Adjusting Fractures 221 
on the outside of the flannel bandage, and firmly held 
in position by binding them on with bandages. The 
splints should be as long as possible, in order to give 
greater leverage both above and below the fracture, 
and so to prevent the part from moving. It is some- 
times a good plan to allow the splints to extend from 
the foot to the knee or hock joint, or, at least, the full 
length of the broken bone and as much farther as 
possible. When the broken bone is in the leg, where 
there is very little soft tissue covering it and conse- 
quently very little swelling, a plaster of Paris splint, or 
east, can be applied directly over the flannel bandage. 
Prepared plaster of Paris bandages can be purchased 
at drug-stores, or they can be made by using strips 
of cheese-cloth or thin cotton two and a half inches 
wide and six feet long. These bandages are liberally 
sprinkled with plaster of Paris, which is worked into 
the meshes of the cloth and sprinkled on its surface. 
The bandage is then rolled up. When ready to apply, 
the bandages are placed in a vessel of water until 
thoroughly saturated, as shown by the absence of 
escaping bubbles. The bandage is then applied firmly 
over the fracture, beginning below and winding upward 
until a jacket is formed at least half an inch thick. 
The plaster cast should extend as far above and below 
the fracture as is possible. It is a good plan to start 
the plaster of Paris bandage at the foot or at a large 
joint, in order to prevent its slipping down, as it is 
likely to do if the swelling in the part should subside. 
Splints are also made of leather, tin and stiff felt ; 
and, in some cases, a thin strip of iron can be bent 
