216 HORSE-SHOEING. 



nig macadamized roads — or what are intended for them — by 

 depositing a heap of angular stones in a loose, rugged layer of 

 uncertain depth, and compelling horses and carriages to travel 

 over them until they are imbedded in a very irregular manner in 

 the soil beneath them. Such a practice is not only extremely 

 short-sighted on the part of those who make or repair roads in 

 this manner — as these roads can neither be durable nor very ser- 

 viceable — but also deserves the severest censure as most cruel and 

 destructive to horses. Not only is the labor in drawing a carriage 

 over such a surface immensely increased, and the horse's strength 

 thereby expended, but the unstable footing afforded by the loose 

 masses of stone throws a great strain in every direction upon the 

 legs and feet, and not unfrequently the animal is thrown down* 

 and gets seriously injured or blemished for life. 



If the hoofs chance to be pared and rasped according to the 

 the groom or farrier's " improved principles," then the conse- 

 quences are greatly aggravated. 



Legislation should be appealed to, to put an end to such a. 

 disgraceful method of road-making or mending, which is only 

 worthy of the most uncivilized country. 



The best mode of constructing and repairing our public 

 thoroughfares and highways, with a view not only to economy, 

 but to the safety and comfort of horses, is a matter that deserves 

 serious attention. 



Taken in connection with our subject, it is one that cannot be 

 overlooked. We may preserve and defend the horse's foot to the 

 best of our ability in our forges and stables, but if the roads over 

 which he travels are not adapted to his employment, our exertions 

 on his behalf can only be partially successful. 



