IGNORANCE OF SMITHS. 33 



he has not the slightest idea of what corresponds 

 internally to the parts he so mercilessly destroys. 

 There are very few smiths who could tell, off-hand, 

 for instance, how many bones are entirely imbedded 

 in the hoof, and how many only partially imbedded ; 

 so they are working in the dark. 



Modern authorities tell us that no part of the 

 hoof should, on any account, be cut or pared, except 

 the seat of the shoe that is to say, the wall or crust 

 only, without touching the sole, frog, or bars ; as all 

 of these were placed there by Nature for special 

 purposes, and she has so ordered matters that these 

 parts cannot possibly overgrow themselves. Yet 

 smiths will not let them alone, unless a man goes to 

 look after them, and has sufficient strength of mind 

 to resist their entreaties to be allowed to take off 

 6 just a little bit, here and there,' in order to make 

 what they call 'a clean foot.' Never mind appear- 

 ances on the bottom of a horse's foot, especially as 

 this kind of neatness is taking his legs from under 

 him. Don't listen to their arguments on any account ; 

 have your own way, and see that only the seat of 

 the shoe is pared down on the crust. 



Any amount of authorities could be cited here 

 in support of this advice ; so many, in fact, that it 

 is uncalled for to quote any of them. The shoer 

 will next cast round in search of a shoe, or even four 

 of them, that will come near fitting the horse. 

 Sometimes he finds that he has to alter the shape to 

 bring it to the hoof ; but, if it comes within a little 

 of that much, he proceeds to rasp and pare the hoof, 



D 



