ON SHOES GETTING LOOSE 117 



of the continued opposition offered by the shoeing-smiths 

 he had to employ to this supposed innovation. If tips 

 are to be put on, they should be applied so as not to 

 interfere with the proper slope of the foot. 



On Shoes getting loose. — We may ascertain if a 

 shoe is loose, however slightly, by, after taking up the 

 foot, gently tapping the ground surface of the shoe with 

 the fingers. The nature of the sound thus made will 

 serve to confirm or dissipate our suspicions. As long as 

 the nails have a firm hold, so long will the heels of the 

 hoof be protected from undue wear; but when the. shoes 

 become loose, they soon get knocked to pieces, and the 

 proper slope of the hoof will be destroyed for the time 

 being. 



