ARTISTIC HORSE-SHOEINa. 17 



comparative anatomist, need not be alluded to here. The 

 fibres are finer than those of the sole and wall, and are 

 composed of cells arranged in the same manner as else- 

 where in the hoof ; they are formed by the villi wliich thickly 

 stud the face of the membrane covering- the sensitive frog. 



*'The substance of the horn}^ frog is eminently elastic, 

 and corresponds in the closest manner to the dense, elastic, 

 epidermic pads on the soles of tlie feet of such animals as 

 the camel, elephant, lion, bear, dog, cat, etc., and which 

 are evidentl}^ designed for contact with the ground, the 

 support and protection of the tendons that flex the foot, to 

 facilitate the springy movements of these creatures, and 

 for the prevention of jar and injury to the limbs. 



*^In the horse's foot, the presence of this thick, com- 

 pressible, and supple mass of horn at the back of the hoof, 

 its being in a healthy unmutilated condition, and permitted 

 to reach the ground while the animal is standing or 

 moving, are absolutely essential to the well-being of that 

 organ, more especiall^^ should speed, in addition to weight- 

 carrying, be exacted. 



" Tlie frog, like the sole, exfoliates or becomes reduced in 

 thickness at a certain stage of its growth ; the flakes are 

 more cohesive than those of the sole. 



'' It must be remarked, however, that this exfoliation of 

 the sole and frog only takes place Avhen the more recently- 

 formed horn beneath has acquired sufficient hardness and 

 density to sustain contract with the ground, and exposure 

 to the effects of heat, dryness and moisture. 



''The 'Coronary Frog-Band,' or 'Periople,' is a con- 

 tinuation of the more superficial layer of the skin around 



