186 HORSE AND MAN. 



experiment, as he could never bear the frog to touch 

 the ground. I have now driven him for six months, 

 and he travels much easier to the driver, bears 

 thoroughly on the frog of his foot, and is more sure- 

 footed. I do not intend him to be shod again, and 

 had I a colt, I should never shoe him. The chief 

 objection to removing the shoes from a horse ac- 

 customed to them is the expense of keeping him idle 

 until the hoof begins to assume its natural shape. 



' I was fortunate in having a groom who endea- 

 voured to carry out my ideas in spite of his own 

 prejudices. 



' Any person trying the experiment should insist 

 upon thorough cleanliness in his stable, look after 

 the horse himself, be endowed with perseverance, 

 and armed in proof against ridicule. 



'I may say I drive without bearing-rein or 

 blinkers. This latter plan requires great care until 

 your horse is accustomed to it. 



1 1 will not intrude longer upon your time, but 

 should any person wish to question me, I shall be 

 very pleased to reply to them. 



' Yours truly, 



'Herbert Smith.' 



Taking Mr. Smith at his word, the late Mr. A. F. 

 Astley wrote to ask him if he would let him have 



