6i4 HORSE-SHOES AND HORSE-SHOEING. 



other triumphs of their skill in rearing animals, useful not 

 only because of their strength, but also for speed in 

 various degrees, combined with endurance when in 

 draught ; and to these shoeing is almost as essential as to 

 the larger class, for without it, in a very brief space, they 

 would also be inefficient. Examples might be cited ad 

 iiifiiiitum, all tending to exhibit the many boons this 

 modest handicraft has conferred on modern civilization, in 

 enlarging the trade relations between different countries, 

 forming, as it does, one of the chief instruments in main- 

 taining the integrity of animal power, whether used in 

 agriculture and commerce, or in aiding the arts and 

 sciences to be developed. Had it not been introduced at 

 an early age, as a matter of necessity, it must have been 

 invented at a later period ; for we can scarcely imagine a 

 state of affairs in which our favourite and invaluable 

 servants and companions would be so helpless after a few 

 days' riding or driving, as to require rest or temporary 

 slippers, until the over-worn hoofs had regained their 

 strength. 



We have seen that ancient history often speaks of the 

 serious mishaps befalling armies when on service, through 

 the want of some protection to the hoofs of their cavalry, 

 lightly armed and equipped as it was ; and it likewise tells 

 us of the care bestowed on these organs, so as to keep them 

 in the best condition to withstand wear. I have ventured 

 to hint, that it was probably owing to their being able 

 to shoe the great masses of cavalry composing their irre- 

 sistible armies, that the barbarian races surrounding Rome 

 were able to sweep down so rapidly and overwhelm her. 



It is worthy of notice how very quickly after the 



