252 DR. LEGEAR'S STOCK BOOK. 



would he all that is necessary, and even this much might be dis- 

 pensed with. Plate A'.. Figs. 1 and >. will give you an idea of 

 correct and incorrect fitting. 



FITTING. 



There is what is called hot fitting and cold fitting, either of 

 which being practiced more or less in different countries, cli- 

 mates, etc., according to the objects desired. Systematic experi- 

 ments a few years ago in regard to hot and cold fitting proved 

 that hot fitting gave the best results. These experiments were 

 carried on in the old country in collection with cavalry horsi-. 

 where the climate is moist, etc. The advantage of hot fitting 

 consists in the fact that complete contact between the hoof and 

 the shoe can thus be more readily obtained than by any other 

 method; also, the shoes can be made to stay on better and 

 longer, especially in moist climates. Our climate being dry and 

 hot most of the year, cold fitting proves the more satisfactory and 

 is in general use. As a general thing, in our country, the shoes 

 are usually allowed to remain on too long, especially in the agri- 

 cultural districts. We are acquainted with the fact that if the shocr 

 fails in certain custom work to make the shoes stay on for sev- 

 eral months, his employer would be dissatisfied and would trans- 

 fer his work elsewhere. Such conduct could not be more short- 

 sighted nor more unreasonable. As the horse's foot grows out, 

 it becomes too large on the bottom for the shoe, which should 

 not he left on over a month, or six weeks at the very longest; 

 many animals require to be shod even more frequently. A badly 

 fitting shoe is to a horse as painful as a tight boot is to his owner. 

 The practice of leaving the shoes on too long is a penny-wise 

 and pound-foolish policy. 



