CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 



The hoof as distinct from the foot Dependence of one part on the 

 others Skeleton of the horse Story of ' Orlando ' Use of 

 scientific language The spine and the limbs The legs of the 

 horse compared with the limbs of man Gradual development 

 of the horse The anchitherium and hipparion Structure of 

 the fore-limb, or arm Rotation of the fore- arm prevented 

 Small size of the original horse An eight-hoofed horse 

 Hind legs of the horse compared with the legs of man The 

 true knee of the horse Elasticity of the structure . 



CHAPTER II. 



Connection between the foot and the hoof Extent of the foot 

 What is horn ? Original dwelling-place of the horse Climb- 

 ing powers of the horse Requisites of the hoof STRENGTH, 

 because it has to bear the weight of so heavy an animal 

 LIGHTNESS, lest the horse should have to lift needless weight 

 The ' coffin ' bone and its structure HARDNESS, to endure 

 contact with bad ground SHARPNESS, round edge to enable 

 the horse to climb CLINGING, to suit smooth and slippery 

 ground SELF-REPAIRING, for restoration of worn material : 

 the Wall, Frog, and Sole Structure of the WALL The horny 

 larninse Their origin and mode of growth Over-grown hoofs 

 Elasticity begins with angle of pastern The PROG, its posi- 

 tion, structure, and office Analogies between Nature and 

 human inventions The SOLE: its structure and double office . 22 



