THE HORSE. 43 



being shod in so bungling a manner, and with such 

 heavy masses of iron, that it is among the wonders 

 that human life and manners constantly present, how 

 the embarrassed and crippled beasts could possibly 

 perform their laborious duties, under such impedi- 

 ments and incumbrances. 



This was the case, and still is, in a great measure, 

 even with the mother countries of European farriery, 

 the superior practice being confined, in a considerable 

 degree, to the superior order of proprietors. Such it 

 continued to be in this country, until within the last 

 seventy years or upwards, long previously to which, 

 the continental practice and the employment of 

 foreigners, so common among the great at an early 

 period, had ceased to be fashionable. At this last 

 era, Osmer, a surgeon, and a truly practical horse- 

 man, and Lord Pembroke, of the dragoons, introduced 

 an improved, grounded on the old continental prac- 

 tice ; and Bartlet, the druggist, whose compilation 

 was long and universally circulated, became its herald. 

 Clarke, the King's farrier at Edinburgh, followed, 

 publishing a useful treatise; and Snape, in the same 

 situation at London, though ignorant and illiterate, 

 was an improved shoer, and his example had some 

 influence. 



A few years subsequently, the plan was conceived 

 of a national Veterinary College, the idea probably 

 originating with the late Lord Grosvenor. The an- 

 cient custom was revived of selecting a professor from 

 the Continent, and the choice fell upon Charles Vial 

 de Saintbel, of the French school. He enjoyed his pre- 

 ferment but during a short time, submitting suddenly to 



