REVIEW. 
671 
Mr. Cuming’s “ Letter” is one well calculated to point 
out the erroneous and mistaken practices of shoeing pursued 
in the province (New Brunswick)^ and so far to lead to their 
correction. Following this up with the institution of shoeing 
establishments, under his direct and immediate superin- 
tendence, he will in time effect this object — one so desirable, it 
would appear, in that country. He concludes his letter 
as follows ; but beyond this, he laudably tells us he has an 
ulterior object, viz., “To improve the condition of the art 
generally /’ 
“ In submitting these remarks to the members of the St. John Agricul- 
tural Society, I have two objects mainly in view : the first is to remind them 
that in the same letter in which their secretary complained of the condition 
of horse-shoeing here, and desired the aid of some one to improve it, he also 
said that ‘ the society would take such person under patronage, and give him 
all the support in their power;’ on the faith of these representations I have 
spared no expense in fitting up a forge for horse-shoeing, where every 
improvement in the art is practiced, and the errors current in the country 
(being known) are studiously avoided, and having done so, I feel myself 
entitled to ask in return a share of ‘patronage’ and ‘support’ from the 
society and its members. 
“But beyond this my object is to improve the condition of the art 
generally in the province, and, to do this, sundry means present themselves. 
The first I would mention is the publication by the society (if they think it 
deserving) of this letter. I am aware that its statements will be new to 
many, to some no doubt displeasing. Those who shoe as I have described 
the cultivators of the long toes, and perpetrators of heel-nailing will not like 
it, but this I cannot help, improvement must not keep back for them. If 
their modes will bear defending let them defend them, if they will not, let 
them give them up for better, and either way the public and themselves 
will profit. 
“ A second means that suggests itself is the sending copies of this to 
parties at a distance, where opposition need not create prejudice, and from 
which some of those who practise the art may come and see for themselves 
the advantage of plans better than their own, and learn them. A third 
means is altogether in the hands of the public. It is for those who care for 
the welfare of their horses, and like them to have all the advantages of a 
good shoe well put on, to send them, though but once, to have a trial, and 
then to judge for themselves. 
“ Gentlemen interested in improvement visiting St. John, though only 
now and then, by having their horses feet at such times put in proper shape 
and well made shoes put on them, might soon be the means of spreading a 
better system than the present to quarters not otherwise likely to be soon 
reached. Other means might be named, any in fact by which better infor- 
mation could be spread, and more rational practices introduced, and we 
might hope soon to see the long toes disappear, and with them the ‘sprung 
knees/ ‘ corny heels,’ ‘ ring-bones,’ 1 contractions/ and other collateral 
evils. 
“In conclusion, Mr. president and gentlemen of the St. John Agricultural 
Society, it would ill become me to advertise my own claims to business by 
your means, were you not interested, and to benefit as well as me : your 
