262 Plain Rules for Shoeing. 



are then sufferers, besides the sensitive parts below. 

 Add to this the weight and speed of the animal in work, 



Stopping for the feet is unnecessary. — If the plan we 

 have briefly sketched is followed the reader will find the 

 hoof possessed of its natural moisture, as well as the 

 power of resistance as a defence on all kinds of roads. 

 Under these circumstances the occasional loss of a shoe 

 gives rise to no consternation, as in hoofs maltreated by 

 the arts and devices of the olden time. Outward moisture 

 is not essential for healthy feet, but always injurious in 

 proportion to its application, especially in the form of 

 manurial fluids in pastures and strawyards, &c, which 

 soften and dissolve the horn. When horses need rest the 

 advantages all round are eminently in favour of soiling in 

 a roomy level box, well cleaned and dry, having a con- 

 tiguous dry yard in which he can take a run from time to 

 time. 



Foot ointments are useful when properly made. Avoid 

 the many quack nostrums, which are no better than com- 

 mon fat coloured with Stockholm tar. The latter with 

 one-third of lard will form a good mixture for brushing 

 round the hoof and defending it against wet, &c. 



Thus far we have referred only to sound feet, and the 

 way to keep them sound. 



In weak shelly feet, and others reduced by injury, 

 disease, &>c, plans must be adopted to meet the various 

 requirements. Such feet unshod may be wonderfully 

 improved by a rest of some weeks on a dry floor thinly 

 covered with straw or sawdust, as already recommended, 

 or they may have light tips nailed on, the owner from 

 this period visiting judgment on the smith who insists on 

 cutting and burning the foot to fit the shoe. We have 

 seen most satisfactory results from this plan, and in course 

 of months or a year, under moderate work, the feet have 

 been rendered sound and strong. The foot ointment is 

 also a valuable adjunct in preventing drying and the 

 effects of moisture. In those instances where fleshy feet 

 and other defects of hoof structure are the results of 

 breeding we have to make exceptions. The feet may be 

 greatly benefited by the treatment we recommend, but 



