AMERICAN INSTITUTE 559 



Tliey have a wide web to protect the frog and sole from injury. 

 The heels are rounded by lengthening the outer rim, and shorten- 

 ing the inner, which does not in the least diminish the width of 

 tlie web. Tlie groove in which the nails are placed, is wide, to 

 aftbrd ample space for the head of the nail, so that it may not 

 project above the shoe. A wide clip is turned up at the toe, to 

 prevent the shoe from being driven back, and thus bending the 

 nails. The five holes for the nails, must pass straight through 

 the iron, and not at an angle, as is usual. These holes must be 

 countersunk, and the nails made oblong on the top, and straight 

 at the sides, with a well shouldered head; and when driven 

 home, must fill the orifice. The points ai'e twisted off after 

 passing through the crust of the hoof; a small notch cut to 

 receive the remaining projecting portion, which is clenched down 

 and buried in it by the smith's hammer. Five quarter inch 

 holes are made in each shoe; one at the toe, one on either side, 

 and two at the heels, in which are fitted case hardened steel 

 points, with a shoulder, that may be removed at pleasure, with a 

 nippers, and sharpened without disturbing the shoe. Such a 

 shoe would entirely prevent horses from slipping on the Russ, or 

 any other pavement; and do away with all the plans extant for 

 its destruction. 



Horse shoes may be manufactured of two thicknesses of metal, 

 properly galvanized, and nicely riveted together, and then re- 

 galvanized, that will be perfectly noiseless. The foot of the horse 

 may then ])e prepared to receive the shoe by simple adhesion, after 

 which it can be taken off and put on the pleasure of the groom. 



Dr. Smith alluded to the necessity of greater veterinary know- 

 ledge in this country, and paid just tribute to Cajit. Ralston for 

 the efforts he has made in this behalf. It really makes me glad, 

 said he, to see anything done toward treating the poor horse with 

 more humanity. 



The subject of " The Grindstone," was then taken up. 



Solon Robinson said, this subject, which was before the Club 

 two weeks ago, and which, from what was then said, has since 

 elicited a good deal of interest, was again called up, and several 

 persons spoke upon it. 



