[87 1 



It is thought that ftrong fhoe-heels are an 

 eafe to the weak heels and fetlocks of horfes, 

 as if the body of the fhoe was flexible enough 

 to yield to the horfe's heel, and under this no- 

 tion, they raife the fhoe-heel, and leave a va- 

 cant fpace between that and the horfes's heel. 



Neverthelefs the direct contrary happens. 



i . It is the hoof that by its flexibility yields 

 to the fhoe-heel, which is quite inflexible. 



2. The thicker the fhoe-heel is, and the more 

 fubject that of the horfe is to meet it. 



3. Inftead of being eafed, the horfe's heel be- 

 comes more comprefTed, becaufe it has always 

 the fame point of fupport. 



Let us but remember what I have faid above 

 concerning the horney fole -, that it is from the 

 flefhy fole it receives its nourifhment -, that its 

 connection and juicy parts confift in its thick- 

 nefs -, and that it hardens, and receives lefs nou- 

 rifhment in proportion as it is thinned. We 

 even fee horfes grow lame by the habit of paring 

 the fole. 



The air, when it is in this thin ftate, pene- 

 trates and dries it to fuch a degree, that if 

 when a horfe Hands dry, they neglect moiflening 

 his feet, they contract, and comprefs the flefhy 

 fole, fo as to lame the animal. 



But let us go on: what dangers does not a 



horfe run, when his fole is almoft gone by be* 



ing pared too clofe ? if he fhould happen to 



tread upon flumps, pieces of bottles, or nails, 



F 4 they 



