736 SHOEINa. 



if this be done, the heels of the foot will be subjected to a constant 

 IDi'ocess of hammering while the horse is in motion, and will 

 consequently be liable to become battered down. Besides, grit and 

 other substances will work in between the heels of the foot and the 

 heels of the shoe. Corns may also be produced from the same 

 cause. 



Putting on the Shoe. 



The nails should take a short, thick hold of the crust, and 

 should not come up higher than one inch from its ground surface. 



After the nails are driven, the rasp should not touch the 

 crust, except to file, if necessary, a little of the thin horn from 

 underneath the ends of the nails, so that the clinches, when 

 they are turned down, may be properly supported; and, if re- 

 quired, to shorten the toe (p. 726). 



The external surface of the wall of the hoof is covered by a 

 thin homy layer (the periople), which gives it a smooth and 

 polished appearance, and which also protects the fibres of the 

 wall from the injurious effects of moisture, dirt, etc. This horny 

 layer should therefore be preserved intact, as far as possible. 



Unless a horse is inclined to brush, the clinches should not 

 be filed down ; and, then, only those on the inside quarter. 



Before a nail is struck with the hammer in the first instance, 

 it is held in the nail hole and inclined a little inwards, so that 

 it may obtain a firm hold of the wall. Owing to the slight out- 

 ward curve which is given to its point, it gradually inclines 

 outwards, on being " driven." 



