PREFACE. 



It is certain, that at no period of history did the Horse ever rank so high in 

 general estimation, or was rendered of such intrinsic worth, by a display of his 

 various powers, as in the present age of science and refinement. 



To this cause may, undoubtedly, be attributed the very great attention paid for 

 some years past to the breed of the distinct and separate classes for the turf, 

 field, road, or draught ; and, as their value has, in a very short space of time 

 been absolutely doubled, we ought to be proportionably anxious for their 

 preservation, whether for sport, convenience, or emolument. 



Well aware of the arduous task of attempting to eradicate habitual prejudices, 

 and the difiiculty of reconciling conflicting views of long standing, we trust that the 

 " Modern Farrier" will be found a book of reference, which the private gentleman, 

 the farmer, the traveller, and all who have interest in the Horse, may find valua- 

 ble. To dispel the gloom of error from the brow of obstinacy, would be a task 

 of Herculean labour ; the object of this work is to save owners from the gross 

 ignorance, which but too generally prevails among mere pretenders to the Ve- 

 terinary art, a set of gentry that have always a vast accumulation of folly to 

 display, as well as a great number of "infallible receipts" which have been 

 handed down to them from their forefathers, and are in fact considered 

 an extremely valuable property by these " kill or cure" practitioners. 

 Fortunately however, for the poor horse, from the indefatigable exertions and 



