448 THE HORSE. 
in making out the nature of objects presented to him : and this is especially 
the case with the fore feet, though it will sometimes happen that the hind 
extremities are used for the same purpose ; as, for instance, in ascertaining 
the nature ofa hard body before kicking at it. 
THE FOOT. 
IT IS NECESSARY TO EXAMINE the structure of the foot most carefully, 
not as an object of curiosity connected with the sense of touch, but on 
account of the numberless diseases and accidents to which it is subject. 
No part of the horse is so liable to the effects of hard work and mis- 
management as this, and there is consequently none which more requires 
our care both in health and disease, The bones and ligaments entering 
into the composition of this organ have already been described ; the former 
at page 325, the latter at page 355. We have now to examine into the 
structure of the sensible and insensible parts which cover these bones. 
THE parts entering into the composition of the foot will be better 
understood by a reference to the annexed section of the phalanges or 
Fic. 2.—SECYrION OF THE PARTS ENTERING INTO THE COMPOSITION OF THE FOOT AND THE 
FETLOCK AND PASTERN JOINTS. 
A. Os suffraginis. A H. Cleft of frog. 
B. Os corone. I. Side of frog cleft. 
C. Os pedis. J. Sole. 
D. Os naviculare. K. Crust. 
EK. E. The perforans and perforatus tendons. L. Coronary substance. 
G. Inferior sesamoideal ligament. 
fingers terminating the metacarpal or metatarsal bones, as the case may 
be, with their investments. It will be seen that there is very little 
space between the pedal bone and the crust, which, together with the sole, 
forms a horny case or natural shoe, for the sensible and delicate invest- 
ments of the bone. So small is this space, that when inflammation takes 
place there is no room for any swelling (the invariable accompaniment of 
that disease), and intense pain is occasioned, as well as rapid disorganisa- 
