578 ON CONTRACTION OF THE FOOT. 



constringe the vascular structures, and these, in turn, resist- 

 ing that tendency. 



Complete harmony of parts and counterparts, both in 

 their form and action, subsists between the hoof and all it 

 encircles, the same as between the outer tunic and subjacent 

 structures of every animal in all its parts. To be plain, the 

 question is reduced to this. When a horse's foot, which was 

 once of normal proportion, has become unnaturally small 

 and deformed, how has the change come about, if not by 

 contraction ? Why, by wasting. Like as a man, or any 

 animal which was once fully developed in every part, and 

 when change is brought about by causes, whether from 

 starvation, old age, or otherwise deranged health, wasting 

 ensues and the skin falls in proportionately. Yet, though 

 the general condition of the horse be low, privations, and 

 even old age, exert little appreciable change on the form of 

 the foot of the animal, compared to the more common 

 causes which prevail. It is inconsistent with rational 

 theory, as it certainly is with fact, to entertain the com- 

 monly prevailing belief that a clear atmosphere, with the 

 benign influence of the sun's rays, has a tendency to dry up, 

 sear, or otherwise act injuriously on the hoof, which is a 

 living structure, and is supplied from the blood with an 

 abundant secretion for nourishment, and its whole economy. 

 To suppose that a living part should be dried up like as 

 happens with a common board, as has been said (see essay 

 by Professor La Fosse, of Toulouse), is, I submit, giving 

 way to very unphilosophical ideas. 



It is the firm belief of the writer, that incalculable harm 

 has been done to our horses, through the entertained ground- 

 less notions about contraction of the foot, and again, through 

 imaginary causes inducin that supposed state. 



The very strange hypothesis has brought about evil con- 



