HORSE-SHOEING. 203 



By this object, with others of importance, is perfectly attained 

 in what has been designated the " periplantar shoe and method 

 of shoeing," introduced by Veterinary Surgeon Charlier, of Paris. 

 Leave the hoof entirely in a natural condition, so far as frog, 

 sole and wall are concerned, and imbed a narrow rim of iron, no 

 thicker than the wall, around the lower circumference of the 

 foot — that exposed to wear — like the iron heel of a man's boot, 

 and we obtain an idea of what the periplantar method of shoeing 

 really is. 



The principle of this method of shoeing is, physiologically, 

 perfectly correct. Knowing that the horse's foot is admirably 

 constructed to perform certain definite functions, and that the 

 hoof in ordinary condition is designed to act as the medium 

 through which the most important of these are carried out, but 

 that its circumference is liable to be broken away and worn 

 when nudely exposed, we have only to substitute for a certain 

 portion of this perishable horn an equivalent portion of more 

 durable metal, and the hoof is secured from damage by wear, 

 while its natural functions remain unimpaired. 



This novel method of shoeing has attracted so much attention, 

 and has in many instances proved so beneficial and worthy of 

 adoption, so far as my experience goes, that I venture to describe, 

 as briefly as possible, the way in which it is carried into execu- 

 tion in the forge. 



The sole and frog, as well as the bars, are left unpared. The 

 crust or wall is bevelled off at the edge by the rasp, and by 

 means of a special knife with a movable guide* a groove is 

 made along this bevelled edge to receive the shoe. This groove 

 is made a little shallower than the thickness of the sole, and 

 slightly narrower than the thickness of the van, not ex- 



* A knife of this kind which I invented, is manufactured and sold by Messrs. 

 Arnold & Son, Instrument Makers, West Smithfield, London. 



