250 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 



is caused by the pressure of a stone or of the shoe on the sole 

 is occasioned by inflammation of the sensitive sole. From the 

 same cause, corns between the crust and the sole result. 

 r. The coronary ring of the crust. 

 s. The covering of the coronary ligament, from which the crust 



is secreted. 

 t. The sensible laminae, to which the crust is attached. 

 H, V. The crust, or wall of the foot. 

 w. The place of bleeding at the toe. 

 X. The horny sole. 

 y. The cleft of the horny frog. 



It is obvious, from tlie situation which the suspensory 

 ligament occupies, that splints formed backward on the leg 

 are more liable to produce lameness than those which are 

 formed on the side of the leg ; because they interfere with 

 the motion of this ligament, and if large may press upon 

 and wound it. The chief action of the suspensory ligament 

 is to suspend the sesamoid bone in its place. 



It will be seen by the figure above described, that the 

 pasterns are united to the shank in an oblique direction, 

 differing in degree of obliquity with the various breeds of 

 horses. A portion of the weight which falls upon the 

 pasterns must be communicated to the sesamoid bones. 

 The yielding of the pasterns, taken in connexion with 

 their oblique position, is a beautiful contrivance to prevent 

 jarring in the action of the horse ; and this is materially 

 assisted by the sesamoid being suspended, and no bone being 

 under it ; so that the suspensory ligament gradually yields, 

 lengthens, and contracts in proportion to the weight or 

 pressure applied to it, thus rendering all severe concussion 

 impossible, because it yields to the force it has to sustain, 

 and lengthens ; but as soon as the foot is raised from the 

 ground and pressure is removed, its elastic power is again 

 exerted, and it contracts to its natural length, and the sesa- 

 moid bone springs back into its place, and by this quick and 



