6i 



and tough laminae of the sole. When the 

 point first impinged against the sole, as it 

 was driven in by the blow of the foot, it 

 was felt, and caused lameness for a few 

 steps, but being deflected, and its point 

 bent round, it could go no further, and the 

 subsequent blows of the foot flattened it 

 against the sole, and it caused no more in- 

 convenience. The horse showed no lame- 

 ness afterward, and I doubt if it would 

 have caused any trouble had it remained. 

 I have known horses to have the sole of 

 the foot penetrated, with considerable 

 bleeding, by accidentally stepping on the 

 sharp point of a dry lilac-stock that had 

 been cut off obliquely. What would be- 

 come of wild horses if their feet were so 

 vulnerable ? How long would they escape 

 the wolves ? 



