488 CHArxER 63. 



rasj), a hollow caj) for finally fitting nail head to hole without injury to 

 sharpened or projecting portion. Plate 20, a. 



Hardcnivy, i. c. temiKring frost nails. — Ordinary frost nails are 

 readily hardened by being dijtijcd while at a black heat into water. 

 Cireat care is necessary that only the "frosting" jjortion of head is so 

 treated ; if the shank be hardened it Avill be rendered brittle and useless. 

 The vendor should be made to exchange all found to be so hardened iu 

 the shank. 



In these nails the wearing or frosting face of nail should at least 

 project ^ inch. 



91* la. Slijypery imvements. 



The pavements in use in London and other large towns are — 1st. 

 Macadau), i. c. broken granite stones. This pavement is safe in all 

 weathers, except of course in frost. 2nd. Wood, which is safe when dry 

 and also when thoroughly wet. It is dangerous in the intermediate 

 stage, especially when greasy, which it becomes when there is rain 

 enough to turn the dust into mud, and not rain enough to wash away the 

 mud. The same applies to artificial watering. 3rd. Asphalte, which is 

 more dangerous. It is least dangerous Avhen quite dry or very wet, and 

 most dangerous in the intermediate stage, as in the case of wood. 



Various i^atcnt pads and shoes have been brought out to obviate these 

 dangers. Pads over the sole may be used for a day or two, as in frost. 

 Put their constant use Avill produce lameness, as {he sole is a recessed 

 surface, and therefore not intended to bear ])ressure. Frog pads are 

 better, but expensive. 



^ Anti-slipi)ing shoes of many various patterns have been brought out. 

 Those in inost common use are Podway's and Powley's. Podway's 

 answer well enough for a time, but the edges will not stand a month's 

 Avear; and when tlie edges are worn away, they necessarily lose their 

 effect. Martin's shoes, 30, Olding Place, Maryle'bone, and Chelsea, will 

 stand the month, and the author has no hesitation whatever, both as to 

 duraliility and safety, in recommending them. 



Tips answer far the best; but coachmen are generally prejudiced 

 against them. The P'rog, which is nature's Avedge against slipping, is 

 brought more thoroughly into use than with any kind of shoe. See Tips, 

 par. 983, especially the last sentence, regarding the time necessary after 

 sul)stituting tips for shoes to allow the frogs and heels to grow strong. 



Put after all, habit is the great point. Horses get used to travelling 

 on slippery surfaces. Horses fresh from the country, where the roads 

 are made of gravel, must be gradually accustomed to the streets. A 

 " country " horse on coming to London should be driven first on maca- 

 dam, then on granite stone j^avement, next on wood, and last on asphalte. 



9!»16. /re »lwes for ivintcr ivcar in cold countries. 



Fig. 21 vei-resenls Pussian, and fig. 22 American trottinrj shoes, i. r. 

 for fast work in winter. They are of value as showing the systems found 



