THE ART OF THE FARRIER. 235 



foundly ignorant, should not be practised where the parts are in a 

 healthy condition. By the removal of this portion of the foot, we 

 expose the sensitive parts beneath to injury, by coming in contact 

 with foreign bodies in travelling. If we examine carefully the 

 structure of the sole, we shall find that its constant growth is re- 

 moved by exfoliation, and that the parts beneath the external layer 

 are not fitted to take the place of the latter until it has been re- 

 moved by the natural wear. Paring out the sole of the healthy 

 foot cannot be defended on any ground, neither can any artificial 

 substitute be employed that can supply the place of the natural 

 protection. In the event of casting a shoe while upon the road, 

 no evil can befall the unmntilated sole ; while that which has been 

 subjected to the " paring out " process is liable to become seri- 

 ously impaired, especially if this operation has been recently per- 

 formed. 



A better knowledge of the functions of the frog now prevents 

 in a measure that destruction which was formerly so extensively 

 practised upon this portion of the foot. There still exists, how- 

 ever, an innate desire on the part of many farriers to cut away not 

 only the shreds, but also the substance, of this organ. This 

 should never be done, as the parts beneath are immaturely called 

 upon to assume functions for which they are not prepared ; this 

 process of exfoliation in the unshod hoof being the result of 

 gradual wear. The frog, then, should be retained in its original 

 integrity, if we would wish to prevent the diseases to which it is 

 liable, and which are sure to follow its reduction by the knife. 



Rasping the wall, before or after the application of the shoe, 

 cannot be too strongly condemned. By this practice, the delicate 

 external layer of horn which not only gives the beautiful polish to 

 the part, — a polish not to be imitated by any artificial means, — 

 but which protects the layers of horn beneath, is removed, thei'eby 

 rendering the crust more brittle and less well fitted for holding 

 the nails. If the shoe is accurately fitted to the foot, and not the 

 foot to the shoe, there will be no necessity for reducing the wall 

 with the rasp at the toe, which gives a stubbed appearance, in- 

 stead of the natural graceful outline. 



"It should be ever most strenuously insisted upon, that the 

 whole lower face of the hoof, except the border of the wall, must 

 be left in a state of nature ; the horn of the sole fi'og and bars has 

 an important duty to fulfil ; it is the natural protection to this part 

 of the hoof; and no protection of iron, leather or other material, 



