68 



in an outward direction upon the horny textures, similar to 

 what they do when in a hypersemic condition merely from long 

 standing in the stable or on board a ship. It should also be 

 remembered that the horse was designed for fleetness — indeed, 

 for almost constant action. All else being equal, this constant 

 action would compensate for the omission of valves. 



WORK OR EXERCISE A NECESSITY TO MAINTAIN A HEALTHY FOOT. 



From these considerations, it would appear necessary that the 

 foot should be in frequent motion, in order to maintain through 

 it a healthy circulation of the nutrient and vitalizing fluid — the 

 blood. And, if these premises be correct, what can be more 

 opposed to the well being of the horse, or be a more frequent 

 predisposing cause of occult diseases of the feet and limbs of 

 horses than tying them up in stalls and depriving them of that 

 exercise which is essential to the maintenance of the healthy 

 condition of the foot primarily ; and, secondarily, that of the 

 entire animal system ? 



THE PLANTAR VEINS. 



ANATOMICAL ARRANGEMENT. 



" Having briefly described the arteries of the foot which pass 

 in such a remarkable manner through the bone itself, protected 

 from injury and secure from pressure, we must next describe 

 the veins, which, by being less subject to injury, take their 

 course outside the coffin-bone. 



The veins of the sole empty themselves chiefly into those of 

 the laminae, which increasing in size toward the coronet, are 

 collected together in branches, which take an upward course 

 nrough the coronary substance, and form the superficial cor- 

 onary veins. From them large branches proceed, which are 

 joined by the deep coronary vein, which is usually double. 

 These vessels when injected with wax present an immense net- 

 work, spread over the lateral cartilages, and gradually dimin- 



