476 
LAWRENCE ON THE HOUSE. 
the internal, or that action and re-action which result from the 
natural structure of the hoof. There is no doubt of a lateral and 
longitudinal external expansion and extension of the hoof of the 
colt, or of the unshod grazing horse ; and the same fact applies to 
the feet of poor shoeless children, whose feet, however, never pine 
after the said expansion when, subsequently and fortunately, they 
become bounded and confined by a good and tight-fitting shoe. I 
conceive that neither Childers nor Eclipse were deprived of a 
single atom, either of their speed or powders of continuance, in 
consequence of their hoofs being bound by iron shoes.” Not a 
few of our best theorists, excellent as are some of their specula¬ 
tions, may learn a lesson here. 
In page 81 is a lesson for too many veterinary surgeons. “ I 
have already vouched for the actual improvement and skill 
which has taken place in our farrying system generally; but 
there is yet too much of the old leaven remaining, not only in 
the provinces but in the metropolis. Haste and profit are the 
order of the day, as well in this concern as in all others. 
Hoofs are loaded with cheap and soft iron, the nails are brittle 
and good for nothing and the feet are compelled to fit the shoe, 
instead of the shoe being forged to fit the foot.” “The seated 
shoe is too generally neglected, which preserves the crust: 
whereas, with the common shoe, the edge of which only bears 
on the crust, that important part of the hoof is torn and damaged ; 
too much strain lies upon the nails and clinches, and the horse’s 
tread is not so level and firm upon the ground.” 
After describing, and with much good sense, the ceconomy of the 
stable, he takes his reader to a repository to purchase ; to a repo¬ 
sitory, and not to a friend, “ whom of all sellers he would least 
choose.” He gives a long list of the defects of the horse, which the 
buyer should carry in his memory and in his mind’s eye; and after 
several ludicrous illustrations of the art and mystery of horse-deal¬ 
ing, he gives us an anecdote of himself. “ A short time since I 
had occasion to examine a horse, for a friend, at the stable of a 
considerable dealer; it was a very beautiful and well-shaped nag, 
but, as is commonly the hard fate of such, he appeared to have 
done too much work. The attendant, from a superabundant share 
of regard to my safety, must needs hold the horse’s head whilst 
I examined his legs, still assuring me he was perfectly quiet; 
nevertheless, every time I attempted to feel below his knees, the 
horse started, and flew about the stall in a strange manner, to the 
no small risk of my toes and shins. Whilst I stood musing and 
wondering what beside the devil could possibly ail the animal, I 
discovered a short whip under the arm of the jockey, with which 
he had, no doubt, tickled the neck and chest of the horse, when- 
