222 ANIMAL MANAGEMENT. 



The The junction of the fleshy and horjiy leaves (fig. 43), is the means by 



j^"*^^i*^"_°f which the hoof is securely attached to the sensitive parts. The strength 

 ^ d h °^ ^'^^^ ^''^^ y^'' fl^^^^^ union, is extraordinary ; it is sufficient to sustain 



leaves. ^^^ animal's weight and the structure can only be separated for the 

 purpose of demonstration, by partial cooking or prolonged soaking. 

 Each main leaf, horny and fleshy, is covered with secondary smaller 

 leaves which branch at an angle from it, and these dovetailing with 

 their opposites, give extreme strength : the great number of the second- 

 ary dovetails gives a section of this junction the appearance of a number 

 of interlacing feathers. 

 The wall. The wall provides complete protection for the sensitive leaves 



and coronary band ; it embraces the sole, and by means of the bars 

 rigidly secures it in position ; and its ground surface, in conjunction 

 with the flat, outer edge of the sole, supports the weight of the horse. 

 / The supporting power of the wall held firmly in position as it is 

 / by the dovetailed leaves, is sufficient to bear the horse's weight ; it is 

 / possible to pare out the sole to such an extent that no part of it bears 

 I on the ground or shoe and still the animal is able to stand. Thisjact^ 

 \ h owever, isjnguaxjTnm^n t f^r deprivin g him of pnrt of the bearing surface 

 \ w hich Is nafi irTl'y ^dpp^-^d for ^iT^taining thp hnHy wpight^ and the 

 I practir.e of par ing thf^ sole i^: rv^ nsequently forbid d^f- 



The sole. TTiesole protects the sensitive sole, and its naturally flat outer edge 



takes a bearing on the ground or shoe, and helps the wall to sustain 

 the body weight. On a perfectly flat, hard surface the arched central 

 portion of the sole does not come in contact with the ground, but 

 sustains the weight from above and takes a bearing from below only 

 when the going is soft. 



Z' Owing to its habit of growth, explained above, the untouched, 



/ healthy sole has a somewhat rough, flaky look, and a misapplied zeal 



I for neatness of appearance may result in it being pared smooth and 



\ thin. This is nothing short of criminal. The i nterests o f all concerned — 



\ horse, o3 vner , and farrie r — demand that the natural protective thickness 



I of the sole be left intact. 



The whitdL ThelvTiite line (fig. 45) denoting the position of the horny leaves, 



line. ^and consequently of the sensitive leaves which dovetail with them, shows 



the farrier the thickness of the wall. This knowledge is all-important 



to him in driving nails. Taking into consideration the slope of the 



hoof and the thickness of the wall, he can accurately estimate the angle 



"Pitch " (" pitch ") at which the nails must be driven so that they will give secure 



of nails. j^old without going so near the sensitive parts as to cause injury by 



" pricking" or "pressing" them. 



