22 NOTES ON SHOEING OF HORSES. 



lessens it in other parts of the frame ; secondly, 

 from its peculiar shape, and from the tenacious 

 nature of the material of which it is composed, it 

 forms a stay to the foot against slipping; whilst, 

 thirdly, in conjunction with the bars, it is calculated 

 to resist and prevent the common tendency of the 

 heels to wire in or contract. 



tobfp^ld ^^* -^^^ ^^® ^^^^ ^^^ ^^^y perform these functions 

 effectively if large and well-developed. Any dimi- 

 nution of its size, whether caused by paring, or by 

 want of use, or by disease, lessens its value as a pad 

 or as a stay against slipping, or as a barrier against 

 contraction. 



All the objections which, for reasons connected 

 with its structure, have been urged against paring 

 the sole apply equally to the paring of the frog. 

 In addition to those reasons are many others con- 

 nected with its peculiar functions. The frog, being 

 intended to receive pressure and concussion, will 

 thrive and develope, if exposed to these influences ; 

 it will, in accordance with the usual rule of nature, 

 shrivel up or become diseased, if deprived of its 

 proper functions, or if, as some people call it, 

 *' saved." 



As a general rule, any paring of the frog, by 

 diminishing its size, withdraws it from the wear 

 which is essential to its health and development, 

 and therefore has a tendency to produce in it debility 



