132 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 



blister," while all the fault lies at the bottom of the hoof, in an 

 overgrowth of the wall. 



It is of such diseases as have their origin in, or otherwise af- 

 fect the feet, and which may be relieved or cured by rational 

 methods of shoeing, that I purpose treating under this head. 



The different character of the diseases as manifested by dis- 

 organized structures or deformities of the foot and hoof, are 

 illustrated by typical specimens carefully drawn and selected 

 from many similar examples which I have in my possession — the 

 ■collection of years spent in such research — which form a com- 

 plete exhibition of the morbid effects resulting from neglect, 

 abuse, and improper management of the horse's foot. 



Many foot troubles, when allowed to exist by neglect, or 

 when improperly treated, are oftentimes obstinate and difficult 

 of cure, or are productive of permanent injury or total disabil- 

 ity ; others yield readily to a seasonable application of proper 

 remedies, and may thus be completely overcome and the foot 

 restored to perfect strength and vigor. 



Most generally the nature of the symptoms, as shown on 

 the joints, tendons or coronet, are directly traceable to an im- 

 properly shod or unbalanced foot, and the eye trained to recog- 

 nize such tokens will be quick to note that there are no existing 

 .conditions in the limb that will make it possible for them to find 

 birth in it, and as ready to know that all there is to be done is 

 to have a competent farrier straighten the foot, and shoe it ac- 

 cordingly, to restore the natural conditions and functions of the 

 locomotory apparatus. 



Causation of Diseases. — It is estimated that 75 per cent 

 of all the diseases that horse-flesh is heir to, are due to the so- 

 called " necessary evils " of shoeing, and it is found that most 

 of this long category arises from a disregard of the primary prin- 

 ciples of establishing a level footing for the horse to go upon. 

 Hence I find myself incessantly repeating again and again that 



