PRACTICAL HORSESHOEIXG. 91 



Hence, we learn that the shoe must be made uniform with the 

 spread of the hoof, and perfectly plain or flat in its actual bear- 

 ings, in order to adapt it to a close, even seat all around ; not too 

 thick or wide (varying, however, to suit the necessities of the 

 case, for a medium-sized horse being about f inch thick by | 

 inch wide), nor projecting beyond the natural circuit of the 

 ground tread. After securing a perfect adaptation of the shoe 

 to the foot, the two levels to fit each facing, do not spoil the job 

 by going back to the anvil, as many do, and give it another final 

 hammering, thus altering the foot surface of the shoe and caus- 

 ing a misfit at the last. 



Fullering and Punching. — Nail holes should be punched 

 through the shoe straight, or inclining slightly outward, directly 

 opposite one another (except in cases where otherwise directed), 

 that all danger of cramping the foot may be avoided when the 

 nails are driven. The fullering and punching should not be too 

 fine, that is, too near the outside of the shoe, but suitable for 

 the size of the nails, so that they may enter and fill the same, as 

 then they will stand sure and endure longer. If punched 

 <ioarser, a stronger and better hold may be taken in the wall, 

 and the nails need not be driven up so high as to prick or en- 

 danger the sensitive structure. 



Concerning the Nails. — Never use inferior nails, for they 

 invariably break off or bend upon slight occasions, and the 

 shoe will work loose from the foot, or be quickly lost. A 

 good nail should have a strong, stiff" neck and shoulder, flat, 

 thin shank, and sharp point, without hollowness or flaw, A 

 low, short, thick hold for the nail is better both for the ease of 

 the foot and the security of the shoe. Two of the most common 

 evils in shoeing are using too many and too large nails, and then 

 driving them up too high in the wall. The fewest and smallest 

 nails that will insure the shoe remaining on for a reasonable 



