THE SHOE. 75 



narrow at the heels, its outer rim corresponding exactly 

 with the crust, and the ends of the branches terminating at 



Fig. 18. 



the heels of the foot, thus offering protection to the crust 

 only, and without presenting any surface to be trodden 

 upon or allowing the least suction in heavy ground. 



The nail-holes are in the centre of the web, and are di- 

 rected cutward, by which the nails pass obliquely across 

 the fibres of the wall and secure a good hold, without ap- 

 proaching the sensitive parts too closely. Three-fourths 

 of an inch is supposed to be the height necessary to drive 

 the nails. 



There are two small clips — one on each side of the cur- 

 vature at the toe — and these not only support the dimin- 

 ished number of nails, but require that the farrier fit the 

 shoe to the circumference of the foot. The smallest-sized 

 nails should be invariably used, and fitted into each nail- 

 hole before applying the shoe — the shoe to be light and 

 made of good material. This pattern, like the modified 

 shoe I have proposed, is suitable for either fore or hind 

 feet. 



It may be mentioned that, with the exception of the 

 two side-clips at the toe, this "shoe is nearly identical in 

 shape with that recommended by Colonel Fitzwygram in 

 his excellent work on Shoeing. 



