The Foot Its Care and Shoeing. 121 



to the earth' s resistance, presses it and the bars outwards. 

 The result of all these movements are: 1, to protect the 

 body from shocks; 2, to aid and increase the spring 

 (elasticity) of the limb, thus giving an easy, untiring 

 gait, besides limiting concussion ; 3, to increase the cir- 

 culation of the foot, and thus insure a proper growth of 

 horn. No portion of the body will retain its usefulness 

 unless used; Nature is firm in her laws and does not sup- 

 ply nourishment in the form of blood to parts not in use, 

 consequently if a good frog is desired, it must not, by 

 shoeing or other means, be relieved from receiving press- 

 ure. 



The claws of cattle and sheep really consist of two 

 halves of feet, the division in the bones starting at the 

 fetlock. The space between the hoof is termed the cleft, 

 and at its upper surface in sheep a gland is situated 

 which may get blocked with dirt, etc., and thus cause sore- 

 ness in the feet. All animals need their feet attended 

 to at regular intervals, neglect results in deformity and 

 disease, especially so is this the case in colts kept in box 

 stalls and in cattle and sheep. An examination will 

 often show the horn grown long and curled in under the 

 heels, sometimes large pieces are broken out of the wall. 

 In the stable abundance of clean, dry bedding should 

 be used. No animal should have to stand in wet or 

 muddy places for any considerable length of time or such 

 diseases as foot rot, thrush and canker will result. 



A good hoof should be straight in the wall, no hollows 

 or unevenness, no cracks or fissures when felt with the 

 palm of the hand, it should be smooth; a rough, harsh 

 feeling and a dry appearance indicate brittleness. The 



