HORSESHOEING. 95 



higher than the heel-calks. There are three principal kinds of 

 toe-calks, — namely : 



1. The Sharp Toe-Calk. — A square piece of rather wide toe- 

 steel, of which one corner is drawn to a sharp point. The shoe 

 is heated white-hot at the toe and this sharp point driven into 

 the shoe at the middle of the toe. At the first heat the square 

 piece of steel standing upon one of its corners is beaten down 

 and welded from the centre to the right and left corners. In the 

 second heat the calk is more securely welded and hammered 

 into shape. [This method of toeing shoes is now but little used. 

 Its chief disadvantage is that it requires two heats and consid- 

 erable time. On the other hand, by this method the calk is 

 more securely welded to the shoe than by the ordinary methods, 

 and it is peculiarly adapted to winter shoeing. — Adams.] 



2. The Blunt Toe-Calk. — It is a rather long four-cornered piece 

 of steel with a spud or "ear" raised upon one edge. It is 

 welded on in one heat. 



3. The Half -Sharp Toe-Calk (Coffm-Lid Toe-Calk).— It resem- 

 bles the blunt calk, except that the surface of the calk that is 

 applied to the shoe is somewhat broader and longer than the 

 surface that comes in contact with the ground. It is welded on 

 in one heat, the prolongations of the base of the calk being 

 welded to the shoe with light taps, as in the case of the right and 

 left corners of the sharp toe-calk mentioned above. The first 

 and third kinds are most suitable for winter, because they can be 

 welded on more securely. 



Since heel- and toe-calks raise the hoof far from the ground 

 and prevent aU pressure upon the frog, they diminish the elas- 

 ticity of the hoof and injure it. They are injurious also to the 

 joints, because they furnish a base of support which is essen- 

 tially smaller than that afforded by a flat shoe. (See Fig. 86). 

 However, they are indispensable for heavy draught purposes on 

 slippery roads and in winter. Upon all other roads and in sum- 

 mer they are superfluous, at least upon front hoofs, especially as 

 they do not wholly prevent slipping. 



