_toe_, and leaves nothing at the _heel_; the crooked or rather horny hoof, which, from a defect in radical moisture, grows into a wrinkled rigidity, that almost sets both the RASP and BUTTERIS at defiance. There are also others so thin, wide, and expanded above, and the outer sole so prominent on each side the frog below, that such are called fleshy-footed, and require a shoe of peculiar formation, as well as much extra care in setting it on. Some hoofs are so contracted with heat, and narrowed at the heel, (particularly if the frogs are wasted by thrush and corrosion,) that when turned, the vacuum bears the appearance of intentional excavation. Under this accumulation of considerations, some conditional variations must be admitted, from the fixed and proper rules to be laid down, although the fundamental principle should still be the same; and, notwithstanding the superfluous and destructive freedom of the _drawing-knife_ and _butteris_, are frequently, and with great justice, condemned; yet they must sometimes be brought into moderate use: but those who render them subservient to the purposes required, should invariably retain it in memory, that more may be injudiciously destroyed in _five_ minutes, than can possibly be restored in TEN months. The entire ART of SHOEING may be reduced to a very concise description, and consists in paring the foot (when it is necessary) with judgment, tenderness, and safety; to form the shoe with good, substantial, sound, Swedish iron, of a shape and make hereafter to be described; in selecting nails of a proper size, length, or strength, equally adapted to the shape of the foot, and the weight of the shoe; and, lastly, to the very critical task of driving them properly, clinching them firmly, and finishing the foot neatly. The act itself being thus publicly seen in practice, and generally comprehended, it becomes only necessary (amidst the variety of speculative opinions lately obtruded upon public notice) to introduce such comparative reasoning, and practical proof, of the superior excellence and rational propriety of the execution, as may enable every reader to take an impartial survey of the different modes recommended, in doing which, he is then at liberty to adopt which ever he may be induced to think approaches the nearest to perfection.