lU SHOEING. 



with the exercise of a healthful function. Such would be the case if 

 the nails were to fix the quarters, where the joint thinness, moisture, 

 and elasticity of the horn afford the best evidence nature meant should 

 reside expansion and contraction. 



When the contents of the foot are compressed by the superimposed 

 weight of the animal, or when the hoof is resting upon the ground, the 

 quarters yield to the downward pressure, and they accordingly expand. 

 When the burden is removed by the hoof being raised, the quarters 

 again fly back to their original situations. The sides, therefore, being 

 in constant motion, are entirely unsuited for the purposes to which the 

 smith compels them. No wonder the clinches are loosened, or the shoes 

 come off, when the nails are driven into parts hardly ever at rest ; this 

 action is important to the circulation, for the contraction still allows the 

 arterial blood free ingress, while the exijansion permits the full return 

 of the venous current. 



Therefore, because the thickness of horn denies the possibility of 

 movement ; because the amount of inorganic secretion likewise pre- 

 sents a reasonable hope of not injuring other and more delicate struc- 

 tures; and because the toe affords those numerous properties which, 

 for the retention of the fastenings are I'endered imperative, the nails, 

 in opposition to the usage of ages and the experience of thousands, are 

 fixed within the anterior of the hoof — seven or five being there employed 

 to fix the shoe. 



There is another quality appertaining to the proposed shoe which 

 may be briefly touched upon. The thing is equally applicable to the 

 field or to the road. For hunting purposes, it is superior to any modern 

 shoe. It possesses no unnecessary surface, being absolutely without 

 web, and is lighter for the absence of so useless a provision. It is also 

 fixed more firmly upon the foot, being the better able to withstand the 

 drag, always present, when riding in winter over stiff clays. Moreover, 

 it does not fetter the quarters of the hoof or necessitate vast removal 

 of the sole ; consequently it leaves the pliable horn to aid the spring, 

 thereby allowing the horse the full exercise of its natural power. 



This reference to one kind of sport, naturally calls to mind another 

 form of amusement in which the horse is a principal performer. Thor- 

 ough-breds, before they start for the race, are shod in very light, but in 

 equally thin shoes, of which the appended example may convey some 

 idea. Now, thinness and lightness, where metal is concerned, are attain- 

 able only by the sacrifice of strength. The sad accidents which have 

 occurred through using the present racing plates, and by these being 

 broken, bent, or twisted, during the violence of the contention, ought to 

 provoke their abolition. 



