SHOEING. 



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long distance from the place of its birth, the deficiency should become 

 more conspicuous, and the weakness grow more annoying with each 

 successive shoeing. Thick, stubborn hoofs are too common to need 

 much comment; but this effect is generally attributed to the lateraJ 

 nailing, which confines the expansion of the quarters. Does not this* 

 excuse suggest the wisdom of carrying the fastenings to the toe, where 

 the greater thickness of the horn would afford better hold to the nails, 

 while at the same time the amount of substance would forbid all idea 

 of motion ? 



SPECIMENS OP A WW AND OF A HIGH HEEL. 



In reply to the above suggestion, it may be answered that English 

 smiths like to spare the toe of the horse's foot. All the strain of draught 

 is thrown upon this part, which must be dug forcibly into the earth 

 whenever the load is heavy or is difficult to draw. In fast-trotting 

 animals, the toe receives the impetus of the blow when the foot descends 

 upon the ground ; therefore, it is urged, the smith has found out by ex- 

 perience that no nail should weaken this portion of the hoof. The 

 answer appears to be final, but, on consideration, it will be found of 

 small value. Mr. Woodger, one of the best veterinary surgeons in 

 London, informs the writer he prefers to drive nails through the toe of 

 the horse's foot. 



In the first place, the different methods of fastening on the shoe have 

 to be properly considered. The author proposes a simple puncture 

 through all the substance, which, as the opening made is filled with 

 metal, can hardly produce weakness in the structure. The smith drives 

 the nail perpendicularly, not through the wall of the hoof, but into its 

 outward investing envelope, or into a material particularly harsh and 

 resentful of interference — thus separating the fibers of the horn, destroy- 

 ing its integrity, and, of course, weakening its capability of sustaining 

 violence. 



