250 THE ARTISTIC ANATOMY OF ANIMALS 



is single for each of the limbs, inasmuch as in this animal 

 each of these has but a single digit. 



Hoofs of the Solipeds. — We will first study the hoof as 

 regarded in a general way — that is, without taking into 

 account the limb to which it belongs. We wiU. afterwards 

 point out the differences presented when the hoofs of the 

 fore and hind limbs are compared. 



In connection with the external forms of the horse, the 

 study which we are now commencing is of great importance. 

 But, before entering upon it, it appears to us necessary to 

 rapidly examine what the hoof contains (Fig. 95). 



Fig. 95. — Vertical Antero-posterior Section of the Foot of a 



Horse. 



I, Third phalanx; 2, fibro-cartilage ; 3, podophyllous tissue; 4, in- 

 ferior part of the wall ; 5, section of the wall of the hoof ; 6, cutigerous 

 cavity; 7, tendon of the anterior extensor of the phalanges; 8, rein- 

 forcing band coming from the suspensory ligament of the fetlock ; 

 9, tendon of the superficial flexor of the phalanges ; 10, tendon of the deep 

 flexor of the phalanges. 



In the interior of this horny box we find the third phalanx, 

 a small sesamoid bone placed opposite to the posterior border 

 of the latter, a portion of the inferior extremity of the second 

 phalanx, and the tendons, which terminate at this region. 



To the third phalanx are added two fibro-cartilaginous 

 plates, flattened iateraUy, which prolong backwards the bone 

 to which they are annexed. The inferior border of each of 

 these fibro-cartilages is fixed by its anterior part to two 

 osseous prominences situated at each of the angles which 

 terminate the small phalanx behind ; these prominences 



