to tlie inner edge, and was probably so formed 

 originally, to avoid pressing on the sole when 

 left with its full thickness ; but though this slope 

 may at first prevent any pressure on the sole, yet 

 ultimately itproducesmany and seriousmischiefs. 



To give a general idea of the principal incon- 

 venience arising from it, viz. contraction of the 

 foot, it is necessary to observe that the hoof of a 

 colt, which has never been shod, is nearly of a 

 circular figure, and it may therefore be concluded 

 that this form is best adapted to the different 

 purposes of the foot. It is certain, however, that 

 by far the greater number of the hoofs of horses 

 which have been regularly shod for a consider- 

 able time, become longer horn heel to toe, and 

 narrower from side to side, but never shorter and 

 broader. 



The alteration of the lower part of the foot 

 from a circular to an oval form, takes place gra- 

 dually, and whilst it is going on, the thickness 

 of the crust, in various parts, also undergoes a 

 change ; that is to say, at the toe it becomes much 

 thicker than is natural, and, in a corresponding 

 degree, thinner towards the quarters and the 

 heels; and as this change always accompanies 

 the lengthened state of the foot, it may be in- 

 ferred that they both depend on the same causes. 



