456 
ON SHOEING BY ONE-SIDE NAILING. 
in its formation and structure, even before the animal has 
arrived at the age of five years ; and I attribute it solely to this 
fettered system of shoeing ; and if that system is continued, we 
may ever expect to meet with a good supply of contracted feet. 
One moment’s reflection will clearly prove, that the shoe in gene- 
ral use will certainly impede the functions of the foot, destroy the 
elasticity to a great degree, constipate the vascularity, and cause 
a general disorganization of the whole horny cavity. Now, if a 
shoe with nails only at one side be attached to a foot that had 
never before suffered from the mutilation of the drawing-knife 
or the restraint of a shoe, we shall find that this foot will re- 
tain its natural formation even during the hardest work which 
this valuable animal is subject to undergo ; whereas, on the other 
hand, if we apply the shoe in general use (i. e.) a shoe firmly 
attached to the foot by four nails placed in each quarter, and 
rivetted, we shall then witness the reverse effects ; for after its 
first application, it gives that complicated organ a tendency to 
contraction : and from this evil spring almost all the maladies 
the foot is subject to. All this, however, is too well known to 
require any further explanation. 
Now, one-side nailing has done wonders on account of the 
restored freedom to the foot which this shoe so perfectly admits 
of ; and by this regained elasticity the foot is able to perform its 
functions and remove the apparent constipation : it then begins 
to assume its natural formation, the lameness is totally or in a 
great measure removed, and the horse pursues his labours with 
more ease and pleasure to himself, and greater security to his rider. 
Permit me to recommend the above system as a good pre- 
ventive against corns, and the principal auxiliary as a curative. 
In consequence of the play of the quarter, the compression and 
concussion are, in a great measure, removed, which I consider the 
principal cause ; and by the application of the drawing-knife in 
skilful hands, those great ends may be obtained, to our own 
credit and the satisfaction of our employers. 
I do not flatter myself with the idea of converting the opinions 
of a whole fraternity ; yet the above hints may serve to operate 
on the mimds of a few, so as to put the system to the test, and 
prove its superiority before the enlightened world ; then we shall 
have the pleasure of seeing it practised in every shoeing forge, 
both at home and abroad, and then, and then only, we shall boast 
of a perfect reformation in the art of horse shoeing. This will 
require time, and the perseverance of the few, to prove its utility 
in despite of the prejudices of the many. Nil desperandum. A 
recent author has told us, that “ for great truths there will 
always come a time and place.” 
