LAMENESS. 87 



surprising; at tte same time their apparent deficiencies may 

 not greatly afiect tteir soundness and durability. In tHs con- 

 dition they may remain, proyiding that they are not crippled 

 by the ignorance or mismanagement of farriers. 



The measurements given, and the facts above stated, form 

 the basis from which I shall deduce the various conclusions 

 and rules, which will foUow hereafter, with reference to the 

 shoeing of the horse, and the general treatment of the foot. 

 However, before describing the necessary processes relating to 

 the farrier's art, it is essential to enumerate those bad effects 

 which so frequently attend its unskilful practice. These may 

 be described under the general head of lameness, arising from 

 the following causes ; — 



I. — Prom the shoe pressing too close to the sole of the 

 foot. 



II. — From the shoe pressing too close upon the heels. 

 (Corns of the fore feet are mainly attributable to this cause.) 



III. — Prom the paring and rasping of the feet to a 

 greater extent than the horn is capable of being reproduced, 

 during the period which elapses between one shoeing and 

 another. 



IV. — Prom pricks, stabs, and other injuries, which may 

 be inflicted by the naUs, if driven within, or too closely to the 

 sensitive structures. 



V. — Prom the shoe not properly fitting the fore feet, so 

 as to allow of a sufficiency of " spring" at the quarters. 



VI. — Prom the web of the shoe not affording sufficient 

 cover to the sole of the foot. 



