THE HORSE. 81 



stowed, no remedy, I believe, would prove so effica- 

 cious as immersing and soaking such hoofs patiently 

 in a pail of tepid water, every stable time, so long 

 as it should appear needful. All dung and clay 

 stoppings should be banished from the stable. Fresh 

 linseed crushed, scalding water being poured upon 

 it, is perhaps, the stopping best calculated to moisten 

 and cool the feet, and encourage the growth of horn; 

 as are also the old articles, tar and hog's lard melted 

 together, which are beneficial, being now and then 

 rubbed into the coronet and crust ; a pledged of tow 

 also dipped in which, may be thrust into the cleft of 

 the frog. The marshmallow ointment has always 

 been in stable use for the coronet and hoofs. 



I have already vouched for the actual improve- 

 ment and skill which has taken place in our farrying 

 system generally ; but there is yet too much of the 

 old leaven remaining, not only in the provinces but 

 in the metropolis. Haste and profit are the order of 

 the day, as well in this concern as in all others. — 

 Hoofs are loaded with cheap and soft iron, the nails 

 turned out in immense quantities, manufactured from 

 the same. Feet are compelled to fit the shoe, instead 

 of the shoe being forged to fit the foot ; and many will 

 yet defend the old practice of clapping the shoe on 

 red hot; not recollecting, as I do, the fore hoofs of 

 Hue-and-cry, the trotting stallion, being by that means 

 totally destroyed, at a farrier's (of high repute too) 

 in Moorfields. The seated shoe is too generally neg- 

 lected, which preserves the crust : whereas, with the 

 common shoe, the edge of which only bears on the 

 crust, that important part of the hoof is torn and 



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