ART OF SHOEING. 531 



is formed a joint exquisitely beautiful, and of the first im- 

 portance in its exactly assigned functions. 



The coronary bone forms the medium through which all 

 the weight is exerted, which is conveyed to it by the pastern 

 bone, and which is lastly diffused through the coffin bone. 



The action of the coronary bone is most considerable at 

 its lower extremity, where it has a large articulating surface 

 in connection with the coffin and navicular bones ; its action 

 in progression is a revolving movement from the posterior 

 on to the anterior surface of its lower condyles. 



The coffin bone is the last in the limb, of those in the 

 axis of bearing, through which all power is exerted, and by 

 the mode of connection between it and the hoof, great weight 

 is carried, with velocity unexampled in other animals, and 

 is distributed on to the ground with the most perfect free- 

 dom from jar, whilst the inherent strength in the whole foot 

 is prodigious. 



On reference to the pedal bone, as shown in the foregoing 

 illustration (Fig. 221), it is seen to resemble, in its leading 

 features, the external form of the hoof; one chief difference 

 being found to consist in the former being fully a fourth 

 shorter than the inner cavity of the latter. When, however, 

 this wonderfully constructed bone is furnished with the car- 

 tilages, ligaments, tendinous attachments, and all the influ- 

 ential structures of which it constitutes the centre, the entire 

 concentration of powerfully organized parts, assume the form, 

 and become the counterparts of the hoof. 



Though it is not the aim on this occasion to supply a great 

 present want, viz., that of a treatise on the economy of the 

 horse's foot, with ample details on the art of shoeing, it is none 

 the less hoped that, to the extent to which this article goes, 

 little of what is given will be set aside hereafter, or require 

 to be withdrawn. 



