IMPROVED METHOD OF SHOEING. 281 
is fully developed at that period of life) it lias been the fashion 
for veterinary writers to describe its ground surface as a circle. 
To this I have much objection, having always been struck by the 
great inequality of its two sides, not only as to the additional 
thickness of the wall of the outer quarter in comparison to the 
inner, but the still greater difference in compass or circularity; 
the outer quarter furnishing far more than is necessary to form 
the half circle, while the inside is generally much less than a 
semicircle. This bulge, or fine luxuriant growth of the outside 
quarter, is generally most apparent towards the heel, not only 
forming a much broader basis of support for the superstructure 
than the inside, but also one of immense strength. The inside 
column of crust being less strong, and yet placed more imme¬ 
diately under the centre of gravity, it appears to me quite ob¬ 
vious, that Nature intended the outer column or quarter should 
serve as the main prop of support, whilst the inside quarter, in 
proportion to the weight and speed of the animal, should expand 
and oppose concussion. 
But however conspicuous this fine prominence or extensive 
grasp of the outer quarter of the unshod foot may have appeared 
at three or four years' old, we may in vain look for it after he 
has been shod and stabled for the short space of one year; and 
in some instances all traces of it are lost in much less time under 
very gross shoeing. I cannot see how it should be otherwise, 
when it has not been customary for authors on the foot and shoe¬ 
ing to have given the smith specific directions to attend to this 
peculiar conformation of the outside quarter of the foot; but 
have left this rude artisan to suppose, that when he applies a 
shoe of a circular foim to the colt’s foot, he is imitating the 
natural shape of the hoof: but that the colt’s foot may be made 
to assume such a shape, how grievously must the drawing-knife 
and rasp first mutilate the outside quarter or wall, instead of 
merelv removing superfluous or exuberant parts. 
I am the more induced to insist on the necessity of the flowing 
outside quarter of the colt’s foot being held sacred, and 1 to shield 
it from the outrage of the rasp, because I flatter myself, that 
with the young and perfect subject I am about to subvert the 
present system of shoeing, and establish! that which I have just 
recommended, by fettering with nails only one half of the foot, 
instead of incarcerating the-entire organ, upon the free elasticity 
of which all the grace and splendour of this magniflcient animal 
depend. v ■ • i :i 
