M. CHARLIERS METHOD. 67 j 



the heels and frog, when left unpared and unrasped, are 

 strong enough to meet all demands made upon them, 

 at the same time they are not deprived of their phy- 

 siological functions. The diminution in the weight of 

 the shoe is a matter of some importance, in addition 

 to these considerations. Of course these shoes are only 

 needed for the fore-feet ; the hind-feet shoes, so long as 

 they are not over heavy, are level, and do not wound 

 the other limbs, may be the ordinary pattern. 



In describing the latest novelties in shoeing, we 

 glanced at the method introduced by M. Charlier, and 

 which is, to a great extent, only a modification of that 

 recommended by Lafosse. So far as my experience has 

 gone, I must give my testimony to its merits. The in- 

 troducer asserts that it favours the elasticity, or lateral 

 expansion, of the hoof; if any proof were needed that 

 the lower border of the hoof does not expand it would 

 be proved by the use of this incrusted shoe. Its great 

 merits are its lightness, and the fact that it allows the 

 sole, frog, and bars to participate in supporting weight 

 and strain. This is a great object gained. But to 

 thoroughly incrust the metal, which is scarcely the 

 width of the wall, but is very much thicker than the 

 ordinary shoe, a proportionate amount of horn must 

 be removed from the best part of the foot, and when 

 this rahiure has been made, the hoof is seriously muti- 

 lated ; the junction between the sole and crust has been 

 considerably weakened, and this is of serious moment. 

 The workman is in far too close proximity to the living 

 tissues, and the greatest skill is needed to prevent the 

 rim from encroaching on them when driven back. 



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