It is important that every man that owns horses should be sure that his blacksmith is a good one and understands the anatomy of a horse's hoof. Many a good horse is made lame, his hoof cramped and contorted, twisted, or crooked out of shape, by ignorance on the part of the blacksmith. A bad nail is often used that will splint and prick the quick, and the horse then is lamed. When the shoe don't fit corns are produced, and the horse limps and suffers on account of the improper knowledge on the part of the blacksmith. I have seen many a horse's hoof ruined by setting the shoe wrong, and by paring the hoof too much. Every man that owns a fine horse or horses, owes them a duty. When a horse gets to be twenty years old, and cannot work, he should be well cared for for the good he has done. He has earned his living by the sweat of his brow, and justly deserves rest in his old days, and he who fails to see that he has rest and plenty to eat, commits an inhuman act and needs chastizing. I, in writing this work, have aimed to give you a few important facts unclouded with many words. I have written it in plain language, so that every one that can read can get the substance and profit by it. This was not written for scientific medical men to learn from, or for them to criticize, yet a man never becomes so wise but what he can still learn from a child. This work is a work composed of plain, simple, yet efficient facts, and facts that will profit all who will try them where they are needed and indicated. I have said nothing that will be dangerous for the common farmer or laboring man to handle in the way of medicine. I have aimed to put you on your guard in reference to the taking of medicines, and the diseases for which they are given, recommended and taken. It is the natural tendency of the majority of diseases to get well within themselves, and medicine never cured anything, but simply assists Nature in ridding herself of the block that is in her way; consequently they who use harmless medicines will prove successful doctors, and do good and never kill any. Doctors used to do much harm by heroic treatment, but have of late learned better, and realize the fact that it is better to be on the safe side.