PUTTING ON THE SHOE. 747 



injurious efiects of moisture, dirt, etc. This horny layer should 

 therefore be preserved intact, as far as possible. 



Unless a horse is inclined to brush, the clinches should not be 

 filed down ; and, then, only those on the inside quarter. 



Before a nail is struck with the hammer in the first instance, it 

 is held in the nail hole and inclined a little inwards, so that it 

 may obtain a firm hold of the wall. Owing to the slight outward 

 curve given to its point, it gradually inclines outwards, on beinpr 

 " driven." 



