160 DISEASES OF 



when inserted inside the heels, exerts a steady pressure 

 on them in an outward direction. As this pressure is 

 not severe and is continuous, no bad effects follow the 

 use of the spring, but it is continuously exerting an 

 expanding pressure on the parts to be spread. This in- 

 vention can therefore be highly recommended. 



After all, expansion of contracted heels can be accom- 

 plished by shoeing, and in a very simple manner. The 

 kinds of shoe are shown in Figs. 49 & 50. It will be seen 



Figs. 49 and 50. Expanding shoes for contracted feet. 



that they are plain shoes,differing from the ordinary shoe 

 by having a slant or bevel at the heels in an outward 

 direction, instead of being precisely level. The extent 

 of this slant or bevel is regulated entirely by the smith 

 who makes the shoe, and may be either slight or of con- 

 siderable extent. If the contraction is slight, the bevel 

 may be shallow, whereas if the contraction is very great, 

 the bevel may be at a more acute angle. The care nec- 

 essary in the application of this shoe is to be sure that 

 the inside edge of the heel of the shoe shall be set in- 

 side the contracted heel, so that every time the horse 

 steps the heel will be pressed outward by the bevel of 



