MANUAL 



OF 



MODERN FARRIERY. 



INTRODUCTION. 



THE term Farriery has been in use for a very long 

 period, and embraced the Medical and Surgical treat- 

 ment of the Horse, as well as Shoeing, and fitting 

 him for taking the road and the field. 



The persons employed in the manual labour of 

 constructing and fitting the shoes of horses were 

 originally termed Ferrers, or Ferriers, from the Latin 

 word f err um, iron, and their practice ferriery, which 

 has, in the course of time, been changed into the word 

 Farrier, and now universally adopted. 



In most country situations the blacksmith who 

 shoes horses is called the farrier, because he is 

 generally the only person, in many localities, who 

 practises the art of horse and cattle doctor. Not only 

 is this the case in Great Britain, but also in every 

 country of Europe. 



It is to be lamented that more attention is not 

 devoted to the useful practice of the cure of domestic 

 animals, more especially when we consider not only 

 their great value, but also their commercial importance. 

 As well may the medical care of man be intrusted to 

 shoemakers and tailors, as the care of horses, cattle, 

 swine, dogs, and other domestic animals be left to 

 the tender mercies of an untutored blacksmith, who, 

 although by practice he may be extremely competent 



