PORTRAIT OF ' STELLA.' 171 



holes with whalebone is a singularly happy one, the 

 whalebone and hoof being identical in structure, and 

 the fibres running in the same direction. Ordinary 

 horn would answer as well if cut longitudinally, but 

 whalebone is much easier to handle. 



With regard to the preparation invented by Mr. 

 Baker, it is certainly not necessary, as is shown by 

 the number of hoofs which have become strong and 

 sound without it ; but it only hastens the process of 

 hardening, or adds to its chances of success. 



The portrait of ' Stella ' and her mistress (see Fron- 

 tispiece) is engraved by permission from a photograph 

 taken by Messrs. Brinley & Son, Fore Street, Totnes. 



The owner of a soft-hoofed horse may naturally 

 fear to expose the animal to such an ordeal as a 

 journey upon hard and stony roads. Yet success 

 is only a matter of time, the hoof having the power 

 of accommodating itself to any kind of ground. 

 This is forcibly shown by Professor Fleming. After 

 mentioning the influence of climate, of weather, of 

 health, of age, food, and labour upon the hoof, he 

 proceeds as follows : 



' The seasons are to some extent concerned in the 

 growth and shape of the hoof. In winter it widens, 

 becomes softer, and grows but little. In summer it is 

 condensed, becomes more rigid, concave, and resisting, 

 is exposed to severe wear, and grows more rapidly. 



