MODERN FARRIER. Ill 



bars, or opening the heels, as it is called, is, that the 

 heels may not contract, and that the shoe may not 

 press upon the sole and occasion corns. The hoof 

 being thus prepared, the shoe is to be applied. The 

 common form of this shoe is nearly elliptical, being 

 broader at the fore part, and growing narrower to- 

 wards the heels, where it is thicker than at the toe. It 

 is convex on its outer surface where it is to touch 

 the ground, and concave on its inner part, which is 

 applied next the hoof. It is fastened to the hoof by 

 means of eight nails, four in each quarter ; and the 

 heads of these nails are nearly cubical, standing out 

 a little beyond the shoe. This shoe is commonly 

 applied nearly red-hot, in order to adapt it better, 

 and make it fit closer to the hoof. 



The following consequences must result from this 

 injudicious mode of shoeing: 



1. The functions of the bars, which are evidently 

 intended to prevent contraction of the feet, must be 

 destroyed. 



2. Cutting away the frog exposes this part to in- 

 jury, and is productive of many diseases. 



3. The elevation of the heels prevents the frogs 

 from embracing the ground, for which they were 

 naturally intended, 



4. By making the shoe concave at the quarters, 

 and placing the nails near the heels, the growth of 

 the crust is impeded, the foot contracted, and its pro- 

 per shape destroyed. 



I 5. By fastening the shoe near the insensible frog 

 at the heels, the proper action of the frog and sole is 

 prevented, and the foot loses its natural spring. 



6. Putting on the shoe hot dries up the moisture 

 of the crusts, and sometimes utterly destroys them. 



7. By making the shoe rounded next the ground, 

 :he sure footing and power of the horse is very much 

 essened. 



The first modern writer who attempted to reform 

 :he common mode of shoeing, appears to have been 



