THE FOOT. 321 



the hoof, for which it forms a sort of protective varnish against the variations of 

 dryness and moisture. 



Such is, in a summary manner, the anatomical construction of the 

 foot of the horse. Let us now see the peculiarities concerning this 

 organ if it be examined in the two sorts of members. 



Differences between the Fore- and Hind-Feet ; the Left 

 and the Bight. These differences are secondary, altogether super- 

 ficial, and do not modify the preceding details which bear on the 

 general organization. 



The fore-foot (Fig. 118, A, B, C) is more round, more spread 

 out, less concave, and a little wider than the hind; the heels are less 

 separated ; the wall, in profile, is more oblique ; the frog is less long, 

 but more voluminous, thicker, and closer to the ground. 



B A 



FIG. 119. Hind-foot. 

 A. Profile. B. Posterior view. C. Inferior face. 



The hind-foot (Fig. 119, A, B, C), on the contrary, is oval, con- 

 cave, with higher and more separated heels, and a more vertical wall ; 

 the branches of the frog are less thick and more separated ; the bars, 

 finally, are somewhat stronger. 



Nothing is more easy than to distinguish a left from a right foot, 



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