BANDAGING. 137 



the legs than bandages. Do not take it for granted 

 that the less a horse lies down in the day the more 

 he will at night : it is the nature of some horses to 

 lie down easily, while others, though fatigued, can- 

 not always be induced to do so, even with a dark, 

 quiet stall, and nice bed. Neat flannel bandages, 

 kept well wet with cold water, or a little nitre added, 

 I am a great friend to while putting into condition ; 

 but, on the whole, it will be quite as well to omit 

 bandaging in training, unless the state of the legs 

 seem to require it : which is too often the case, cer- 

 tainly. If bandages are used, do not put them on 

 again after the walk in the evening. 



Dry flannel bandages are used, by those who praise 

 them, during the whole time of training. They may 

 be of benefit to some legs ; and they have this advan- 

 tage, that, if so wished, they may be kept on during 

 the night ; and the rest is not disturbed by wetting 

 them during the day."" If worn, they must be put 

 on a trifle looser than the wet bandages ; but I re- 

 commend you to abstain from these, unless you have 

 some reason for their adoption. Whatever bandage 

 you choose, be careful to lay the folds even, com- 

 mencing immediately under the knee, and bringing 

 each turn as high in front as behind, so that the bot- 

 tom of each turn of the bandage shall be fully as tight 

 as the top of each turn. Each turn is to descend 

 exactly one-half of the bandage, yet in such a man- 

 ner that each looks straight in front. If any part of 

 the bandage should be tighter than another, it is that 



* I am an advocate for dry flannel bandages. They promote the insensible 

 perspiration, and keep the legs of a horse in hard work much finer than wet 

 ones. They have the advantage also of a horse not being continually annoy- 

 ed by wetting the bandages, and they can be kept on during the night. EP. 



18 



