-j^8 H0KSE-S1I0EING-. 



which immediately covers it), admirably disposed between the 

 wings of the coffin bone, with a view to protect and sustain the 

 flexor tendon during its efforts, as well as to diminish concussion 

 by its own resiliency and by the connection it has with the elastic 

 cartilages. From its position at the back of the foot, and the 

 importance of the part it covers, this portion of the elastic 

 apparatus derives much interest, and must not be overlooked by 

 the farrier. 



Pig. 2.— Horse's Foot divested of its Hoof— a a, Perioplic ring; b b, 

 'perioplic or coronary fissure ; c c c, coronary cushion covered with villi ; 

 d d, white zone ; ///, vascular laminae terminating in villi, g. 



Besides the elastic apparatus of the foot more immediately 

 in connection with the pedal and navicular bones, we have the 

 wonderful arrangement of living membrane enveloping these parts, 

 whose office appears to be the secretion and attachment of the horny 

 box we designate the " hoof ;" to it large quantities of blood are 

 conveyed by the ultimate ramifications of the arteries proceeding to 

 the foot, and from it, by a complex distribution of veins arising from 

 these ultimate arterial divisions, to the great venous trunks that 

 pass up the limb. The terminal twigs of the senory nerves of 

 the foot are also freely and wisely distributed in its substance in 



