DISCARDED PATTERNS. XXxix 



space with those patterns which have been generally discarded, and 

 scarcely proper to select favorites further than to indorse what I 

 consider the most correct plan of applying the weights, and the prin- 

 ciples underlying a safe use. 



The most convenient method of attaching toe-weights is by usin^ 

 a spur, which is welded to the front part of the shoe or tip. The 

 convenience arises from there being no trouble with other kinds of 

 fastenings, as in one patented invention the only thing necessary is 

 to slip the weight on, when the bevel of the spur and the tapering 

 form seciirely holds it in place. It is evident that every time the 

 foot strikes the ground the more firm will be the clasp, and to release 

 it several sharp blows with a hammer will be necessary. With this, 

 of coui'se, there can be no change in position, and to give the power 

 to regulate the height of the weight on the foot, a screw has been 

 added to some of them, A thread is cut in a hole in the weisht, and 

 the screw acting in this, presses against the spur, and any desired 

 elevation can be obtained. 



But the great drawback to the stationary and unremovable spur is 

 that in the first place it is unsightly, and a still graver objection is 

 that there is a chance for the horse to injure itself. Yery frequently 

 a horse will scrape a foot against the opposite leg, and in that case 

 the sharp edge of the bevel will do damage. When the animal is 

 walking, led by the bridle, a sudden stai't from fright, or, perhaps, 

 in play, the legs are crossed, and injury follows. 



Last Summer I saw a mare belonging to Mr. Titus which caught 

 the spur and bent it so far forward that it was in a horizontal posi- 

 tion when she came back to the stable. Nearly all the ajipliances to 

 do away with the objections of a stationary spur have made neces- 

 sary the mutilating of the horn, in order to make a slot through 

 which the part that fastened it to the shoe could be thrust. 



When the spur is detached there is an ugly looking cut in which 

 gravel and clay will accumulate, and, in some cases, become so firmly 

 impacted that it is troublesome to remove. In the many experi- 

 ments I have tried with weights there was one plan that I thought 

 highly of until I fell on one much sim|)ler, and in every respect 

 better, and which will be described hereafter. In that which has 



