Xivd OBLIGATIONS TO APPRENTICES. 



farriers. These boards might be appointed by the governors, niul 

 should consist, say, of one veterinary surgeon and two competent, 

 practical horseshoers. Tlien every man who desired to engage in 

 the business of horseshoeing, and especially those who propose to 

 take apprentices, should be required to appear before tliis board 

 and pass a satisfactory exaniination for a (-(^rtificatp of ([ualifica- 

 tion. In order to begin a niovcniiMit of this kind without doing 

 injustice to any one, the l)oarils shouhl hi' authorized to use con- 

 siderable discretion in their examination of those already in the 

 business. Of course it is well known tliat there are many men 

 wh(», from long experience, ))eing naturally intelligent, have made 

 of themselves competent horseshoers. who could not do much in 

 the way of passing an examination in the scientific technicalities 

 of the business. They have not the knowledge of anatomical and 

 scientific terms which would enable them to [)ass a creditable 

 written examination. But it will l)e easy for the board of exam- 

 iners to satisfy themselves as to the competency of these men for 

 their work by a series of shop tests. In tliis way their business 

 need not be interfered wit h by such a law. 



There would be a question, however, about their receiving and 

 training apprentices. While entirely capable to give to boys and 

 young men a thorough training in tlie practical part of horse- 

 shoeing, they would not be fitted to give them the necessary 

 theoretical instruction in reference to the anatomy and physiology 

 of the horse, and of his foot and leg. This difficulty, however, 

 could be overcome l^y some provision for the apprentice to receive 

 his theoretical instruction from some other source. 



All new candidates for the business of a farrier should l)e sub- 

 jected to rigid exam.ination, both by writing out answers to theo- 

 retical questions and by j)ractical shop tests. The board should 

 have authority to look somewhat into the general character of can- 

 didates as well as to examine into their special qualifications. 

 Horseshoeing is a business that requires good judgment as well as 

 theoretical and practical knowledge. Not only is the question of 

 humanitv to the horse to l)e considered, l)ut also that of the 



