26 THE SHOEING OF HORSES. 



its proper destination in the hoof. The question may be asked, 

 what is its proper destination ? The annexed figure fully illus- 

 trates what part of the hoof the nail should occupy. The figure 



represents a section of the wall of the hoof ; every hoof of a dark 

 colour, when divided perpendicularly, will exhibit a dark and a 

 light portion immediately connected. The dark portion in all dark 

 hoofs is of a dark grey colour ; the lighter portion is a light yellow 

 coloured substance, and is generally designated by the farrier, 

 " The Lemon " of the foot. In the generality of feet (excepting 

 those of a white colour), the dark and light portions are well 

 marked, and distinctly visible. In white hoofs this line of separa- 

 tion from the oneness of colour is not so visible ; the thickness of 

 the horn, both in its light and dark portions, is greatest at the toe, 

 a provision which appears as though purposely intended for the 

 toe of the foot to be curved. The wall gradually diminishes in 

 thickness from the toe to the quarters and heels ; it is the narrowest 



