242 THE PERFECT HORSE. 



"The substance of the horny frog is eminently elastic, 

 and corresponds in the closest manner to the dense, elas- 

 tic, epidemic pads on the soles of the feet of such ani- 

 mals as the camel, elephant, lion, bear, dog, cat, &c., 

 and which are evidently designed for contact with the 

 ground, the support and protection of the tendons that 

 flex the foot, to facilitate the springy movements of these 

 creatures, and for the prevention of jar and injury to 

 the limbs. 



'' In the horse's foot, the presence of this thick, com- 

 pressible, and supple mass of horn at the back of the 

 hoof, its being in a healthy, unmutilated condition, and 

 permitted to reach the ground while the animal is stand- 

 ing or moving, are absolutely essential to the well-being 

 of that organ, more especially should speed, in addition 

 to weight-carrying, be exacted." 



The frog serves several uses, and is a most impor- 

 tant organ. Lafosse, in 1754, wrote, — 



'^ The frog is composed of soft and compact horn, 

 spongy and elastic in its nature, and serves as a cushion 

 to the tendon Achilles. It ought to bear fully on the 

 ground, as much for the facility as for the safety of 

 the horse when in movement. It is," he adds, "the 

 natural point d'appui of the flexor tendon." Some 

 have supposed that another use of the frog was to 

 expand the heels of the foot. They have an idea 

 that it acts like a wedge driven in between the bars 

 of the foot, and that, at every shock it receives when 

 brought in contact with the ground, it is driven home, 



