70 DISEASES OF THE HORSE'S FOOT 



edge to the inferior margin will vary according as the toe, 

 the quarters, or the heels are under consideration. 



As might naturally be expected, the rate of growth will 

 depend on various influences. Any stimulus to the secreting 

 structures of the coronet, such as a blister, the application 

 of the hot iron, or any other irritant, results in an in- 

 creased growth. Growth is favoured by moisture and by 

 the animal going unshod, as witness the effects of turning 

 out to grass. Exercise, a state of good health, stimulating 

 diets — in fact, anything tending to an increased circulation 

 of healthy blood — all lead to increased production of horn. 

 With the effects of bodily disease and of ill-formed legs 

 and feet on the wear of the hoof, and the growth of horn, 

 we shall be concerned in a future chapter. 



