142 SHOEING. 
them inward, so that they gradually become contract- 
ed. This is a natural result, and follows, sooner or later, 
every case where shoes have been thus contraction. On 
the other hand, shoes properly made and fitted have 
never been known to cause contraction. If we ob- 
serve the foot in the early stages of contraction, we find 
this horny case gradually becoming less; it no longer 
accommodates itself to the soft structure within its 
limits ; the result is, concussion is greater, and the 
elasticity very much less; in consequence of which the 
parts become bruised, fever ensues, which still fur- 
ther facilitates contraction of the hoof by absorbing its 
moisture, and we soon discover lameness in consequence 
of corns making their appearance. The first effect of 
contraction is to bruise the sensitive portion of the 
hoof. Particularly is this the case at that part of the 
foot formed by the crust and bars, causing a contused 
bruise which is called acorn. This occurs on the insidée | 
quarter. The crust and bar forming a triangular space 
causes a two-fold pressure upon the sensitive parts 
within, acting like a vice; and as the space becomes 
diminished the contusion becomes greater, the hoof 
becomes more hard and brittle, with a strong tendency 
to crack on very slight concussion. On removing a 
portion of the horn at the part of the foot indicated, we 
find a red spot, sometimes slightly, at other times of a 
brownish or bluish-red appearance. The feet in the latter 
stage are in such a condition as to require prompt at- 
tention, or we may have a sinus forming through the 
quarter, producing a disease known as quitter; often 
terminating in permanent lameness, and frequently in 
deformity. Few men believe corns to be of so serious 
a nature ; hence their readiness to attribute these effects 
to other causes. When they investigate, as I have done, 
