( i6 ) 



After tlic necessary foundation — the stad^ 

 of the structure and economij of the horse, 

 I have, for ten years past, had the most ample 

 ticld for experience in the diseases of the animal ; 

 yet it appears that these advantages are mere pre- 

 tensions, Compared to the all-asserting Joseph Bla- 

 grave's claims to public notice. M?/ opportunities 

 of acquiring information, in the course of my 

 profession, nothing; when compared to those of 

 a Militia and Driver Captain. Yet this miserable 

 defender of a miserable cause, acknowledges, in 

 page 8 of the Epistle, that tJie Captain " does 

 *' not pretend to professional- — that is, anatomi- 

 *' cal skill," wliich is, in fact, admitting that h© 

 is ignorant of the existence, situation, formation 

 and functions, consequently diseases, of the con- 

 tents of the hoof, on which the principles and 

 practice of shoeing ought chiefly to be founded *< 

 Wonld any man employ another to rectify his 

 tvatch, merely because lie was acquainted with 

 the stirface r and as to the Captain s perfect know- 

 ledge of the living animal, it may be useful to 

 him as a jockey, on the turf, or in the field ; but 

 by no means conveys the necessary information to 

 treat, with any chance of success, the internal 

 ditcases to which the horse m.ay be liable. Wheri 



* The author of the Epistle gives us (amopsj a variety of other 

 notable specalalioos cf the Captain's) the following: — In a note, 

 page 12, — ^^ Captain Blagrave proves, that amon<::;st the many evils in- 

 " duccd Ssy bringing the frog in contact with the ground, ari ahafC' 

 **• ment of speed is not the least."" According to tliis doctrine lli& 

 method, so long and so successfully adopted, of shoein;^ racc-horscs 

 with tips, or hcJ/shoeK, ought to be abandoned, and the hng-heeifd 

 UUltid Aus of *^ Joscuh Elagrare, £sq/' instant!)' adopted. 



