THE SHOEING OF HORSES. 



45 



ntended. One of the best compositions we have found for the 

 purpose of applying to the feet is the following : — 



R Tar 



Bees Wax 



Honey 



Suet (Beef or Mutton) 

 Whale Oil 



2lbs. 

 I Jibs. 

 lib. 

 2lbs. 

 4lbs. 



The above ingredients to be mixed and slowly melted together in 

 a hot water bath. It should be applied freely to the sole and wall 

 of the foot by means of a small brush, at least once or twice a 

 week. It is best applied warm; and the feet at the time should 

 be perfectly clean and dry upon every part. 



2. Are the Sole and the Frog capable of Bearing Weight and 

 Pressure ? — There is but one rational answer to this question. The 

 sole and the frog are structures intended to take their due share 

 in sustaining the weight of the body of the horse. If we regard 

 the foot of the wild horse in this respect, we shall find that the 

 sole and the frog are amongst the principal weight-sustain ers 

 of the limb ; these parts, from their position in the economy of 

 the foot, are compelled to receive weight and pressure — indeed, of 

 what use would they be to the animal if they could not ? The 

 sole and the frog are parts capable of bearing great weight and 

 pressure, if equally and fairly distributed over their entire surface. 

 It is only when pressure is severely and irregularly applied 

 to these structures that we find any injurious consequences to 

 result. 



