LAMENESS. 87 



very surprising ; at tbe same time tlieir apparent deficiencies 

 maj not greatly afiect tlieir soundness and durability. In this 

 condition they may remain, providing that they are not crippled 

 by the ignorance or mismanagement of farriers. 



The measurements given, and the facts above stated, form 

 the basis from which I shall deduce the various conclusions 

 and rules, which will follow hereafter, with reference to the 

 shoeing of the horse, and the general treatment of the foot. 

 However, before describing the necessary processes relating to 

 the farrier's art, it is essential to enumerate those bad 

 effects which so frequently attend its unskilful practice. 

 These may be described under the general head of lameness^ 

 arising from the following causes : — 



I. — From the shoe pressing too close to the sole of 

 the foot. 



II. — From the shoe pressing too close upon the heels. 

 (Corns of the fore feet are mainly attributable to this 

 cause.) 



III. — From the paring and rasping of the feet, to a 

 greater extent than the horn is capable of being reproduced, 

 during the period which elapses between one shoeing and 

 another. 



IV. — From pricks, stabs, and other injuries, which may 

 be inflicted by the nails, if driven within, or too closely to the 

 sensitive structures. 



v. — From the shoe not properly fitting the fore feet, so 

 as to allow of a sufficiency of " spring" at the quarters. 



