6 THE SHOEING OF HORSES. 



Plate II). It closely resembles a thin band of vulcanised india- 

 rubber, both in colour and its elastic properties. It maybe readily 

 observed, especially after the foot has been subjected for a day or 

 two to the action of a warm bran or linseed poultice. 



The uses of the frog band are numerous : — 



By its elasticity it aids materially in the prevention of con- 

 cussion during the locomotion of the animal. 



It is the bond of union, as stated above, between the skin 

 and the hoof. 



It secretes a peculiar substance which principally consists of 

 silex or flint. This substance descends from the coronary 

 frog band, and covers the whole of the external surface 

 of the horny box, similar to a thin coating of glue. (See 

 Fig. 2, Plate II.) 



It prevents undue evaporation from the surface of the wall, 

 and aids materially the hoof to retain that natural mois- 

 ture and elasticity so essential to its well-being. 



It is perhaps needless to state, that its removal favours undue 

 dryness and britdeness of the hoof, and in the development 

 of sandcrack. The epithelial cells may be readily obtained by 

 macerating a dead hoof in water ; a small film may then be placed 

 under a microscope having a one-inch object glass, and the cells 

 are at once brought into view. They form very beautiful objects 

 for examination when carefully prepared. Figure 2, Plate II. is a 

 further representation of the cells in question. 



