57 



If you divide the time necessary to grow 

 a new hoof from the matrix (coronet) to 

 the free edge, which requires about twelve 

 months, and keep the animal four months 

 in the open air and then four months in a 

 closed stable, and then again four months 

 in the open air, an examination of the hoof 

 then will show three bands of growth, 

 easily distinguishable. At the free edge 

 about one inch of good healthy strong 

 hoof, the first grown of the series, then 

 about one inch of rough, weak hoof, formed 

 in the second four months, while in the 

 closed stable, then about one inch of good 

 hoof, extending to the matrix (coronet), 

 and grown during the time of the last four 

 months, in the open. I have occasionally 

 observed such hoofs. In observing these 



