HARVARD UNIVERSITY. 
BULLETIN 
OF THE 
BUSSEY INSTITUTION. 
No. 1.— The Art of the Farrier. By D. D. Suave, M.D., 
Professor of Applied Zodlogy. 
THERE is no portion cf the animal frame that exhibits a more 
wonderful adaptation of means to the ends proposed, than the horse’s 
foot; and it is only by careful observation and study that we can 
appreciate the wisdom therein displayed. 
In a state of nature, the growth and wear of the hoof are main- 
tained in perfect equilibrium. When, however, the animal is sub- 
jected to the service of man, this equilibrium is destroyed and the 
wear exceeds the growth; a condition which of course necessitates 
the protection of those parts which are exposed to this undue 
wear. This very protection, however, again destroys the balance 
between the growth and the wear, for the former soon exceeds the 
latter, requiring the removal of the protecting shoe and the reduction 
of the growth of horn either by natural wear, or by artificial means. 
This simple operation constituted the art of the farrier in the earliest 
ages; and such would it have continued, had not this simplicity been 
interfered with by numerous whims and superstitions which, gradu- 
ally creeping in from generation to generation, have greatly obscured 
the original purpose of the art, and have converted a beneficial oper- 
ation into one which, in many cases, is fraught with serious injury to 
the health and usefulness of the animal. 
While much may be accomplished, by the publication of books and 
essays upon [arriery, to diffuse useful information upon this subject, 
VOL. II. 1 
