HORSESHOEING. 



165 



inner edge near the toe, and so directed tiiat it can be turned 

 upward and outward to embrace the toe of the claw. A small 

 clip raised on the outer toe of each shoe will increase its sta- 

 bility. In some parts Of Saxony the shoes are so made that the 

 tongue of each shoe begins in the rear third of its inner edge and 

 runs forward, upward, and outward, closely embracing the wall 

 of the toe. The smaller clip is drawn up on the outer edge of 

 the shoe close to the toe. These shoes are more difficult to 

 make, but when applied sit more firmly and remain fast longer 



Fig. 140. 



A shod ox-claw. 



than all others. An undivided shoe (the so-called " closed claw- 

 shoe") is unsuitable for oxen, because it deprives both claws of 

 their natural, free movements. However, such a shoe is of ad- 

 vantage for heavy draught over hard and very rough roads, be- 

 cause it lessens the liability of the fetlock and coronary joints 

 and the cleft of the claws to strains. 



Great difficulty is often encountered in holding the feet during 

 the operation of shoeing. It is necessary to fasten the head 

 securely against a tree, post, or wall. A front foot may be raised 



