J. S. M., East 56th Street, N. Y. City.—What you heard is quite true, although you appear to doubt it so much. The “King of Dudes,” Berry Wall, was at one time quite an athlete, and about seven or eight years ago was one of the fastest amateur walkers in the country. His record for a mile was 7m. 20s.
J. A. I., Phila.—E. Waters & Sons, of Troy, New York, are builders of paper boats. The name was incorrectly given in the September OUTING.
Duck Hunter, Charles City, Va.—You can obtain such rubber goods as you mention from the Hodgman Rubber Company, 459 and 461, Broadway, New York.
Jock, Dayton, Ohio.—The race called “The Oaks” is run on the Friday following Derby Day. It is for three-year-old fillies, and the distance is about a mile and a half, over the same course as the Derby. Both races were founded by the twelfth Earl of Derby—the first Oaks being run on May 14, 1779, and being named after his residence at Woodman Sterne, while the first Derby was run in the next year. The Derby course was at first a mile, but has since been altered.
Double Team, Albany, N. Y.—To the best of our knowledge there is no better treatment for thrush in horses than the old method of frequently dressing the affected feet with tar, spread on tow. This should be well thrust into the cleft of the frog. Carbolic acid is also used in the same way, while in severe cases, where lameness is occasioned, it becomes necessary to use poultices.
Pointer, Lynchburg, Va.—The question whether or not to remove a puppy’s dew-claws, is more a matter of fashion and opinion than anything else. As a matter of fact, the presence of dew-claws seems very seldom to lead to any inconvenience to a dog. There does not, however, seem to be any real objection to the removal of them, for the attachment is usually only ligamentous; or, if bone does exist, it is so slight that the operation of cutting them does not amount to anything.
Sportsman, Brooklyn.—President Cleveland’s bluefishing trip was not the first angling expedition he had made during his presidential career, for last year he went up to the Adirondacks for trout-fishing. It will be remembered that his predecessor, President Arthur, was also an enthusiastic angler.
Whip, Fifty-ninth Street, N. Y.—What you say is quite true as to the difficulty in procuring good, lasting gloves for rough work like driving. There is, however, a capital article for your purpose, or, indeed, for any purpose, manufactured by J. C. Hutchinson, Johnstown, N. Y. This maker’s gloves will, we think, give you satisfaction.
H. S. P., Newark, N. J.—If the horse has completely “broken down,” the fetlock joint will actually touch the ground. From your description this does not seem to be the case, and so the accident probably only amounts to a partial breakdown, due to the rupture of the flexor tendon and some of its ligamentous fibres. As to treatment, you had better consult a veterinary surgeon, but after the first severity of the inflammation has subsided, it is generally thought best to fire the leg.
Housewife, Baltimore, Md.—Truly your questions are hardly in OUTING’S line, but we can answer them. It is very hard to beat that most reliable article, the Royal Baking Powder; you will see from the company’s advertisement what testimonials it receives from sources absolutely trustworthy. As to your second question, we cannot do better than refer you to the Quarterly published by Messrs. Strawbridge & Clothier, Eighth and Market Streets, Philadelphia. In this useful publication you will find on page 148 just the information you want.