ther; by its upper part forming a strong arch it 

 affords a firm basis to the bone of the foot, and 

 by its strength it defends the sensible parts within 

 the hoof. 



The bars are ridges, which hke buttresses 

 strengthen the sole, t^nd to prevent the sides of 

 the foot from coming too near each other, and 

 form a support and defence to the foot joint. 

 The frog is composed of horn, of a nature much 

 softer and more elastic than the rest of the hoof. 

 It is intended to support a part of the weight 

 of the body, to break the shock when the foot 

 strikes violently on hard ground, to act as a 

 spring in raising it, to steady the foot in slippery 

 ground, to relieve it from the pressure of the 

 atmosphere in deep ground, and as a wedge to 

 keep asunder the heels. 



The whole of the hoof is lined by a substance 

 which has a very acute sense of feejing, and 

 which it is of the utmost importance to guard 

 from injury. 



The lower edge of the crust is the part most 

 exposed to wear, and consequently most in need 

 of artificial defence. The sole, and especially 

 that portion of it which joins with the crust, is 

 next most liable to be injured ; but the frog and 



B2 



