step 

 or over-exertion, or galloping on hard ground. 



Sometimes the crack is only superficial, and does 

 not extend through the hoof, in which case it occa- 

 sions no lameness. It will, however, require atten- 

 tion, as, if neglected, it may reach the quick, and 

 occasion much trouble. 



Remedies. — When sand-crack is occasioned by 

 brittleness of the hoof, let the following composition 

 be rubbed into the crust twice a day until it be- 

 comes pliable : — 



Oil of tar . . . , 2 ounces, 



Common fish-oil ... 4 ounces. 



In a superficial crack it should be pared and 

 rasped entirely out ; and if it has been of consider- 

 able depth, it ought to be strengthened by a coating 

 of pitch, applied so thick as to replace all that has 

 been rasped off, and formed so as to represent the 

 natural shape of the foot. Indeed, rasping ought 

 to be had recourse to with every crack, so as to 



