402 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIER V. 



FELT, OR LEATHER SOLES. 



In cases of bruised or inflamed feet it has been found of 

 much benefit to insert a strip of leather or felt between the 

 shoe and the crust. The intention of this is to lessen the 

 vibration or shock which is given to the sensible portion of 

 the foot, in consequence of the want of elasticity of the 

 iron shoe. This is useful where disease exists, but must by 

 no means be adopted where the feet are sound ; for one 

 reason — the nails can never be so firmly driven in when any 

 substance is interposed between the hoof and the shoe, and 

 by its alternate contraction and expansion with dry or hot 

 weather, it is sure to lessen the security of the shoe ; causing 

 too much play upon the nails, and consequently enlarging 

 the perforations in the crust, and rendering a portion of it 

 liable to be torn away. 



CHAPTER XVIL 



now TO BUY A HORSE. 



Little do novices in horseflesh think how many tricks are 

 resorted to by dishonest dealers to conceal the defects of a 

 horse, and take in the uninitiated. To exhibit -a few of 

 these will be the aim of this chapter ; as well as to throw 

 out several hints which may be useful in assisting the un- 

 experienced in the purchase of a horse. 



The first thing to be attended to is the form of the 

 animal ; and this difiers materially in the various breeds, 



