device, which in after-ages was resorted to, had any influence in promoting it.[1] Since the invasion of the Turks, their mode of shoeing has prevailed more or less in Transylvania, though the shoe somewhat resembles that of the Moors, but with more cover. The heels are brought together like the letter V, and welded so as to form a wide patch projecting behind. The holes, three on each side, are circular. 'Wherever the Mussulman has exercised his authority for any length of time,' says Defays,[2] 'some traces of his shoeing remain.'
The Iberian peninsula has been successively invaded by the Romans, who introduced among the Lusitanians a branch of the wide-spread Celts; by the Germanic tribes—Alans, Suevi, Goths, and Vandals; and finally, by the Saracens, who were expelled after the decisive victory of Ourique. As a consequence of these invasions, it appears that at the present day we have traces of the characteristic shoeing existing which was practised by each of the foreign races.
The circular shoe, more or less modified in shape, prevails over a large extent of the continents of Africa and Asia, but we are left in grave doubts as to the origin of this particular form of hoof-armature. It displays a certain amount of originality, yet not sufficient, one would be inclined to think, to warrant the opinion that it was an independent invention. The form is but of secondary importance: garnishing the foot with a metallic plate, and attaching it by means of nails driven through
