70 SCIENTIFIC HORSESIIOKING. 



a very large projKJrtioii 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 

 wlio arc ownersof horses oufi^ht to know and be abletodistini)fuish» 

 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 indiHerent or neurlectful of the well-beine: of their 

 horses' feet and le«i:s so maiiv owners and drivers ai'e. The foot 

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

 his ultimate usefulness is concei-ned. And the affair of shoeine: 

 is so important in its conset^uences, both Ibr the jireservatioii of 

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

 their motion that horsemen and pro[)rietors 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 Init little for 

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

 differences would disappear, together with most of the ailments^ 

 and afflictions to wliich 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 effective remedial or cura- 



