MACHINE-MADE SHOES. 573 



method of shoeing could not possibly succeed, destructive 

 as it was to the foot in general, but particularly to the in- 

 flections of the crust. It was merely Ruini's shoe. 



Veterinary Surgeon Naudin proposed a very narrow, 

 light shoe, with a level bearing on the ground ; for it 

 must be remembered that the ordinary French shoe is 

 ' adjusted,' or curved up at the toe, like that proposed by 

 Goodwin, Miles, and Fitzwygram. It did not vary to 

 any notable degree from other shoes of this type ; and the 

 most important feature in the method of applying it 

 was its being attached to the foot by from four to six 

 nails. The sole of the foot was left intact. 



Yet later, M. Benjamin introduced a shoe which may 

 be said to be the same as that proposed by Sanfarouche ; 

 though it was a great step in advance of what had yet been 

 offered during this century in France. The entire sole and 

 frog were left in their natural condition, and the crust only 

 was diminished to its natural proportions. M. Benjamin 

 justly claimed for this light, narrow shoe, and unmutilated 

 sole and frog, great advantages over other systems, and 

 the discussions among the French veterinary surgeons, 

 which followed the introduction of his plan, shows that 

 there was a singular unanimity as to the necessity for 

 maintaining this most important region of the hoof in its 

 full strength and solidity. 



Nor has France been without its machine-made shoes 

 of iron and steel, contrived to prevent slipping, while re- 

 sisting wear. M. Peschelle, some years ago, introduced a 

 shoe with circular projections or double calkins on its 

 ground surface, which was made by machinery. This 

 shoe not answering its purpose, the same inventor had 



