THE CONCAVE-SEATED SHOE. 297 



In a state of nature the sole would be prevented from 

 morbidly thickening by the natural wear of the foot ; 

 but we prevent this wear by the defence which we 

 give to the sole. The horn, therefore, is continually 

 accumulating ; we must consequently periodically 

 remove it with the knife, or we shall lose altogether 

 that portion of elasticity which shoeing has left to us. 

 A great deal depends here on the skill of the smith ; 

 and on the nature of the foot. From some feet very 

 little can be taken away with safety. From other 

 feet too much can scarcely be removed; mischief 

 will inevitably be produced if the horn is suffered to 

 accumulate. 



The sole being pared out, an even surface must be 

 given to the crust ; but it must not, if it can be 

 avoided, be brought upon a level with the sole ; lest 

 that part should be unnecessarily exposed to bruise 

 from the shoe. 



The bars may be left or not, as it is most pleasing 

 to the fancy of the smith ; but the seat of corn should 

 be pared well out. Should the horse be liable to corn, 

 the horn should be removed until the blood begins 

 to start. No lameness will be produced by so ap- 

 parently severe a cutting ; but the animal will go 

 better and more safely if it be effected at each 

 shoeing. 



The frog should be relieved of all ragged horn, and 

 left in a somewhat prominent state ; — it should, when 

 practicable, be rather more projecting than the heels 

 of the foot ; so that it may not touch the ground when 

 the foot is first set down ; yet be so slightly removed 

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