SAFETY PADS. 75 



pad, which is, in fact, an artificial frog, can be removed 

 by the tongs as easily as it was applied. 



In the illustration the upper face of the pad is 

 given, showing the groove into which is received the 

 frog which has been cut according to the modern 

 ' improved ' system. The lower face, which comes 

 upon the ground, has no definite groove, but is 

 fashioned according to the shape oi the untouched 

 frog. 



So we have again an acknowledgment that nature 

 is right and man wrong. 



Ratueallt, the horse's hoof is furnished with a 

 soft elastic pad, which prevents the animal from slip- 

 ping. So, man cuts away the natural pad, and be- 

 cause the horse slips, is obliged to furnish the iron 

 shoe with spikes. 



Now, however well these spikes are made, no 

 matter whether they be part of the shoe or whether 

 they be added to it, they are soon worn down and 

 become useless. In any case they are contrary to 

 the natural step of the horse, and are awkward for 

 walking. If they be part of the shoe, they cause 

 the greatest inconvenience while the horse is in the 

 stable, and if they be screwed or driven into holes 

 made in the shoe, they are apt to snap off when any 

 great strain is thrown on them. 



