LAMENESS, FROM VARIOUS CAUSES. 



361 



Mix well, and apply twice daily, by means of a common varnish- 

 brush. 



Very many diseases of the feet, which are of daily occurrence, 

 might be prevented by proper attention to the feet. " No foot, no 

 horse ;" hence the feet need to be kept as free from filth as other 

 parts of the body. I think that a great majority of English 

 grooms pay as much, if not more, attention to horses feet than to 

 other parts of the body, and thus many forms of foot lameness are 

 avoided. 



Curvature and Disease of the Spinl ("Sway Back," 



"Hollow Back"). 



The annexed engraving, represents a case of curvature of the 

 spine in a downward direction, known in stable language as hol- 

 low back. It usually, when it makes its appearance, occurs in 

 aged horses, and probably arises from putting too much weight 

 co the animal's back. 



SECTION OF THE SPINE. 



It will be observed that two of the superior spinous processes 

 of the vertebrae are united (anchylosed), and ossific deposits are 

 thrown out on the surfaces of the spine. On the lower part, be- 

 neath the diseased spine, a cleft is seen, showing that there is an 

 incomplete dislocation, and the capsular ligament was probably 

 dislocated or torn. 



It may be interesting to the reader to know, if he does not 

 already, that the bones, like other parts of the body, are composed 

 of arteries, veins, absorbent vessels, nerves, and a cellular texture. 

 They are endowed with vitality, are nourished, grow, waste, and 

 are repaired, and undergo various mutations, according to the age 

 of the animal ; and they are subject to disease analagous to the 



