34 PRACTICAL HORSESHOEING. 



ally becomes concentrated, hardened, and hollow, to suit 

 the altered physical conditions in which they are placed. 



The degree of health possessed by the horn-secreting 

 apparatus at any time has also much to do with its activ- 

 ity in generating new material. When its blood-vessels 

 become congested or contracted from some cause or other, 

 its function is in a proportionate degree suspended, and 

 the hoof grows in an irregular manner, and may be altered 

 in thickness, texture, and quality. 



In the ordinary conditions of town work and stable 

 management, I have observed that the wall of a healthy 

 foot — its chief portion, so far as farriery is concerned — 

 grows down from the coronet at the rate of about one- 

 quarter of an inch per month, and that the entire wall of 

 a medium-sized hoof has been regenerated in from nine to 

 twelve months. 



The process of growth can be greatly accelerated and 

 exaggerated by irritating the surface which throws out 

 the horn material. Thus a blister, hot iron, or any other 

 irritant or stimulant applied to this part, will induce not 

 only a more rajrid formation, but one in which increased 

 thickness is a marked feature. 



SHOEING. 



In the foregoing pages we have considered the foot 

 of the horse in a natural condition, as perfectly adapted 

 for the performance of most essential functions : as a 

 basis of support while the animal is standing, and, in ad- 

 dition, as a powerful propelling instrument during pro- 

 gression. 



We have also pointed out that the hoof which envel- 

 ops it, like .a huge finger-nail, is admirably constructed 

 and endowed as an aid and protection to this organ, its 



