180 



HORSE-SHOEING . 



course, more circular than the latter, to correspond with the 

 shape of the hoof. • 



To make its fabrication as simple, speedy, and easy as the 

 ordinary shoe, I have made it in two moulds or (i cresses," which 

 fit into the anvil. These moulds are of iron faced with steel ; 

 one (Fig. 14) has two wide, slightly curved transverse grooves cut 

 on its surface, the one side of each being shallower than the 

 other ; in these each branch of the shoe is moulded. The other 

 cress (Fig. 15) has also two indentations so formed as to cut the 

 check or " sunk calkin." With these moulds, the shoe is as easily 

 and quickly made as the common one, and requires but little 

 finishing. The moulds may be of three sizes, to suit different- 

 sized feet and different kinds of work, and can be forged by any 

 ordinary blacksmith or farrier. 



Fig. 14. 



Fig. 15. 



This shoe has been somewhat extensively tried by carriage 

 and saddle horses, and with the very best results. For hunting 

 or cavalry purposes it is excallent, particularly on slippery grass- 

 land, the sharp point of the catch biting the surface of the 

 ground most effectively. 



Clips. — For carriage and saddle-horses and hunters, each 

 fore and hind shoe should have a clip drawn up at the middle 

 of the toe, except in special cases, as when the horse over- 

 reaches, or, from being required to jump, or any other cause, 

 is likely to strike any part of the back of the fore-legs ; in 



