676 
EDITORIAL OBSERVATIONS. 
sound advice to the pupil and humanity in the practice of 
the profession; and while it boldly alludes to the vices 
which attach to some among us, it does so in the most kind 
and friendly mauner. 
It is not difficult to see that the author considers that 
the dignity of the profession, and the estimate put upon its 
value by the public, will depend greatly upon the means 
which are at the disposal of the pupil to acquire knowledge, 
but that changes are not to be effected by hasty generali¬ 
sations and immature conclusions. We agree that liberalism 
must have conservatism as her twin sister in attempting 
reforms in time-honoured institutions. A want of this has 
often brought ruin instead of success. 
We conclude these remarks by expressing a hope that the 
good advice given to the pupils will be treasured up by them, 
and become the rule of their conduct. Each is the founder 
of his own fortune; and the place he will hereafter occupy 
in society, and the estimate which will be put upon his 
professional acquirements by a generous public, will entirely 
depend upon his strict integrity and honorable deportment. 
THE EARLY EMPLOYMENT OF NAILED SHOES TO THE 
FOOT OF THE HORSE. 
Through the kindness of Mr. Harpley, Veterinary Sur¬ 
geon to the Royal Horse Guards, we are enabled to reproduce 
from the Archaeological Journal a very valuable and in¬ 
structive paper on the subject of the early attachment of 
the shoe by nails to the foot of the horse. The evidences 
of this having been effected at a much earlier date than is 
generally considered appear to be clearly established. Nor 
should we be surprised at this, as doubtless those who first 
put into requisition fhe powers of this noble animal for the 
purposes of war, the chase, or ordinary labour, must have 
noticed that his unprotected feet could often have their 
horny covering either broken in particular parts or injured 
by punctures from sharp stones and similar agents, without 
disabling him from the performance of work. The separation 
of the hoofs from a dead horse would again afford them 
