828 ARMY FARRIERS AND SHOEING SMITHS. 
was a disgrace to his own rank, as well as to the recom- 
mendation that gave him the appointment, and he still 
continues so. 
We shall now have something to say respecting the 
farrier, who has, of course, risen out of the former grades, 
and by them been moulded. Immediately on promotion he 
finds himself involved m responsibility of great import. 
“ By his steady conduct he is to set an example to the 
smiths under his charge,” and to supervise their training. In 
degree, “he is answerable for the perfect shoeing of every 
horse, and will himself superintend the paring (general 
management) of the feet.” 
He is responsible in the pharmacy in compounding, in the 
hospital, in administering medicines, as well as in the care and 
treatment of sick and lame horses. His responsibility is, as 
may be supposed, limited, and does not, in any way, lessen 
that of others, including the veterinary surgeon. How far 
this is allowed will be seen by reference to the Standing 
Orders of the Royal Horse Artillery, section XIY, paragraphs 
7 and 8, dated 1861 : 
“He is to order all medicines (unless under a veterinary 
surgeon) subject to the approbation of the officer commanding 
the division, without whose knowledge no medicines are to be 
administered, except in cases of immediate necessity.” 
“ He is to see all medicines prepared and given, and to 
superintend all operations if he does not perform them 
himself”* 
Section XV says, “ Shoeing smiths are to pay the strictest 
attention to the directions from the farriers relating to the 
method of shoeing and administering medicines ordered by 
him, or in performing any operation.” 
Much is presupposed in these paragraphs and much ex- 
pected. We respectfully refrain from commenting directly 
on the above instructions ; and only ask, to what extent can 
they be complied with ? 
It is not until the farrier has assumed charge of his new 
post that he becomes impressed with the importance and 
complexity of its duties, a clear conception of which his 
previous training had not afforded ; yet with all this he often 
meets the difficulty with a wonderful amount of confidence, 
and soon believes himself an authority on any matter that 
may be submitted for his consideration ; seldom lost for an 
answer, he is generally decisive, and will assert himself most 
incontrovertibly. 
* The italics are our own. 
