THE PUTTING ON OF THE SHOE. 
391 
on the bar, and partly on the heel of the foot, consequently 
the bar should be allowed to remain nearly in its original 
condition, from its first inflection, and extending down the 
side of the frog. It is only when the frog becomes level 
with the crust that it should be pared at all. We have 
already shown, when treating of contraction, page 158, that 
when the bars have been removed we have destroyed the 
props which are the main preventions of that defect. 
The quantity to be pared from the frog depends chiefly 
upon its prominence and the shape of the foot. It must 
only project so much as to be just within and above the 
inner surface of the shoe, that is, on a level with the unshod 
hoof. This will enable it to descend with the sole. If it 
be higher, it cannot come in contact with the ground ; and 
if lower, it is liable to be bruised. 
From what we have shown it will be sufficiently evident 
that some skill is necessary in the preparation of the foot 
for the reception of the shoe ; and it is equally incumbent 
on the groom and his master, as well as the smith, to possess 
this knowledge ; and it is well for some one always to be in 
attendance during the operation of shoeing. 
THE PUTTING ON OF THE SHOE. 
The foot having been prepared, the smith selects a shoe 
from among those already made, which he thinks may fit as 
nearly as possible, and what alterations are necessary are 
made on the shoe. This frequently requires both the use 
of the hammer and the file, and the conscientious workman 
will not nail it on until it is so formed that it rests firmly 
on the sole, and its external shape precisely corresponds 
with that of the crust. On the other hand, the careless 
and inconsiderate mechanic will pick a shoe, and suit the 
hoof to the shoe, frequently paring the sole and crust to the 
