78 THE NOBLE SCIENCE. 



and my attention was, consequently, directed to the 

 method by which exemption was attainable. 



The Vulcan presiding then over the forge at Oakley 

 was pre-eminent in his craft, and one of his horse-shoes, 

 like everything else to be acquired in that school, which, 

 in relation to huntinj^ matters, I re<]:arded as 



" Mearum 

 Grande decus columenqiie rerum," 



was worthy of being treasured as a pattern. It is not 

 only in the driving of the nails, but in the shape and 

 structure of the shoe itself, that its security depends. 

 Where so much difference exists, as will be found in the 

 feet of different horses, no general rule can be laid down 

 as to the depth, breadth, or weight of metal w^hich each 

 may require ; but I believe it is established, upon the best 

 and oldest authorities, that the fore-shoes need not be 

 turned up, and that no corking is necessary, especially if 

 the shoe be made sufficiently concave, and have a deep 

 groove extending along the middle. This, upon the prin- 

 ciple of a fluted skate, will be found, in a great measure, to 

 prevent slipping; if any one doubt the fact, upon the sup- 

 position that this groove must become filled with earth, 

 and, consequently, useless, let him try which will slip 

 farthest upon landing over a fence on greasy ground, — 

 a horse with or without these grooves in his fore-shoes. 

 Some do not consider it safe to omit the turning up or 

 corking, but the evils arising from this method would out- 

 weigh any that could result from slipping, admitting that 



