4 THE ART OF HORSE-SHOEING. 



or bell-hanger as to the details of his craft, but the far- 

 rier has been compelled to take his instructions from all 

 sorts and conditions of men. 



Only in recent years has the man who shoes horses 

 been allowed to know something of his calling. Various 

 causes have acted in putting an end to the state of dis- 

 cord, and the trade is now entering upon a brighter 

 time. The Worshipful Company of Farriers — one of 

 those ancient City Guilds which had survived their 

 original vocation and usefulness — has wakened up, and 

 is striving to resume its proper function as the head and 

 director of the trade over which it ought to preside. 

 Agricultural Societies have also taken the matter up, 

 and fostered a health^'- emulation amongat farriers by 

 instituting practical competitions at their shows. Vete- 

 rinary Surgeons have devoted considerable research to 

 the elucidation of the anatomy and physiology of the 

 foot, and many old errors have been corrected. School 

 Boards have made the present generation of farriers able 

 and willing to supplement their practice by a study of 

 pnnciples. We have, in fact, arrived at a time when 

 everyone interested seems inclined to recognize the 

 importance of the art and its technical difficulties, and 

 when no one has a brand new infallible discovery wliich 

 alone can save the horse and guide the farrier. 



My object in writing is not to suggest anything new, 

 "but to point out the general principles upon which the 

 art is based, and to indicate those details which are 

 essential to success, and those which are to be avoided if 

 soundness and duration of service are recognized as true 

 economy in a stud of horses. 



