FAULTS INSEPARABLE FROM STABLES. 245 



ing the horny case from the hoof of a dead horse, a secretive membrane 

 is exposed ; this membrane constantly renews the horn. Beneath the 

 secreting surface, a complex mesh-work of large veins is discovered, 

 which, by their size, inform us they serve as receptacles or sinuses quite^ 

 as much as vessels. These veins have no valves, though such are com- 

 monly present in other tubes of the same class. The absence of this 

 provision is, in them, remarkable, because the blood has to move against 

 gravity ; valves are a means instituted to favor the current under cir- 

 cumstances of this nature. Valves are composed of duplicatures of the 

 lining membrane of veins: when the venous current flows toward the 

 heart, these valves, by the impetus of the stream, are forced upward, 

 and remain close against the sides of the vessels; but, should the 

 slightest retrogression of the current be endangered, the backward mo- 

 tion of the blood carries the numerous valves outward or downward, and 

 effectually locks the interior of the veins. 



The anatomy of the foot, however, proves the horse unsuited to con- 

 finement. The animal was created to dwell upon the plain. The foot, 

 for its health, requires perpetual motion. When free, or before man 

 subjected it to his convenience, every bite the creature took necessitated 

 a fresh step. The mesh-work of veins was large, the vessels freely com- 

 muiiicated with each other, and were devoid of valves, that the blood 

 might readily flow into, while it might as readily be expelled from, the 

 tubes ; and because, in the habits of her creature, nature had established 

 a force which rendered the development of valves unnecessary. The 

 horse, as it progressed, alternately lifted the foot froltn the earth and 

 rested it upon the ground. When the hoof was raised, the blood rushed 

 into and filled the mesh-work of veins. When the foot was again placed 

 upon the soil, the superimposed weight squeezed the vessels, between the 

 bones and the horn, thus pumping out the blood, or forcing it toward the 

 heart. 



Blood which has become cold has lost the first of its living properties. 

 Blood deprived of heat cannot support health, or supply secretion. 

 Hence the feet of stabled horses — notwithstanding the care of science> 

 the numerous applications, and the endless variety of shoes, all of which 

 -are designed to benefit the hoofs — generally become diseased. The 

 quadruped of the agriculturist, although it be neglected and badly shod, 

 yet, because of its slow or constant work, and habitual freedom in the 

 field, usually exhibits feet which are sound and open. The donkey, 

 though much abused and shamefully treated, rarely inhabits a stable, 

 and more seldom enters a stall. Its feet become misshapen; but the 

 curse of the gentleman's steed, foot lameness, and especially naviculai^ 

 disease, are all but unknown among this tribe of the equine race. 



