BULLETIN OF THE BUSSEY INSTITUTION. 3 
ings that could possibly be devised. It consists in making two deep 
incisions into the angles of the hoof at the heels, just as it turns 
inward to form the bars. The process destroys that portion of the 
foot which was expressly designed by nature as a buttress or defence 
against its contraction, and nothing could lead more surely to the 
destruction of the fulness and roundness which are distinguishing 
marks of a well-formed, normal foot. This important defence, then, 
should never, on any consideration, be mutilated. 
The equally useless and unreasonable method of paring the sole, 
and of destroying the bars, of whose existence many are profoundly 
ignorant, should not be practised where the parts are in a healthy 
condition. By the removal of this portion of the foot, we expose 
the sensitive parts beneath to injury, by coming in contact with 
foreign bodies in travelling. If we examine carefully the structure 
of the sole, we shall find that its constant growth is removed by ex- 
foliation, and that the parts beneath the external layer are not fitted 
‘to take the place of the latter until it has been removed by the 
natural wear. Paring out the sole of the healthy foot cannot be 
defended on any ground, neither can any artificial substitute be em- 
ployed that can supply the place of the natural protection. In the 
event of casting a shoe while upon the road, no evil can befall the 
unmutilated sole; while that which has been subjected to the “ paring 
out” process is liable to become seriously impaired, especially if this 
operation has been recently performed. 
A better knowledge of the functions of the frog now prevents in a 
measure that destruction which was formerly so extensively practised 
upon this portion of the foot. There still exists, however, an innate 
desire on the part of many farriers to cut away not only the shreds, 
but also the substance, of this organ. This should never be done, as 
the parts beneath are immaturely called upon to assume functions for 
which they are not prepared; this process of exfoliation in the un- 
shod hoof being the result of gradual wear. The frog, then, should 
be retained in its original integrity, if we would wish to prevent the 
diseases to which it is liable, and which are sure to follow its reduc- 
tion by the knife. 
Rasping the wall, before or after the application of the shoe, can- 
not be too strongly condemned. By this practice, the delicate ex- 
ternal layer of horn which not only gives the beautiful polish to the 
