NAVICULAR DJSEASE IN THE FEET OF HOUSES. 
39 
opposite the caries of the bone, that, upon holding it up between 
the light, I could distinctly see through its few remaining fibres. 
This single pathological fact clearly shows the control which 
is reserved to the afflicted animal over his extensor muscles, in 
rendering them subservient to the flexors, and thereby averting 
the rupture of this disorganized part; and which is never known 
to happen, however extensively diseased, unless neurotomy has 
deprived it of feeling. 
Notwithstanding these unsuccessful cases, I have much to 
say in favour of the nerve operation, for the practical utility of 
which we are unquestionably indebted to Mr. Wm. Sewell, of 
the Royal Veterinary College; but I feel no reluctance in post¬ 
poning my remarks on that subject to a future opportunity, seeing 
that its merits and demerits are now under the investigation of an 
able and experienced member of our profession, Mr. Castley, 
Veterinary Surgeon to the 12th Lancers. 
I have much to point out on a particular method of shoe¬ 
ing, which favours the return of the navicular bone to the 
original station allotted for it within the hoof, but which, how¬ 
ever, must be reserved for another occasion; though I beg 
to be allowed simply to mention what I conceive to be an im¬ 
portant acquisition arising from the unfettered plan of side 
nailing —I advise the adoption of the French method of nail¬ 
ing in that portion of the hoof which is intended to be pierced 
with nails; viz. round the toe and outside quarter; and I have 
had the satisfaction of finding that it secures the shoe in its place, 
for three weeks and upwards, as completely as the English me¬ 
thod of fastening high up in the crust. But it is quite necessary 
to acknowledge, that I have, as yet, only practised it, by way of 
experiment, in conjunction with the unfettered system , on very 
tough and strong hoofs. I believe w r e are indebted to Mr. Joseph 
Goodwin for introducing, and first recommending the adoption of, 
the French method of shoeing in this country. I subscribe only 
to the nailing part of their method, and adopt it with a view of 
its merits, which does not appear to have been pointed out by Mr. 
Goodwin, or by any other wiiter with which I am acquainted. I 
can only explain my object by first contrasting these two w r ell- 
known facts, that the English nailer invades the protecting wall 
of the foot, plunging his long weapons their utmost depth into it, 
short only of the point, which comes out to form the clench 
nearly as high as the middle of the crust, nothing daunted : no 
blood follows; and therefore he suspects no danger, but repeats 
the assault again and again. Nor, indeed, has he done any 
mischief that is visible at the time : the horse trots away sound, 
and returns again in a month, still free from lameness, for a repe- 
