EXPANDING SHOE, ETC. 397 



there is no strain upon the nails and clenches, as in the 

 common shoe ; and it has been found that its use has not 

 the effect of diminishing the number of corn cases, which 

 arises from the quarters being removed to fit the flat-shoe, 

 and the weight is then sustained more by the heels than 

 the quarters. Besides, it is a difficult shoe to make. 



THE EXPANDmG SHOE. 



This consists of a shoe of the common English form, with 

 a joint at the toe, which the inventor, Mr. Bracy Clark, 

 intended to relieve the feet from the restraint of the shoe 

 and nails, by admitting the natural expansion of the hoof, 

 and thus avoiding all the evils arising from shoes made oi 

 the common principle. This, however, has not been realized. 



THE HUNTING SHOE. 



PLATE XI. Fig. 4. 



The hunting shoe differs from that of a horse used upon 

 the road, both in weight and form. It is not so much 

 bevelled off as the common concave-seated shoe, and only 

 enough of space left between the shoe and sole for the 

 introduction of the picker ; as, going over heavy ground, 

 the clay would insinuate itself, and by its tenacity would 

 have a tendency to loosen the shoe, or indeed, what has 

 been the case, tear it off altogether. It is also made shorter 

 in the heels, so that they may not be torn off by the toe of 

 the hind feet when galloping. 



THE RACING-SHOE. 



PLATE XL Fig. 6. 

 The racing-shoe, or plate, should be constructed of the 



