INTRODUCTION. 



FN presenting the observations contained in 

 the following pages, we are aware that we 

 appeal to practical men who judge by results, 

 and have but slight patience with mere theory. 

 We wish, therefore, to state clearly at the 

 outset, that the system of horse-shoeing here- 

 in advocated, and the shoe offered by us to ac- 

 company it and accomplish its purpose, are the 

 result of years of patient study of nature, and 

 actual experiment ; and that, although we have 

 had to contend with ignorance and interest 

 on the part of the farriers, and indifference 

 and prejudice on the part of owners of 

 horses, we have finally succeeded in inter- 

 esting the most practical and capable men in 



