32 OF SHOEING. 



to the heels. At its posterior part it is strengthened 

 by the addition of the bars ; at the toe its thickness 

 is increased ; whilst in the middle or at the quarters, 

 which are the broadest part of the foot, its greater 

 breadth enables it to sustain weight better than at 

 any other part. 



Arguing, then, from its structure, we should expect 

 the greatest weight to fall on the quarters. Here 

 it will fall, if nature's requisitions in regard to the 

 form of the toe are complied with. 



In our adaptation of a shoe to the foot, we must 

 endeavour not to interfere with the natural bearing 

 of the weight on the foot, or with the natural tread 

 of the animal. Any artificial interference with the 

 natural distribution of weight and wear over the 

 surface of the foot, such as that which might be 

 produced by a misshapen shoe, must induce many 

 evils, much inconvenience to the animal, and in 

 some cases disease. 



Form of 37. To maintain in the shod horse the natural 



the toe of 



the fore bearing and tread of the foot, the toe of the shoe 

 must be turned up in the same manner as the toe of 

 the unshod horse is naturally worn away and turned 

 up by friction with the ground. 



It will be remembered that in para. 10 it was 

 stated that so much must be removed from the 

 under surface of the crust at the toe, as had grown 

 during the month, and had been by the presence of 



