SHOKING. 423 



it is too customary to regard the idea as visionary and impracticable, 

 and maintain that the craft would not avail themselves of its advan- 

 tages. 



At first, doubtless, only the most intelligent would do so, but 

 these, applying the theoretical knowledge received there to the 

 commonest details and every-day experience of the smithy, would 

 convince the most unreasoning that labor, when directed by skill 

 and judgment, is more saving of money, strength, and material, 

 than when unenlightened and unreasoning; and soon public 

 opinion would force their more ignorant brethren to follow their 

 example. A great painter was once asked how he mixed his colors. 

 " With brains, sir," was the apt reply. When this is the rule 

 and not the exception, we may indeed look for decided improve- 

 ment in the art, the dumb animal be relieved of much suffering, 

 and the community from unnecessary loss. 



Veterinarians may propose theories, but lack the practical expe- 

 rience and opportunity of observation which the workmen alone 

 can have, while the number of the latter who have combined scien- 

 tific education with a thorough knowledge of the details of their 

 profession, has been too small to stamp any decided character 

 upon it. 



With but very few exceptions the entire literature of shoeing is 

 European, and to these writers the American public is indebted 

 for all knowledge outside of that which an inquiring mind will 

 gather from individual observation. 



If horse owners would resort to the books for physiological facts, 

 study their own horses, and use their own judgment, they would in 

 most cases discover the best style of shoeing for their particular 

 use. 



Countries and sections differ greatly in the fashion of horse-shoes, 

 and the manner of fitting them to the foot, but the general princi- 

 ples are the same. 



We do not pretend to advocate any particular form of shoe, nail, 

 or system of shoeing as an ultimatum of success, but wish to draw 

 the attention of horse owners to the importance of the subject, that 

 they may judge for themselves, the practice best suited to their 

 own animals, and may arrive at a more accurate conception and a 

 better appreciation of the hazard of a sole dependence on the gene- 

 ral ignorance of blacksmiths. 



A careful study of the construction of the foot, as explained in 

 this work, will show the necessity of great caution and intelligence 

 in its treatment; more than is usually displayed by our mechanics. 

 This will be better understood by a reference to the member itself 

 by dissection, which is practicable to most farmers, as they may 

 frequently obtain specimens in their vicinity, and are possessed of 

 the facilities for examination. 



