16 NOTES ON SHOEING OF HORSES. 



iiiustra- iQ^ rj^Y^Q (.j.^g^ ^as compared above to a bundle 



tion 01 the ^ 



structiireof of straws placed end-ways to the ground, closely 

 cemented together, and covered by an outer vaniish. 

 It was stated that straws so placed and so bound 

 together would bear a very considerable weight 

 without yielding. 



The fibres of the insensitive sole may be com- 

 pared to layers of fibres of hay, placed horizontally. 

 These will necessarily crush in under a compara- 

 tively light weight, for neither by their position 

 nor by substance are they calculated to sustain 

 weight or pressure. 



Sole not to 19. Whilst the crust, from its construction in 



be pared 



out. fibres standing on their ends, requires that those 



fibres should be lowered or shortened as they grow, 

 the sole, on the other hand, on account of its con- 

 struction in bundles of fibres laid one over the other 

 horizontally to the ground, does not require to be 

 pared out. The bundles or layers of fibres will of 

 themselves exfoliate in flakes at their own proper time. 

 The exterior, or lower surface of the sole, is not 

 furnished like the crust with an external gluey layer 

 to preserve its moisture ; but each outer layer of 

 fibres in its turn, before it exfoliates, acts as a 

 covering to the fibres underneath and preserves 

 their moisture. Again, the outer layers, if left entire 

 in a natural and healthy state, form a most valuable 

 and effective pad and protection to the sensitive sole. 



