CHAP. V.] REMEDIES FOR SAND-CRACK. 529 



to the hoof, the readiest of which is the leading him 

 forth to a shaded place, and there tethering him up, 

 where he might stand upon the natural sod, grass, 

 clay, or soft ground, without a chance of running 

 about to make the case worse, as would inevitably 

 happen. In default of this convenience, a good 

 substitute is the sponge boot, with bran poultice to 

 cover the whole surface of the foot from toe to 

 heel. In all cases remember to keep out the sand, 

 gravel, or dirt, which is ever likely to insinuate 

 itself and protract the cure ; and, if not otherwise 

 come-at-able, an opening must be made for that 

 purpose by cutting down one side of the crack, as 

 before recommended. Proud flesh will be found at 

 this part of the opening, which must be dressed 

 with a solution of blue vitriol. 



If the crack be near the heel, merely thinning 

 the horn and taking oft' that part which bears upon 

 the shoe, will assist the cure ; and whatever shoe 

 may be put on, care should be taken to prevent the 

 crack from bearing on it : the bar-shoe for heavy 

 horses is esteemed indispensable, and some farriers 

 apply it invariably. Others again fire the foot, 

 from the upper half of the hoof, above the crack, 

 to the fetlock joint. This is certainly decisive 

 practice, as the hoof is renewed with new horny 

 matter, being so supplied as to thrust off the old 

 one; but all violent remedies should be avoided 

 until the milder ones have been tried and failed, 

 which will not be the case with those means we 

 have recommended above. 



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