LOCKJAW. 103 



downward, making an effectual recess between the 

 hoof and shoe, for the accumulation of dirt and even 

 small pebbles. These foreign substances, if not 

 at once carefully removed, will soon produce corns, 

 which if in turn grow too high will develop quitor. " 



What is that? 



" It is a species of tumor. Then an operation 

 must be made by cutting this tumor open, when sup- 

 puration will follow and the corn can be permanently 

 removed." 



Then horses who have never worn shoes do not 

 have corns? 



" Certainly not. Corns are the inevitable result of 

 careless shoeing. Many other evils also follow upon 

 the indifferent, not to say cruel handiwork of the 

 blacksmith. I have seen the crust of a horse's foot 

 perforated like a sponge, nail upon nail having been 

 driven into it. Every nail, more than is absolutely 

 necessary, not only helps to impede the horse's prog- 

 ress, but causes him often great suffering. Nobody 

 should own a horse who cannot afford to have him 

 properly shod, or who will permit him to wear a 

 worn-out shoe, simply because it still clings to the 

 hoof. The lamina is exceedingly sensitive, and iron 

 nails pressing close against it are a frequent cause of 

 lameness. The shoe should be nailed neither too 

 high nor too close to the heel. All owners of horses, 

 whether for the saddle, the carriage, or the plough, 

 should look to it that no false economy in the matter 

 of proper shoeing, and frequent renewals should 

 tempt them to reduce the value of their animals, as 

 well as to cause to them great pain and suffering. " 



