218 HOUSE-SHOEING. 



petition and improvement among the civilian farriers. So late 

 as the 28th, 29th, and 30th April last (1870) there was a concours 

 of " marechalerie " at Valence, divided into two sections — a civil 

 and military, presided over by two special juries composed of 

 eminent veterinary surgeons and professors. 



At this concours not only were models of shoes and shod hoofs 

 exhibited, but the farriers — civil and military — were tested in 

 the various operations of farriery on the spot, by shoeing saddle, 

 carriage, and draught-horses, draught and pack-mules, and oxen. 

 A large number of gold, silver, and bronze medals, as well as a 

 considerable sum of money, were given away. 



These concours cannot but effect much good, by attracting 

 attention to this very important subject, and encouraging good 

 workmen. 



In Belgium there are also concours and, if I remember aright, 

 farriers who attend them receive instruction from properly-quali- 

 fied veterinary surgeons, who are authorized to grant certificates 

 of proficiency. 



In both countries, as well as in Germany, the students at the 

 veterinary schools are taught the principles and practice of 

 shoeing, and this instruction is of great value to them in after- 

 life. 



It is scarcely necessary to say that in this country nothing of 

 the kind is attempted. 



The Government does nothing to improve or encourage veteri- 

 nary science in any way ; hence the low state of this important 

 branch of medicine and rural economy in Britain, and hence 

 the enormous losses she has sustained for so many years. 

 Hence, also, the degraded and barbarous condition of far- 

 riery, even in our cities and towns. With the exception of, 

 on very rare occasions, the distribution of a prize or two at some 



