GROJFTH OF THE HOOF. 64.5 



the formation of the limb to a certain extent, but may be 

 set down at from 50 to 60 degrees. This part of the 

 hoof is longer than the heels by one-third. The crust 

 grows to an indefinite length when prevented from sus- 

 taining wear through accident, or the application of the 

 shoe. This growth appears to be greatest at the front of 

 the foot, and least at the heels. This is only apparent, 

 however, and may be accounted for by the attrition that 

 takes place between the shoe and foot, from the last nails to 

 the heel, where there is an amount of play which wears down 

 the horn almost as quickly as it grows, and is evidenced by 

 the deep furrows observed towards the heels of the shoe. 

 This is an important fact to remember, as the continual 

 increase in length of the toe is one of the unavoidable evils 

 of shoeing. Every hour the balance of the limb is being 

 altered as the foot grows forward, and more strain is 

 thrown on the back parts of it. In a state of nature, 

 growth and wear would be continually balancing each 

 other. At each shoeing, the abnormal length of the foot 

 is certainly remedied by the skilful farrier, who reduces 

 it to its natural proportions ; but he has no sooner applied 

 his shoe than the same process of growth again slowly, 

 but surely, alters the aplomb. This is, to a certain extent, 

 irremediable. But it is not a very great evil ; and it is 

 in reducing the wall of the hoof to its proper length that 

 a workman is known. The amount of growth varies 

 in different animals, according to circumstances. If it 

 is active in the shod horse, then the shoes must be more 

 frequently removed to reduce the redundancy, and re- 

 store the lower part of the limb to its natural position. 

 We will hereafter notice how this, should be done. 



