THE SHOE. 65 



sideration. This should always be, if possible, parallel 

 with its upper face : that is, the shoe ought to be plane 

 on both surfaces, and of the same thickness on both sides, 

 not only in the fore but also the hind shoes. This guar- 

 antees the foot and limb being kept in a natural position. 

 What are termed " calkins " on one or both heels are 

 very objectionable, for the simple reason that, as has been 

 stated, they raise fhe back part of the foot higher than 

 the front, and throw the limb forward ; unless the hoof 

 meets the ground in its natural direction, some portion 

 of the leg or foot will be certain to suffer. Therefore, 

 whatever device may be employed to prevent slipping 

 and secure a hold of the ground should not interfere with 

 the natural direction of the limb or foot. If calkins are 

 deemed necessary, then the front part of the shoe ought 

 to be raised to a corresponding height either by thicken- 

 ing its substance or adding a toe piece. In the majority 

 of cases, however, the use of these projections is problem- 

 atical, and it is certain that hundreds of horses travel 

 as safely without them as with them. In many of our 

 large towns and cities they are but little employed, and 

 with advantage to the legs and feet. For many years I 

 have not allowed a calkin to be worn on the shoes of any 

 of the horses in my charge, and no complaints of slipping 

 or insecure footing have ever been made, nor have any 

 reports of horses falling down either on slippery turf or 

 the smooth surface of paved streets, from the absence of 

 calkins, ever reached me. Having studied the subject of 

 farriery practically, for several years, in the large cities 

 of Glasgow and Manchester before entering the army, and 

 having during fifteen years' service been attached to those 

 branches in which light or riding horses and heavy or 

 draught-horses are employed, my opportunities for obser- 

 vation have been extensive. These opportunities have 

 led me to form the opinion just given as to the value of 



