Rat-Tails, in farriery, denote certain excrescences that gradually extend from the pastern to the middle of a horse's shanks ; and which are thus denominated, from the resemblance they bear to the tail of a rat.-These warts sometimes appear moist ; at others,dry: in the former case, they may be treated in a manner similar to that recommended under the article Grease ; but, if the part affected be hard and dry, recourse should be had to the following ointment :- Take of crude mercury one ounce ; Venice turpentine half an ounce ; mix them together in a mortar, till the globules of the quicksilver disappear ; then gradually add two ounces of melted hog's- lard. This unguent must be applied to the excrescences ; and, if it should not effectually soften them, and remove the protuberances, another preparation may be used with advantage :Let four ounces of black soap, and two ounces of quick-lime, be incorporated with a sufficient quantity of vinegar, to form an ointment.

Should the warts still remain hard, it will be necessary to pare them carefully with a sharp knife : and to dress the wound with turpentine, tar, and honey ; to which may occasionally be added a little verdigrease, or white vitriol.