78 HORSE AND MAN. 



Yet I have handled horses belonging to a 

 Manchester physician, which trotted freely and easily 

 over this slippery surface, merely because their 

 owner was wise enough to leave the hoof as nature 

 made it. 



If any road ever made by man could damage a 

 horse's hoof, those of Manchester would stand pre- 

 eminent. On account of the enormous weights which 

 are carried on the lurries — i.e. huge, broad-wheeled 

 waggons, the roads have to be made of corresponding 

 strength. Beneath the actual pavement there is a 

 thick layer of concrete, on which are laid the granite 

 blocks which constitute the roadway. 



These blocks are shaped like gigantic bricks, and 

 are laid on their edges, the upper angles being 

 bevelled off, so as to leave a deep groove round each 

 stone. These grooves are intended to prevent the 

 horses from slipping, the calkins and toe pieces being 

 supposed to catch in them. The effect on wheels 

 and shoes can only be realised by actual experience. 



As to wheels, any one who has been obliged to 

 take a cab in Manchester, and to drive fast in order 

 to catch a train, will not be very likely to forget his 

 experience for the next day or two. 



As to shoes. I have before me a lurry-horse- 

 shoe which I procured in Manchester. It has been 

 fitted with a bar-calkin rather more than two inches 



