ON SHOES GETTING LOOSE. 117 



account of the continued opposition offered by the 

 shoeing-smiths he had to employ, to this supposed 

 innovation. I may remark that if tips are to be put 

 on, they should be applied so as not to interfere with 

 the proper slope of the foot. 



On Shoes getting loose. We may ascertain if a 

 shoe is loose, however slightly, by, after taking up the 

 foot, gently tapping the ground surface of the shoe with 

 the fingers. The nature of the sound thus made, will 

 serve to confirm or dissipate our suspicions. As long 

 as the nails have a firm hold, so long will the heels of 

 the hoof be protected from undue wear ; but when the 

 shoes become loose, the} 7 soon get knocked to pieces, 

 and the proper slope of the hoof will be destroyed for 

 the time being. 



