644 HORSE-SHOES AND HORSE-SHOEING. 



the horses passing to and fro in large cities, to discover 

 how many, at a comparatively early age, are limb-worn 

 and crippled ; and, though we must attribute much of 

 this to excessive and premature toil, yet we cannot over- 

 look the effects of the hoof-mutilation and unreasonable 

 shoeing, and are compelled to lay a large share of blame 

 to their account. 



In briefly noticing the rules which ought to guide 

 our practice in shoeing the horse's foot, we will again 

 glance at the most prominent and common errors in the 

 farrier's art which occasion and perpetuate such grave 

 evils. 



The limb and hoof of the unshod horse should be 

 attentively studied, as both are beautifully adapted for 

 their functions, and our care should be to interfere as 

 little as possible with these ; in fact, we ought, in shoeing, 

 to adapt to the feet shoes which will preserve the regular- 

 ity and just direction of the limbs, maintain the integrity 

 of the hoof in form and texture, allow freedom to those 

 movements of which it is capable, while shielding the 

 horn from the effects of undue wear. They should also 

 aid the animal in retaining a firm and solid grasp of the 

 ground or pavement, as well as assist in the impulsive 

 efforts required in the performance of certain duties. 



In a normal state of the foot, the crust or wall grows 

 from the coronet at an equal rate at all points, and in a 

 degree generally sufficient to compensate for the wear 

 sustained at its lower or ground margin. When this 

 wear is regular, and the foot may be said to stand in har- 

 monious relations with the other parts of the member, the 

 angle of inclination of the front of the hoof depends on 



