MR. REEVE IN REPLY TO MR. GLOAG. 195 
states of the hoof (both of which are natural) to the practice of 
shoeing ; and what is the result ? Why, that in order to admit of 
the spring or action agreeable to the conformation, we must mo- 
dify the practice of shoeing in individual cases so as to carry out the 
spring of the hoof; and that so great a necessity does not exist for 
this spring in each class of horse as in the 1st, 2d, and 3d class ; we 
have, progressively, more weight thrown on the posterior parts of the 
foot. In the 4th class, there being less weight (it being the hind 
feet), the spring is not required ; and in peculiar cases of mal- 
formation, our practice requires to be changed, according to cir- 
cumstances. On conformation, then, depends the practice of 
farriers; and we must never forget, in our examinations of 
horses, that peculiarities of form will exist in the feet according 
to the conformation of the individual; and therefore, the most 
perfect foot ought to be considered as that which agrees best with 
the age and predisposition from conformation. I have much more 
to say, but must leave the subject for the present. Probably, in 
a future number, if this proves acceptable, I may renew it. 
MR. REEVE IN REPLY TO MR. GLOAG, CONCERNING 
THE ACTION OF THE FOOT. 
To the Editor of “ The Veterinarian." 
Sir, — ALTHOUGH I perfectly coincide with your editorial re- 
marks, in reference to the great question before the profession of 
descent of the sole and lateral expansion of the horse’s foot, viz. 
“ That nothing short of actual experiment can now avail ;” still, 
as Mr. Gloag, after testing those experiments of mine, has re- 
ported results which not only offer positive contradiction to my 
own, but which, if unanswered, would almost leave a doubt of 
their veracity, I must claim your indulgence for the insertion of a 
few observations. 
The tenor of Mr. Gloag’s remarks goes to confirm the impression 
that he has tried the experiments I recommended, and found them, 
so far from corresponding with my description, rather tending to 
confirm a contrary theory, and establish the doctrine of “ Non 
descent” and “ No expansion.” On quoting Mr. Gloag, at page 
131, end of paragraph 1st, we have the following. “ I have no 
little pleasure therefore , after submitting Mr. Reeve' s plan to trial, 
to consider myself fully justified in maintaining my first opinion, 
and that these experiments, performed after the same manner as 
his own , prove the truth of my previous trials.” 
