FORM AND ACTION OF THE FOOT. 



The structure of the wall is fibrous, the fibres 

 running parallel to each other, and with the same obli- 

 quity as that presented by the front of the wall. 

 Although the wall varies in thickness from before back- 

 wards, it does not from above downwards. It main- 

 tains the same thickness from the coronet to its lower 

 circumference. 



The layers of the wall are hardest externally, 

 becoming softer as they approach the inner surface — a 

 condition due to the outer layers being exposed to fric- 

 tion and evaporation. This is a simple and valuable 

 provision of nature which should not be interfered with. 

 The hard outer layer is best adapted to withstand wear, 

 and its density I'l'otocts the dee^jer layers from evapora- 

 tion. This maintains the whole wall at the degree of 

 softness and toughness which best preserves elasticity and 

 strength of horn. 



Fig. 5.— The Sole with Frog removed. 



The Sole is that division of the hoof which forms 

 the floor of the foot. It is situated within the lower 



