HORSE-BLANKETS. 219 



FLY NETS 



Are made of elastic cord, spun or cut from the elastic com- 

 pound. The webbings or stays which connect the netting, are 

 made of knit goods or gum-elastic felt. The advantages claimed 

 for this article are, that they will not soil or rot like those made 

 of cotton or worsted, and that when soiled they can be readily 

 cleansed by rinsing in water. 



FETTERS. 



The fetlock rings of these are made in moulds, of gum-elastic 

 sponge. They are either made whole and slipped over the 

 horse's hoof, or they are made open and secured around with 

 buckle and straps. Instead of a chain, elastic cordage is used 

 for connecting them. If any recommendation can be given in 

 favor of fetters of any kind, these may be considered com- 

 paratively comfortable for animals. See plate xxiv., figs. 8 and 

 9. 



FOOT CAULKING. 



A heavy sheet of elastic compound or packing is sometimes 

 used with very great advantage, when the frog and lower part 

 of the hoi'se's hoof has been wounded or injured. 



It is nailed between the shoe and the bottom of the foot, so as 

 to protect the frog from injury in travelling when it is inflamed. 



HORSE-BLANKETS. 



One of the earliest applications of gum-elastic was to horse- 

 blankets, which have become well known to the public. They 



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