In the Stable, Field, and on the Road. 81 



of the frog, constituting two inner walls between that 

 body and the sole. They seem formed for the purpose 

 of offering resistance to the contractions of the heels. 

 By the side of the bars are two concave surfaces, 

 running from the heel towards the toe ; these are called 

 " the cleft of the frog," the surface of which exhibits a 

 remarkable cavity, broad and deep, and of a triangular 

 form. The frog in its superior surface is continuous, 

 uniform, and porous, being the counterpart in form of 

 the inferior surface, presenting only reverses where the 

 one is hollow and the other swelling. Opposite to the 

 cleft is the frog stay, which is elevated and bounded on 

 its sides by two deep channels and a hollow of shallower 

 dimensions in the front. This bold horny elevation is 

 admirably calculated to form that dovetailed connection 

 with the sensitive foot winch greatly augments their 

 surfaces of opposition and establishes their union beyond 

 all risk or possibility of dislocation. 



The external surface of the sole, or the arched plate 

 forming the bottom of the hoof, and covering the whole 

 of the inferior surface of the foot, excepting the frog, is 

 the part that calls for the undivided attention of the 

 groom. No individual part requires such attention as 

 the sole. As to shoeing, it is here that the smith makes 

 the great mistake of his life, and grooms and owners of 

 horses should see that he does not use the knife to this 

 part ; paring the sole of the foot is a vicious practice, and 

 should upon no account be allowed. Many grooms will 

 allow the smith to pare the sole " to clean it out," as 

 they say, not thinking that by that very act they are 

 doing their best to cause the horse to become affected 



