156 On the General Treatment of the Feet, 



And, by way of illustrating this fact, I may remark that it is no very 

 uncommon circumstance, even for Horses that have been a consider- 

 able time at grass, during which period they have of course trod upon 

 a cool as well as an elastic surface, to be attacked with a Founder 

 in all their feet, after being suddenly rode a great distance on hard 

 roads, especially during hot and dry weather. For th« elastic fibres, 

 within the hoof, which are connected with the coffin bone and carti- 

 lages, and contribute chiefly to the support of the animal (as pro- 

 fessor Coleman's simple, beautiful and decisive experiments clearly 

 and satisfactorily evince) are scarcely ever stretched to their utmost 

 extent, whilst a Horse is at grass, on account both of the gentle 

 nature of (he voluntary motion, which the animal usually takes in 

 the act of grazing, and of the springiness of the surface upon which 

 he treads. When, therefore, these elastic sensitive fibres within the 

 hoof, are called upon under the circumstances which have been de- 

 scribed, to perform such sudden and violent action ; the frequent re- 

 petition of shocks, to which they h^ve been for some time unaccus- 

 tomed, produces that high actice inflammation, which running on 

 to suppuration, frequently occasions the hoofs to be cast, and, not 

 uncommonly, ends in the mortification of the part and the death of 

 the animal. 



In fact, no part of the organized structure of animals, seems 

 calculated to bear with impunity, such intense and violent changes 

 as the absurdity and arbitariness of custom, are perpetually exposing 

 them to. 



The common practice of oiling nnd stopping, is also produc- 

 tive of infinite mischief to the Feet of Horses. There can be 

 no question, that it contributes materially to accelerate conti-action 



