ON SHOEING HORSES. 
611 
Less number of horses were lame from shoeing formerly than 
since the establishment of the Veterinary College, the Professor of 
which has received sufficient fees for cutting the electric wires to 
be quite evidence enough, and all in consequence of our not effec¬ 
tually preventing concussion with the increased rate of travelling; 
therefore, why any man should, with pig-headed obstinacy, con¬ 
tinue to resist the necessary change in construction of the horse¬ 
shoe, can only be accounted for by some notion on his part of its 
affecting his interests. It is of no use mincing the matter now. 
The interests of the public are not considered by such individuals, 
and they deserve no consideration from me, as I am now the more 
determined to write up to the subject, however unpleasant or un- 
palateable it may be to some. It is difficult, nay, impossible, to 
conceive any other reasons for opposition to changes in the horse¬ 
shoe than those we have stated. 
Let any man go from England, as I have done for many years, 
and then return, time after time, and find that during the interval 
not the least advancement has been made in this branch of the 
profession, and what would be his thoughts on this subject? Put 
all theorists aside. Answer the question fairly; because it is merely 
looked upon as a handicraft, and some are interested and deter¬ 
mined to persevere to keep it so if they can; but we shall see: nay, 
as to the notable scheme of a class-room to convert the veterinary 
student who has to attain knowledge of the higher branches of his 
profession, notwithstanding the utility of the lower ones is in some 
measure to destroy all his tact for the former, to render him a 
mere mechanic, and have we no experience of life, how seldom 
does a mere mechanic emerge from his class. It is true that in 
the veterinary profession this has happened as in other trades ; the 
farrier has frequently become veterinary surgeon ; and we are old 
enough to see the old farrier now write up, “ and Son, Veterinary 
Surgeon.” This is as it should be ; not for any body to go and be 
groomed at the Veterinary College, and in Mr.--’s class¬ 
room, upon shoeing, and then go before the Royal College of Vete¬ 
rinary Surgeons and ask for a diploma. Read the editorial re¬ 
marks, page 535, and the advertisement on the cover for September, 
and then let the person about to enter the profession consider, if he 
cannot bring his mind to do all this, he should never enter as a 
student at the College, which does not afford the opportunity of 
practice here mentioned, more than ever necessary now, from the 
competition by free trade in cattle. 
Again, the College forge affords no opportunity for practice. I 
served my time; many others have their’s. It is useless for vete¬ 
rinary colleges to multiply veterinary students, who have after¬ 
wards to seek for practice in various branches of the art. 
