I 
GROWTH OF IIORSES. 273 
can be offered against it, is that of the shoe being more likely to 
be thrown than the common one, particularly in hunting over a 
deep country. This is the point on which the success of the 
side-nailing system depends, and to which the attention of prac¬ 
titioners should be directed. For my own part, I have tried it 
for the last seven months on about half a dozen horses, and 
during the last three months on a much larger scale, without 
witnessing but one instance of a shoe being thrown ; and in this 
single exception it was completely worn out, having remained on 
the foot upwards of five weeks, without having been moved. 
These horses were all used in coach and post work, and whilst 
the roads were in an exceedingly bad state, from the breaking up of 
the frost on a chalky soil. Amongst others, I shod my own mare 
after this plan; and being willing to try its capability of en¬ 
durance fully, I allowed the shoes to remain on until they were 
completely worn out; and the mare threw one of her hind shoes, 
which was nailed on in the common wav, before either of her fore 
ones became loose : this mare I had frequently hunted. 
It is not for me to say how long Mr. Turner's system will en¬ 
dure ; but time will assuredly make mention whether it is 
merely 
“ To sport a bubble on the breath of fame,” 
or whether its celebrity will be as durable as the metal of which 
the shoes are composed. 
In conclusion, Gentlemen, allow me to express the pleasure 
I.have received from the increased size of The Veterinarian, 
and the increased value of its contents, which I trust has been 
fully equalled by its increased sale. In these matters, Gentle¬ 
men, may you go on increasing; and be assured, that while 
you continue in the path you at present occupy, you wall not 
fail to be attended by an ample band of well-wishers, who, 
though they would not rank themselves under factious banners, 
are yet deeply anxious for those improvements calculated to raise 
the respectability of their profession ; one of whom 
I beg to subscribe, 
f 
Your obedient Servant, 
W. C. Spooner. 
GROWTH OF IIORSES. 
By Mr. W. Percivall. 
The present is a subject which seems but very slightly to have 
engaged attention ; at the same time it certainly must be ac¬ 
knowledged to be one by no means altogether undeserving of 
notice. I here are but comparatively few situations in which a 
o o 
