PUMICED FEET. 275 



to endure naturally affects the sole. The irritation 

 causes the coffin-bone to enlarge and bulge outward ; 

 while the secretion of horn, being originally weak, 

 affords the sensitive sole but little protection. The 

 wall becomes brittle, and also thin ; the sole is like- 

 wise thin, but generally soft ; the frog alone is always 

 healthy, being large, and amply covered by elastic 

 horn. 



No art can restore the foot to its natural state ; but 

 the horse thus affected may, with care, be rendered 

 serviceable. A blister to the coronet with the con- 

 stant use of those applications recommended for 

 brittle hoof may cause a stronger development of the 

 horn, and thus procure for the smith a better hold for 

 the nails of the shoe. The sole must never be pared 

 out; but the ragged portions should be alone re- 

 moved with the knife. Some persons, when the shoe 

 is taken off, let the horse for some hours stand upon a 

 level pavement ; but there is little benefit gained by 

 this practice. The shoe is of all importance. It 

 should not be a bar shoe ; but what is termed a dish 

 shoe — that is, a bar shoe with a wide web, so hollowed 

 out, as to suit the unnatural figure of the foot. The 

 web must be broad, in order to protect the sole; 

 and the bearing must be entirely upon the crust and 

 frog. The shoe must likewise be strong enough to 

 protect the foot ; though, at the same time, it ought 

 to be as light as is compatible with the degree of 

 strength required to do this effectually. The nails 

 must be placed wherever a hold can be obtained ; and 

 there must be no complaint made if the smith should 

 gain some purchase even by fettering the heels. In 

 N 6 



