VET ERIKA R V AFFAIRS. 
A 15 
Those who are engaged in the exposition of truth, and, through 
its means, of the advancement of science, can desire nothing better 
than the free and full discussion of the question, whatever it may 
be, out of which the truth is ultimately expected to be elicited. 
The more important and difficult the question at issue, the more 
valuable, in general, the truth arising out of it. The subject of 
shoeing horses, I need hardly say, is one of paramount import- 
ance to the veterinarian : a knowledge of it constitutes one of 
the main objects he has in view in making himself master of the 
anatomy and physiology of the foot ; and this knowledge turns 
out useful to him at every step of his professional practice in 
after-life. 
The question, whether it be necessary or expedient that a 
veterinarian should, in addition to his science of the anatomy 
and physiology of the foot, possess himself of a knowledge of 
the practice of the farrier or shoeing-smith’s art, has already 
drawn a few observations from us, and, in reply likewise, some, 
which do him credit, from Mr. Hawthorn ; and we will take 
upon ourselves to add, that the perusal of both these accounts 
will convince any unbiassed mind that there is but little and un- 
important difference in opinion between Mr. Hawthorn and our- 
selves. We may have carried our notions of the extent of the 
knowledge of this art which the veterinarian should attain “ a lit- 
tle too far,” as Mr. Hawthorn thinks ; but in the main points we are 
manifestly agreed, as is plainly seen from the following passages 
in Mr. H.’s communication : — “ That such a knowledge may be 
an advantage l do not deny ” — “ He (the veterinary surgeon) 
should be able to take a shoe off skilfully, and put it on again 
in a temporary way ; and he should be clever in paring out a 
horse's foot.” And why not, while he is learning to do this, 
learn at the same time, with tolerable dexterity, to make a horse- 
shoe ? In recommending this addition, we are not, as Mr. Haw- 
thorn appears to think, supposing that a veterinary surgeon will 
pretend to work in his own forge — we know too much of the 
unprofitableness and labour of the black work of forges for that — 
and, besides, we should hope his time, and hands too, would be 
far better — we are sure they could hardly be less lucratively em- 
