ARTISTIC HORSE- SHOEING. 31 



When the superincumbent weig-ht is equally distributed 

 over the lower face of the hoof, the foot may be said to be 

 properly placed as a basis of support to the limb. But 

 when, through mismanagement or defective form, this base 

 is uneven — one side higher than the other, for example — 

 the weight must fall on the lowest part to a greater degree 

 than the highest ; thus causing not only disturbance in the 

 direction of the limb and its movements, but considerably 

 modifying the growth of the horn. This growth is dimin- 

 ished at the part subjected to most pressure — in all pro- 

 bability from the smaller quantity of blood allowed to be 

 circulated through the secretory surface ; while to the side 

 which is subjected to the least compression, the blood is 

 abundantl}^ supplied, and the formation of the horn is con- 

 sequently augmented. This is a fact of much importance 

 and practical interest in farriery, as it demonstrates that 

 any irregularity in the distribution of the weight of the 

 bod}'' has a prejudicial effect on the secreting apparatus of 

 the organ, and, as a result, on the form of the hoof. 



When the weight is evenly imposed on the foot, this 

 apparatus, being uniformly compressed throughout its ex- 

 tent, receives everywhere an equal quantity of the horn- 

 producing material. 



It is the same with the ivear of the hoof. A just dis- 

 position of the weight is a necessary condition of the regu- 

 larity of wear. While the animal is standing on unshod 

 hoofs, the wear of horn is slight ; it is in movement that it 

 becomes increased, and this increase is generally in pro- 

 portion to the speed, the weight carried, nature of the 

 ground, and whether its surface be wet or dry. Each por- 



