CLOTHS 17 



the leg, or we may use some similar material, such as 

 sponge, wool, or moss. I have sometimes found, when 

 using cotton-wool for the purpose in question, that its 

 presence next the skin gives rise to irritation, probably on 

 account of the pressure not being evenly distributed. 

 This untoward result can be easily obviated by, in the 

 first instance, wrapping the leg loosely round with a piece 

 of soft cotton cloth, or by putting on an ordinary flannel 

 bandage and the cotton-wool over it. 



Boots are worn to give support like bandages, and also 

 to prevent the horse from hurting himself by " brushing," 

 or by otherwise striking his leg. For the former object, 

 the boot may be made of strong boot elastic, and to lace 

 at the side. The laces may be made of whipcord, or, 

 better still, of strong waxed hempen thread. For " brush- 

 ing," or " speedy-cutting," leather guards should be sewn 

 on to the inner side of the cloth. The same precaution 

 may be used to protect the back tendon with cross-country 

 horses, especially when schooling. 



When putting on boots, care should be taken that the 

 upper and lower straps should be buckled looser than the 

 middle one, or pair, according as there are three or four 

 of them. 



Bandages are best for support, boots for protection. 



Cloths are commonly employed in England instead of 

 bandages; they are formed of stout "box cloth," sewn 

 down the side of the horse's leg, and are not removed. 

 I think bandages, which are properly put on, are much 

 superior to them in every way, especially in the facility 

 they afford for hand-rubbing the legs (p. 89). Besides, 

 irritating substances, picked up from the ground, are apt to 



c 



