THE FOOT OF THE HORSE. 65 



sensitive sole of the foot, and secretes the outer horny sole and 

 frog. 



Q. 17. What relation does the hoof sustain to the foot? 



A. It serves as the outer covering or case, and protects the 

 internal parts from external violence. 



Q. 18. What is scientific horseshoing? 



A. It is a noble artificial skill of man working in conjunc- 

 tion with nature, to keep the foot in its natural formation. The 

 shoe is to protect the foot from external injuries. 



Q. 19. How many acts are there to be performed before the 

 foot is properly shod. 



A. There are three acts required : First, to remove all the 

 surplus growth, and properly shape the foot to its natural form 

 and size. Second, to select a bar of iron or steel, make and fit 

 a shoe of suitable weight for which the foot and leg requires, 

 and the work the horse has to perform and fit properly to the 

 foot. Third, to nail the shoe to the foot. 



Each of these operations must work in entire harmony with 



the rest, otherwise one would undo the others. Thus, the shoe 



must be properly adjusted and accurately driven on the foot, or 



the utility of the preceding acts would be destroyed or crippled. 



5 



