THE HOESE AND HIS STKUCTUEE. 

 CHAPTER III. 



THE SHOE AND THE FROG. 



FOM the preceding description of the hoof, the reader 

 will have seen that it is a structure of exceeding corri- 

 plexity, and that if it be considered insufficient for hard 

 work on artificial roads, any appliances for increasing its 

 efficiency ought to interfere as little as possible with its 

 natural condition, and only to be attached by those who 

 understand its structure. 



Three of the leading principles of the untouched hoof 

 are (1) its constant and unequal growth to compensate 

 for friction ; (2) its elasticity ; and (3) its central bearing. 



All these objects are attained by the three kinds of 

 horn which compose the hoof, provided that they are 

 allowed to act without human interference. There is the 



