Goodmn*i new System of Shoeing Horses. 301 



thev are so at tliis time, and have continued so ever since they 

 came to this countrv, notwithstanding they have done much 

 work. I do not wish to make it appear that a correct notion 

 was to be formed of the French principles of shoeing by two ex- 

 amples ; but they afforded me an opportunity of observing their 

 method in a general manner. I soon perceived that there was 

 not any similarity whatever in the form of their shoes, or in their 

 principles of shoeing, with the mode practised by the English; 

 I therefore began to suspect that the plan of shoeing horses in 

 France would sufficiently explain, and would eventually prove, 

 the truth of the general observation, that I had continually heard 

 repeated for years, viz. that lame horses were 'seldom to be seen 

 in that country. 



** I was most desirous to make a trial of the French system ; 

 and having obtained permission for that purpose, I selected some 

 post-horses belonging to the private stables at Carlton House, 

 that could not be kept at work when shod upon the English prin- 

 ciple ; it soon appeared that they improved in their feet, and 

 went to work. Others were shod in the same manner with the 

 same success. 



" Two years elapsed, the new system of shoeing being at- 

 tended with continued success ; and I anxiously availed myself, 

 during this period, of every opportunity to become acquainted 

 with the reasoning of the French veterinarians on this important 

 subject. 



" I found it consistent with every view I had entertained ; and 

 I have now great satisfaction in making it publicly known, that 

 after a trial of the system for several years in this large establish- 

 ment (the royal), consisting of horses used for the different 

 purposes of the road, posting, town-work, and hunting, its be- 

 neficial effects are so manifest, that I have no hesitation in pro- 

 nouncing it to be the best possible practice as yet discovered." 



The work is clearly written, and contains a great deal of cu- 

 rious and important information. We extract the following as 

 no unfavourable specimen. The author is speaking of the nerve 

 operation. 



" It may, I think, fairly be considered as an era in the Vete- 

 rinary Art. In cases of lameness, hitherto considered as admit- 

 ting of no relief, viz. all those permanent diseases of the feet 

 which have been so frequently adverted to, it has been proposed 

 by Mr. Sewell of the Veterinary College, to divide, or rather to 

 amputate a part of the nerves which go to the foot. This opera- 

 tion is, on some occasions, performed below the fetlock joint on 

 both sides, and on other occasions above the joint. The success 

 that has attended this novel and great discovery, most deci- 

 dedly 



