6 THE ART OF HORSE-SHOEING. 



Although to a casual observer the hoof appears as 

 one continuous horny structure, it may easily he separ- 

 ated into three distinct parts by prolonged soaking la 

 water. The division takes place so as to leave the sole^ 

 frog and wall separate portions. These may now be 

 considered. 



^^: 



Fig. 1.— a Fore Foot. 



The Wall is that portion of the hoof seen whilst 

 the foot rests upon the ground. It covers the front and 

 sides of the foot. It extends from the coronet down- 

 wards and slightly outwards, so that its lower circum- 

 ference is greater than its ujiper. The front portion 

 shows its greatest height and obliquity, diminishing iu 

 these respects as it passes backwards. At the heels the 

 wall is turned in u]ion itself, and passes forward towards 

 the centre of tlie foot until it becomes lost iu the structure 



