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MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
FELT, OR LEATHER SOLES. 
In cases of bruised or inflamed feet it has been found of 
much benefit to insert a strip of leather or felt between the 
shoe and the crust. The intention of this is to lessen the 
vibration or shock which is given to the sensible portion of 
the foot, in consequence of the want of elasticity of the 
iron shoe. This is useful where disease exists, but must by 
no means be adopted where the feet are sound; for one 
reason—the nails can never be so firmly driven in when any 
substance is interposed between the hoof and the shoe, and 
by its alternate contraction and expansion with dry or hot 
weather, it is sure to lessen the security of the shoe ; causing 
too much play upon the nails, and consequently enlarging 
the perforations in the crust, and rendering a portion of it 
liable to be torn away. 
CHAPTER XVII. 
IIOW TO BUY A HORSE. 
Little do novices in horseflesh think how many tricks are 
resorted to by dishonest dealers to conceal the defects of a 
horse, and take in the uninitiated. To exhibit a few of 
these will be the aim of this chapter; as well as to throw 
out several hints which may be useful in assisting the un¬ 
experienced in the purchase of a horse 
The first thing to be attended to is the form of the 
animal; and this differs materially in the various breeds, 
