IN SEARCH OF A HORSE. 105 



Where " cutting," or " interference," as it is 

 more scientifically called, proceeds from faulty ac- 

 tion, farriers will often attempt to cure it by an 

 alteration in the shoe. For a time the cure appears 

 perfect, but I have always found in such cases, that 

 after a few days, a wound appears in another place, 

 an inch higher or lower perhaps, in the leg. I have 

 no faith in any remedy of the kind ; a boot or a pad, 

 fastened round the hoof that interferes, is the only 

 effectual precaution. I have heard of another plan 

 being successfully adopted, namely cutting off the 

 interior extremity of the shoe ; but although in dry 

 weather this may succeed, it will occasion a yet more 

 serious evil when the roads become wet. The heel 

 that is left unprotected by the iron will be worn 

 away, and lameness will certainly ensue. 



Authors, like horses, are sometimes apt to gallop 

 over their ground too fast. I have omitted in my 

 remarks on the diseases of the foot, to notice a symp- 

 tom of frequent occurrence and easy detection. If 

 the feet appear to the hand unusually warm, distrust 

 should be awakened ; more especially if there is a 

 marked difference between their temperature. The 

 hoof ought to be perfectly cool : after hard riding on 

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