lOS 



SHOEING. 



and reriistant substances which were designed in their unity to support 

 the animal's body, instead of being driven perpendicularly into the more 

 brittle covering of the foot, thereby dividing the fibers and frequently 

 injuriag the hoof, by causing large flakes to chip off its protecting 

 envelope. 



The present practice of the forge chiefly consists in removing as much 

 horn as possible : as if the covering of the foot were not a natural growth, 

 sent for a healthful purpose ; or it was the sprouting of disease, which 

 it became imperative should be excised. The shoe is dragged off, and 

 afterward the punch, the pliers, and the drawing-knife are employed. 



The author does not object to the legitimate use of the last-named 

 instrument ; but to its abuse he dissents. As the shoe alone rests upon 

 the earth, of course the hoof lacks needful attrition. Therefore, were 

 no cutting resorted to, the horn would be prolonged, and the shoe ulti- 

 mately afford no protection to the foot, being carried forward by the 

 growth, of the toe. It is not unusual to see the iron, which originally 

 was nailed to and encircled the hoof, borne onward by the continued 

 development of the horny secretion, in consequence of neglect having 

 allowed the shoe to remain on the foot for months. 



THE SHOE, WHEN SUFFERED TO REMAIN UPON THE FOOT FOR TOO LONG A PERIOD, IS CARRIED FORWARD BY 

 THE GROWTH OF HORN, AND LEAVES THE HEELS UNPROTECTED. 



It is well known to physiologists, that the constant removal of any 

 natural growth is calculated to result in one of three effects : it may 

 stimulate production, causing the willfully-excised material to be secreted 

 in unnatural abundance ; or, on the other hand, it may interfere with the 

 powers of growth and occasion the material to be withheld altogether; 

 else the operation may cause the product to be secreted in a diminished 

 quantity. These conditions of hoof are those which the English smith 

 most often complains of, little suspecting that he may innocently have 

 aggravated the very evil over which he so loudly laments. Weak, shelly 

 feet are generally attributed to the colt having been bred upon marshy 

 soil. This accepted reason may answer its purpose ; but it does not 

 explain why, upon the horse being taken into work, or being carried a 



