ON THE NAVICULAR DISEASE. 17 



obstructs the function of that important and com- somoconfiict- 

 plex part of the foot ; and this partial contraction of emiu'rins' ^ 



(,. , t f p n • j1 1 liard WDrk with- 



is oiten prevented irom toliovving tlie general con- out lamemss, 



... - . accounted for. 



traction by a combmation oi circumstances, some- 

 times the result of chance, and the contraction of 

 the hoof remains harmless. But the absence of the 

 evil is more commonly to be attributed to diligent 

 attention to the foot, and general care of the animal, 

 by economically making the most of a space in 

 which Nature's limits are already infringed upon, 

 and thereby the impending danger averted. This 

 is' mainly accomplished by the aid of a loose box, 

 enabling the horse to continue the foot almost in 

 constant motion. 



I know that it will be urged, that, as those horses 

 which are confined so many hours out of the twenty- 

 four in their stalls, are not allowed to lie down ex- 

 cept for a few hours at night, these parts being 

 placed perpendicularly under the weight, must re- 

 ceive their due proportion of pressure, so that con- 

 traction cannot accrue from this cause. This, how- 

 ever, I deny ; for the superincumbent weight alone, 

 unaided by frequent motion, is not equal to con- 

 tend with the frog, the sole, and lengthened toe of 

 a good, firm tough foot, with the accumulation of 

 four or five weeks' growth, in mechanically squeez- 

 ing them down: for unless these parts are subjected 

 to this motion almost continually, rigidity ensues; 

 and then the first time the animal is hurried a little 



