66 



of a hoof must be effected at the time of 

 its growth at the matrix. 



When a layer of hoof is formed, the work 

 is completed so far as the active vital pro- 

 cesses are concerned. These vital pro- 

 cesses are active only within the hoof, in 

 the sensitive parts, not in the outer insen- 

 sitive parts — the hoof proper, as distin- 

 guished from the foot, — and the hoof be- 

 comes, and is to all intents and purposes, 

 an inorganic product. It has the proper- 

 ties of hardness, elasticity, toughness and 

 durability. It is insensitive, and resists 

 decay or change, whether on the living 

 animal or removed from the foot, and its 

 removal makes no difference in these pro- 

 perties. 



It is as resistant to change as ivory or 



