40 TRANSLATIONS FROM CONTINENTAL JOURNALS. 
care is not always taken to preserve the hoof in its natural 
shape* and to obviate the effects of the shoe. This is princi¬ 
pally applicable to two well-known defects, viz., one, the 
turning out of the toe; the other, when the toe turns 
inwards. The smith does not carry his attention any 
farther than to prevent the horse cutting his legs, but the 
principles of shoeing should attempt more. It should aim at 
the restoration of the ( aplomb) level bearing of the animal's 
foot on the ground. 
1st. The horse turning his toe outwards .— On examining a 
horse presenting this defect, we perceive a deviation in 
normal structure of either the whole limb, or merely of the 
lower part. In the first instance, the elbow is closely 
applied to the chest, and the whole of the leg is turned out¬ 
wards. It is difficult to place the hand between the 
olecranon and the parietes of the chest. In the second 
instance, the deviation begins at the knee; or perhaps the 
fetlock is only more towards the medial line than the heels; 
or finally, the hoof only deviates by the removal or undue 
wearing of the inner quarter. If, in taking up the foot, it is 
found that the outside branch of the shoe is more worn than 
the inside one, the corresponding side of the hoof is more 
elevated. When, however, the defect arises from the articu¬ 
lation, the contrary takes place. These defects are not 
always of the same importance. When they are caused by 
the inequality of the hoof, the remedy is simple ; and all 
that is to be done is to give a level bearing to the foot, by the 
application of a suitable shoe. If the deviation depends 
on the articulation, then the remedy must be effected by 
making one side of the shoe thicker, and also by certain 
modifications in placing the nail-holes. (The shoe advocated 
is somewhat similar to our feather-edged shoe.) The princi¬ 
pal object is to alter the action of the horse, so as to make 
him turn his toe more inward; and to prevent cutting, 
which is consequent on this conformation of the foot. The 
contrary defect is, when the toe turns in. This is to be 
remedied by making the outside of the shoe thicker, so as to 
throw the weight more on the inner quarter. In this case 
the elbow is turned outwards, so much, in some cases, that 
the fist may be easily placed between the olecranon and the 
chest. 
