HORSE-SHOEING. 173 



of them are unavoidable ; but they are increased in number and 

 heightened in intensity when the shoe is badly constructed 

 and attached; whereas, by the exercise of a little common- 

 sense and observation, those which are not to be avoided may 

 be mitigated. 



The foot, as has been observed, is a perfect organ, formed in 

 harmony with the other parts of the limbs to meet every require- 

 ment in bearing weight and aiding movement. 



The hoof, as an integral portion of the foot, possesses these 

 qualities to a high degree, and, but for its inability to withstand 

 incessant wear, would need no assistance from man, except 

 perhaps a little trimming when it became over-grown or irregu- 

 lar. Its lower margin— hard, narrow, and projecting slightly 

 beyond the sole— is well adapted to support weight, withstand 

 wear, and retain a hold of the ground ; the concave sole, in 

 addition to its assisting the margin to support weight and wear, 

 also lends its aid in securing a foothold by its hollow surface ; 

 while the angle of the wall at each heel— the <c buttress"— would 

 appear to be specially designed to afford a most effective check 

 to the sliding forward of the foot as the animal suddenly pulls up 

 when moving at a fast pace on level ground, or attempts to stop 

 or diminish his descent on a slippery declivity. 



Those who study the functions of the animal body, and who 

 have to restore these when deranged, well know that in their 

 attempts to keep them in a normal condition or to bring them 

 back to a healthy • state, they must attend to the laws which 

 govern these functions, and follow the indications of nature. 

 Therefore I have asked myself if it is possible to construct a shoe 

 which, while cheapily and easily manufactured by any ordinary 

 farrier, will answer the same ends as the lower surface of the foot 

 does in a natural state, at the same time protecting and support- 

 ing it, without interfering to any appreciable extent with the 



