8 TIPS AND TOE-AVEIGHTS. 



niissures also more contracted and with different outlines. The 

 widest part of these channels is about midway between the point of 

 the frog and the heel, the outward line having quite a curvature, 

 the inner, or that side which is formed by tlie frog, being" nearly 

 straight. The commissures are also the deepest at this point, so that 

 there is an arched line running from the point of the frog to the 

 heel. It is evident that the dilatation, when the weight is thrown 

 on the foot, is made easy by this formation, and consequently the 

 contraction, when the weight is removed, is imperative. 



That these are natural and essential functions is almost discover- 

 able from the study of the cut, without further knowledge. The 

 thicker horn at the toe, which is diminished at the quarter and again 

 increased at the heel, proves that the greatest wear will be at these 

 points ; or rather, that ' these extremities are the most thoroughly 

 protected by the natui-al growth, while the more yielding quarters 

 afford the necessary elasticity. The deposit of horn is greater at 

 the toe and heel, which gives the natui-al foot something of the shape 

 of the human pedal. This does away with the violent concussion at 

 the weakest part of the foot, throwing the work of sustaining the 

 shock of rapid locomotion on the heel and the frog, while the toe 

 sustains the friction of retainiiig the hold of the ground until the foot 



