42 PURCHASING FROM THE STABLES. 



from tlie coronet to the toe, as perpendicularly 

 as the angle of 45°, are more or less weak. But 

 the most to be dreaded foot is that which, while 

 it gradually inclines to this horizontal shape, has 

 also a slight hollow about midway, either in front 

 or round by the quarters, with the sole flat ; such 

 a foot is good for nothing save dissection, not- 

 withstanding the frog should be broad, and the 

 horse at the time not lame : a long and horizontal 

 spine is very fine ; but have nothing to do with a 

 long and horizontal foot. The sole, however, is 

 often flat without any lengthening out of the 

 foot, and so thin that it bends like a piece of 

 whalebone. One or two months' (gentle ridino\ 

 is generally all such a foot will stand before it 

 descends quite on a level with the crust. When 

 it sinks lower still, down to the convex pumiced 

 foot, it is, of course, worse; but this is merely 

 like a difference of choice between a wooden leg 

 or crutches. 



Do not neglect to see that both feet are exactly 

 the same size, for this is as often heedlessly 

 passed over as the difference in the size of the 

 eyes. The two hind feet must correspond like- 

 wise ; but not being so liable to contraction, they 

 seldom get out of order. If after all this you 

 are still at a loss to comprehend what constitutes 

 a good foot, keep the heels- as open and the 



