HORSE-SHOEING. 163 



braves the crushing of the roughest roads without suffering in 

 the slightest degree; it ensures the hoof retaining its proper 

 shape at the heels ; is a valuable supporter of the limb and foot 

 while the animal is standing or moving; and is an active agent, 

 from its shape and texture, in preventing slipping; its reduction 

 and removal from the ground, I am perfectly convinced from long 

 observation, have a tendency, directly or indirectly, to induce 

 that most painful, frequent, and incurable malady — navicular 

 disease, as well as other affections of this organ. 



The farrier should, therefore, leave the frog also untouched, 

 unless there be flakes which are useless— though this is extremely 

 rare ; then these ought to be cut off. So particular am I in this 

 respect, however, and so well aware am I of the fondness of the 

 workman to cut into this part, that I never allow any frogs to be 

 interfered with unless I am present. If any gravel has lodged 

 beneath the flakes, at the side, or in the cleft — which is most un- 

 frequent — this is removed by some blunt instrument. 



To show the value of contact with the ground: when a horse 

 with a diseased frog is brought to me, I at once order the hoof to 

 be so prepared or shod that this part will immediately receive 

 direct pressure — in a brief space the disease disappears. Cases of 

 what grooms call "thrush," of many years' duration, and which 

 had defied all kinds of favorite dressings, have been cured, and 

 the rotten, wasted frogs have become sound and well developed 

 in a few months. 



Opening-up the Heels.— Having done everything possible to ruin 

 the sole and the frog, the farrier proceeds to complete his work 

 by opening-up the heels. This operation is quite as injurious— 

 if it is not more so — than mutilating the sole and frog; it consist 

 in making a deep cut into the angle of the wall at the heel, where 

 it becomes bent inward to form the bar.^In the unshod, natural 



