300 HORSE-SHOES AND HORSE-SHOEING. 



that they chiefly belong to three models which, in all 

 probability, have had the same uses, though they differ 

 in shape. The first model may be described as a some- 

 what oblong or oval plate, or sole of metal, having a 

 pyriform or circular opening in the middle (supposed to 

 be for the purpose of allowing the moisture to escape 

 from the horse's foot, as well as to give it air I). Trans- 

 verse or crucial grooves are nearly always noticed on the 

 under-surface of this plate, as if to make it bite the ground 

 better. Two clips, sometimes four, rise from its sides, 

 which are terminated at times in rings or hooks bending 

 outwards, and the posterior part of the plate usually ends 

 in a hook that projects more or less upwards. 



The second form, found concurrently with the first, 

 is much narrower in the sole, has a longer heel or spur 

 than it, and is besides furnished with one in front which 

 rises like the prow of a galley ; clips also flank the sides, 

 but these are irregular in number, sometimes one on 

 each side, sometimes two, and in one instance I have 

 seen (in the British Museum) only one on one side ; 

 these clips are often rather high, and nearly always ter- 

 minate in eyes or hooks bending outwards. Sometimes 

 there is an oval opening in the sole, but the grooves are 

 seldom absent. 



The third description is more curious. There is no 

 hook in front, but the posterior one yet remains ; and the 

 two lateral appendages are prolonged, gradually tapering 

 and bending towards each other as they incline to the 

 front of the plate, until they meet and are welded together, 

 when they are drawn out to form a strong hook, as if to 

 compensate for the absence of the anterior crotchet of the 

 second model. 



