808 



DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 



hoof to have attained an undue obliquity, and curve in their course 

 from above downward. 



The engraving of the coffin-bone of the foot, of which the above- 



FIG. 710. 



described hoof forms part, is remarkable under the twofold aspect 

 of deformity and diminution of substance. The space occupied by 

 the bone within the hoof, and its weight, are reduced probably two- 

 thirds the proportion 

 of its primitive com- 

 plete growth, while 

 the hoof, viewed su- 

 perficially, greatly ex- 

 ceeds the normal size. 

 I have mentioned the 

 superficial aspect of 

 the form, that is, the 

 deceptive view, the 

 one common to aged 

 horses with defective 

 and diseased feet. 

 Surface and substance 

 do not amount to the 

 same thing; weakness 

 and disease are com- 

 mon to the first, but 

 strength and perfec- 

 tion are only com- 

 patible with depth of cubical capacity, with proportionate sub- 

 stance, and form of structure. 



The animal which supplied material for the above illustrations 

 was sent to the New Veterinary College, when very lame, in 1859. 

 With difficulty the horse had been led from his stable. Bar-shoes, 

 with leather soles, hid from view surfaces of soles and frogs painful 

 even to look on when exposed. 



FIG. 711. 



