PERIPLANTAR SHOEING. 205 



is perforated by from four to six oval nail holes of small size, 

 and, if required, may be provided with a clip at the toe, though 

 this is seldom found necessary. 



Its upper inner edge is rounded by the file to prevent it 

 pressing too much against the angle of the sole, and the ends 

 of the branches are narrow and bevelled off towards the 

 ground. 



The nails are very small, and have a conical head and neck. 

 They must be of the finest quality. 



The Sole. Side View. 



Periplantar Shoeing. 



It is best to fit the shoe in a hot state, as it must have a 

 level bed, and follow exactly the outline of the wall. After it 

 has been fitted, it is desirable to remove, by a small drawing- 

 knife, a little of the horn from the angle of the groove of the 

 hoof, to correspond with the rounded inner edge of the shoe. 

 This ensures the proper amount of space between the latter 

 and the soft horn, at the margin of the pedal bone. 



In strong hoofs the shoe is almost entirely buried in the 

 groove ; but in those which have the soles flat or convex, with 

 low heels, or which have been partially ruined by the ordinary 

 method of shoeing, it is not safe to imbed it so deeply, at least 

 to commence with. 



