666 HORSE-SHOES AND HORSE-SHOEING. 



of the crust at this part, gives an excellent grip that lasts 

 until the shoe is quite worn out. With a contrivance of 

 this kind, three important objects are secured: i. The 

 plane upper surface resting flat on the crust and unpared 

 sole, leaves no space in which foreign bodies — as clay, 

 stones, or gravel — may lodge, and in heavy ground suc- 

 tion is obviated. 2. The metal is only removed from 

 the parts where it can best be spared, and where there is 

 least wear ; consequently the shoe is lightened without 

 being weakened. 3. The level border and extremities of 

 the branches afford an equal bearing for the foot, while 

 the gradually deepening bevel, with its sudden check, 

 secures a permanent and powerful catching surface. The 

 shoe is easily made by any farrier, differing as it does so 

 slightly from the usual hunting hoof-armature ; and there 

 is no diff'erence between the fore and hind shoe, except in 

 the shape — the former being more circular than the latter, 

 which is somewhat oval. For carriage and saddle horses, 

 each shoe should have a clip at the middle of the toe, 

 except in special cases, when a clip at each side of the toe 

 of the hind shoe may be necessary. Horses used for 

 hunting should wear a clip on each side of their hind- 

 feet shoes, the sharp edges being carefully removed from 

 the toes and the inner branches, to prevent wounds from 

 over-reaching, cutting, or treading. Horses have been 

 hunted without slipping with shoes of this description, 

 each weighing about eight or nine ounces, and they 

 have worn a month and Ave weeks over all kinds of 

 country, but particularly grass-land ; and I am not aware 

 of any shoes having been lost, or any tread or over-reach 

 occurring during the whole time they have been in trial. 



