ARMY FARRIERS AND SHOEING SMITHS. 825 
everything to condemn it. Bearing in mind that we have 
discussed the probable original of one or both of the next 
grades,, and having seen that he is frequently unfitted for the 
demands of the forge, let us consider what he becomes on 
appointment to f Shoeing Smith,’ for he, some time or other, 
manages to get promoted, though he may not have been re- 
commended by us. That he does become promoted is proved 
by finding the same specimen in a higher degree. We could 
not pretend to say from what source of recommendation such 
promotions result, but we may be allowed to suggest that 
every monthly return of the (conduct and) qualifications of 
artificers might be commented upon advantageously by vete- 
rinary surgeons, so far as the farriers and shoeing smiths are 
concerned, which procedure would afford a better clue for 
others to judge of the abilities of these men. 
A pretty clear notion may be formed as to what the fore- 
going stamp of man will turn out in his new appointment. 
He now receives extra pay, and wears a badge he does not 
deserve, whilst, encouraged by recent good fortune, he looks 
to the possibility, if not probability, of wearing the distin- 
guishing stripes and badge of the third grade. Paucity of 
farriers and shoeing smiths may warrant promotion, but how 
far that of incompetent persons is justifiable one instance, of 
many, will show. A farrier-sergeant was reduced to the ranks 
on account of habitual drunkenness (which saved him from a 
similar disaster on the grounds of ignorance and utter inability 
to discharge his duties), and his responsible position fell to a 
shoeing smith, who was unable to turn a shoe fit for applica- 
tion; in the pharmacy and infirmary neither one nor the 
other could be trusted. The latter man was often sick, the 
former often bordering on delirium, tremens. 
When this low state of qualification was brought to notice, 
the newly installed man was sent to the forge of another 
branch of the corps for improvement ; his duties, meanwhile, 
reverting to the reduced farrier, who had, by this time, been 
placed in the forge as acting shoeing smith. After a lapse 
of three months, the shoeing smith returned to his charge, 
somewhat improved by the change ; a few months later he 
was promoted to farrier, much to our astonishment. As to 
his fitness the above remarks will testify. The veterinary 
surgeon's opinion was not officially asked, but, to a private 
question, the man was reported unfit for the appointment — 
nevertheless, this was not acted upon. We can only regret 
that the recommendation which gave him promotion had not 
been better considered. Fortunately for us, perhaps for him, 
he was removed to another charge. 
