GROWTH OF THE nOOF. 31 



the hoof, that it would appear that the secreting mem- 

 brane is endowed with an equal activity throughout. 



But, though this equality in the amount of horn se- 

 creted over so wide a surface is an undoubted fact, yet it 

 must not be forgotten that, under the influence of certain 

 conditions, the growth or descent of the corneous mate- 

 rial may be effected in an irregular manner, either through 

 a particular portion of the secretory apparatus assuming 

 a more energetic activity, or being hindered more or less 

 in its function. 



For instance, the way in which the foot is planted on 

 the ground has a most marked influence, not only on the 

 amount of horn secreted, but also on that subjected to 

 wear. 



When the superincumbent weight is equally distrib- 

 uted over the lower face of the hoof, the foot may be said 

 to be properly placed as a basis of support to the limb. 

 But when, through . mismanagement or defective form, 

 this base is uneven — one side higher than the other, for 

 example — the weight must fall on the lowest part to a 

 greater degree than the highest ; thus causing not only 

 disturbance in the direction of the limb and its move- 

 ments, but considerably modifying the growth of the 

 horn. This growth is diminished at the part subjected to 

 most pressure — in all probability from the smaller quan- 

 tity of blood allowed to be circulated through the secre- 

 tory surface ; while to the side which is subjected to the 

 least compression, the blood is abundantly supplied, and 

 the formation of horn is consequently augmented. This 

 is a fact of much importance and practical interest in far- 

 riery, as it demonstrates that any irregularity in the dis- 

 tribution of the weight of the body on the foot has a pre- 

 judicial effect on the secreting apparatus of the organ, 

 and, as a result, on the form of the hoof. 



When the weight is evenly imposed on the foot, this 



