6 THE ART OF HORSE-SHOEING. 



Although to a casual observer the hoof appears as 

 one continuous horny structure, it may easily be separ- 

 ated into three distinct parts by prolonged soaking in 

 water. The division takes place so as to leave the sole^ 

 frog and v/all separate portions. These may now be 

 •considered. 



Fig. 1.— a For© Foot. 



The Wall is that portion of the hoof seen whilst 

 the foot rests upon the ground. It covers the front and 

 sides of the foot. It extends from the coronet down- 

 wards and slightly outwards, so that its lower circum- 

 ference is greater than its upper. The front portion 

 shows its greatest height and obliquity, diminishing in 

 these resj)ects as it passes backwards. At the heels the 

 wall is turned in upon itself, and j)asses forward towards 

 the centre of the foot until it becomes lost in the structure 



