70 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 



a very large proportion of these evils is, beyond all doubt, di- 

 rectly or indirectly traceable. 



Important to Horsemen. — The shoeing of horses is a work 

 practically belonging to the smith, but as gentlemen and others 

 who are owners of horses ought to know" and be able to distinguish, 

 at least in some degree, when it is ill or well done, it would seem 

 an unnecessary precaution to recommend a matter of such per- 

 sonal interest to their attention. It is really surprising to learn, 

 however, how indifferent or neglectful of the well-being of their 

 horses' feet and legs so many owners and drivers are. The foot 

 is undoubtedly the most important part of the animal, so far as 

 his ultimate usefulness is concerned. And the afiair of shoeing 

 is so important in its consequences, both for the preservation of 

 the foot, the safety of the legs, and the ease and comfort of 

 their motion that horsemen and proprietors can not be too at- 

 tentive to practical recommendations on the subject. For it 

 must be borne in mind that among horseshoers there is as great 

 diversity of opinion in regard to the performance of their work 

 as there possibly can be in any other trade or calling, and theo- 

 retical speculations upon this subject have done but little for 

 the farrier or the horse. I am convinced that many of these 

 difterences would disappear, together with most of the ailments 

 and afflictions to which horses are liable under existing condi- 

 tions, if a better knowledge of the natural formation of the foot 

 and of the relative value and office of its various parts, per- 

 vaded the great body of owners and trainers as a whole, than 

 now exists. These troubles are caused, speaking generally, by 

 the horse being out of balance on his feet, and, in justice to the 

 much abused horseshoer, be it noted, they are quite as often due 

 to erroneous ideas and " pet theories " of would-be horsemen 

 being foisted into the workshop, as from any lack of ability or 

 ingenuity on the part of the farrier. 



In veterinary surgery, too, as an eftective remedial or cura- 



