188 THE CANADIAN HOESB 



EASPING. 



The rasp should never be used above the nails. It is very 

 useful in removing superfluous horn, but should never be 

 used to remove the natural unctuous covering of the crust. 



CALKINS, CLIPS, ETC. 



The use of calkins are indispensable in this country during 

 the winter season, to prevent slipping, and afi'ord more secure 

 footing, and thereby increase the animal power considerably. 

 These are formed by turning down the heel of the shoe. 

 When calkins are used, they should be raised to the same 

 height on both heels ; and in draught horses the toe should 

 also be raised, and thus keep the foot level without throwing 

 weight unduly on any part. During frosty weather the calks 

 should be made sharp, so as to catch on the ice and prevent 

 slipping. 



The shoe is made more secure by a clip being turned up 

 at the toe to embrace the front part of the crust, into which 

 it is received by a small part being cut out with the toe knife. 

 This relieves the crust from a great deal of stress from the 

 nails which it would otherwise sustain. Side clips should 

 only be used when they cannot be done without, as in cases 

 where the animal by stamping or uneven action of the foot 

 displaces the shoe. 



THE HIND SHOE. 



The hind shoe does not require the care in seating and 

 hollowing out of the web that is so essential in the fore shoe. 

 The quarters are straighter and stronger at the heels, and the 

 shoe must be made accordingly. The toe is usually made 

 square, so as to shorten the foot and thus prevent over- 

 reaching. The outer heel is better to have a calkin raised to 



