THE PUTTING ON OF THE SHOE. 391 



on the bar, and partly on the heel of the foot, consequently 

 the bar should be allowed to remain nearly in its original 

 condition, from its first inflection, and extending down the 

 side of the frog. It is only when the frog becomes level 

 with the crust that it should be pared at all. We have 

 already shown, when treating of contraction, page 158, that 

 when the bars have been removed we have destroyed the 

 props which are the main preventions of that defect. 



The quantity to be pared from the frog depends chiefly 

 upon its prominence and the shape of the foot. It must 

 only project so much as to be just within and above the 

 inner surface of the shoe, that is, on a level with the unshod 

 hoof. This will enable it to descend with the sole. If it 

 be higher, it cannot come in contact with the ground ; and 

 if lower, it is liable to be bruised. 



From what we have shown it will be sufficiently evident 

 that some skill is necessary in the preparation of the foot 

 for the reception of the shoe ; and it is equally incumbent 

 on the groom and his master, as well as the smith, to possess 

 this knowledge ; and it is well for some one always to be in 

 attendance during the operation of shoeing. 



THE PUTTING ON OF THE SHOE. 



The foot having been prepared, the smith selects a shoe 

 from among those already made, which he thinks may fit as 

 nearly as possible, and what alterations are necessary are 

 made on the shoe. This frequently requires both the use 

 of the hammer and the file, and the conscientious workman 

 will not nail it on until it is so formed that it rests firmly 

 on the sole, and its external shape precisely corresponds 

 with that of the crust. On the other hand, the careless 

 and inconsiderate mechanic will pick a shoe, and suit the 

 hoof to the shoe, frequently paring the sole and crust to the 



