INTRODUCTION. 13 



foot in particular, is necessary, it is evident that the schools of 

 horseshoeing in which one can get the best instruction are those 

 in which there is not only a regularly graded course of instruc- 

 tion, with demonstrations upon dissected material and upon 

 living horses, but also an abundance of daily work at the forge 

 and on the floor in the shoeing of horses. A course of four 

 to six weeks is not suflB.cient. 



Furthermore, it should be borne in mind that schools of horse- 

 shoeing are not for the purpose of instructing young men in all 

 matters which pertain to the trade, but only in the making of 

 shoes, the critical examination and management of hoofs, and 

 the rational and skilful performance of shoeing. For this reason 

 it is not advisable for young men to attend a school of horse- 

 shoeing until they have at least completed their apprenticeship. 



