106 TIPS AND TOE-WEIGHTS. 



thin hoof-knife, though the thinnest shavings were as tough as the 

 best quality of whalebone. It was a work of time to get a smooth, 

 perfect bearing for the tip to rest npon, and when a fine rasp and file 

 was brought into play to perfect the fit, it cut slowly. There were 

 three nail-holes on each side of the tip, and our friend thought two 

 would be sufiicient. The explanation for using three nails in place 

 of two was that we desired a guard against any chance for motion 

 between the end of the tip and the foot, and that where so long a tip 

 was used the rear nail was at the end. But we are now satisfied 

 that a semicircle extends too far back, and that one-third will be 

 ample protection. "We have found that in a great majority of in- 

 stances the rfear nail, on one side or other, was broken, and this was 

 caused by the expansion of the foot, and reaching as far forward as 

 the nailing. The nails used being next to the smallest size, the con- 

 stant pressure from giving the foot an opportunity for free expansion 

 broke the nail ; whereas, if limited to one-third of the circle, that 

 would not be the case. That this would be ample protection we 

 have not the least doubt ; and then three nails, one at the toe and 

 one at each end, would hold it firmly in place. At all events, when 

 the foot is in a shape which will permit a trial, I shall make the 

 experiment. My friend was also pleased with the system of nailing, 

 viz., driving the nail from the inside of the wall through it, in place 

 of splitting the layers ; and also at the use of a small gouge to re- 

 move only enough of the horn to receive the " clench," in place of 

 cutting the enamel from one nail to the other, as when the file is 

 used. The two exhibitions removed all doubts, and he was lavish in 

 his praises of a plan which had left a natural and perfect foot. 



