THE FORE-FEET. 71 



with the heels of the crust, the same effect must be 

 produced upon them." This theory is veiy beautiful ; 

 but I believe, with Nimrod, that a bit of spongy sub- 

 stance, such as the elastic frog of a horse, has very 

 little chance of resisting the united pressure of iron 

 and horn. In short, it is not to be supposed that an 

 elastic substance, which must yield to pressure, could 

 act as a wedge, in expanding hard and solid materials 

 like the bars and crust of a horse's hoof. Whatever 

 may be the use of the frog, I am certain this is not it. 

 No man would attempt to split a block of wood by a 

 wedge of india-rubber. Why, then, are we to suppose 

 that the elastic frog acts as a wedge ? I cannot pre- 

 tend to determine all its functions, but I believe it has 

 a great deal to do in keeping the delicate parts which 

 are placed above it in a healthy, natural condition. 

 ^ The bars, which are situated on each side of the 

 frog, are o>ddcii t ly composed of the same kind of ma- 

 terial as the hoof. They require to be very strong and 

 hard. Their structure and position render them emi- 

 nently fitted for preserving the shape of the heel. In- 

 deed, if it were not for them, the quarters would cer- 

 tainly fall in towards each other, and the horse would 

 get lame. The slightest inspection of the foot is suffi- 

 cient to convince any person of this fact. It therefore 

 behoves every individual who cares for the preservation 

 of his horse's foot, to take care that the bars are never 

 thinned and weakened, either on the side next the frog 



