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horny sole, having a deep indentation which affords space for 

 the repose of the principal cushion, or the thickest portion of 

 Jhe plantar cushion of the foot. 



In view of the functions this bone is destined to fulfill in the 

 animal economy, it may be instructive to note some of its more 

 salient properties. 



11 A MOCKERY, A DELUSION, AND A SNARE." 



I. The extreme lightness of this bone in comparison to its 

 bulk is remarkable. This is rendered necessary by its great 

 distance from the moving power. It is said that every addi- 

 tional ounce added to the foot is nearly if not more than equal 

 to a pound at the shoulder. If, therefore, we would economize 

 the vital forces, no more weight should be placed at the end 

 of the foot than is absolutely necessary to insure protection to 

 the integrity of the horny tissues in horses intended for speed. 

 Concussion, the ready apology for heavy shoes, can be better 

 obviated by a ' stout sole ' of horn than by a heavy rim of iron. 

 If concussion were the only danger to be guarded against, this 

 could be accomplished better without the intervention of the 

 shoe than with it. I grant that the horse with a thin sole and 

 weak foot generally, and low action, will go better at relatively 

 slow paces, with a comparatively heavy shoe. It does obviate 

 concussion to some extent, and to that extent and under those 

 conditions it is desirable ; but reverse those conditions, place 

 heavy shoes upon a sound foot, with unimpaired action, and a 

 well-developed horny sole and frog, and they become " a mock- 

 ery, a delusion, and a snare " to both the horse and his owner. 



These objections to heavy shoes do not apply to the trainers 

 practice of using toe-weights for the purpose of regulating or 

 correcting defective action in trotting horses. In such cases, 

 as well as in diseased conditions, any and every measure that 

 will accomplish the desired purpose, are, of course, proper. 

 They are useful as temporary expedients but should not be 

 regarded as permanent natural or necessary conditions. 



