HORSE-SHOEING. 



179 



In this shoe (Fig. 13), instead of the bevel on the ground- 

 surface gradually becoming shallower as it approaches the heels, 

 as in the ordinary hunting shoe, it becomes deeper, until, within 

 an inch or two of the extremity of the branch, it has cut down 

 through the thickness of the inner border ; it then abruptly 

 ceases, leaving a sharp catch on each side, that, like the in- 

 flexion of the wall at this part (Fig. 5, d d), affords an excellent 



Fig 13. 



grip, which moreover lasts until the shoe is quite worn out. 

 With a modification of this kind, three important objects are 

 secured : 1. The plane upper surface, resting flat and solidly on 

 the crust and unpared sole, leaves no space in which foreign 

 "bodies — as clay, stones, or gravel — may lodge, and in heavy 

 ground suction is lessened. 2. The metal is only removed from 

 the parts where it can be best spared, and where there is least 

 wear ; consequently the shoe is lightened without being weakened. 

 3. The level border and extremities of the branches afford an 

 equal bearing for the foot, while the gradually deepening bevel, 

 with its sudden check, secures a permanent and powerful catch- 

 ing point like that at the angle of the wall. 



The shoe is easily made by any farrier, differing, as it does, so 

 little from the ordinary hunting-shoe, and the shape is the same 

 for the fore as the hind shoe, except that the former is, of 



