ON THE NAVICULAR DISEASE. 31 



the lamlnan of the fore part of the coffin bone sus- 

 tainins: the burden, while the navicular bone and 

 heels of the coffin economically receive only so much 

 of the superincumbent weight as the degenerated 

 harsh spring may be able to dispose of; and there- 

 fore a condition of the foot is produced ichich ap- 

 proaches to disease. Thus, I think, may be solved 

 the greatest of all mysteries regarding excellence in 

 the movement of this incomparably useful animal, 

 viz. that a valuable horse, highly gifted with action, 

 and in the prime of life and spirits, suddenly ceases 

 to convey to the rider that indescribable pleasant 

 sensation which had always before distinguished 

 him from common horses ; his action becomes li- Diminished 



elasticity -with- 



mited in his slow paces without any apparent cause ; out lameness. 

 and yet his mode of going might defy the compe- 

 tent veterinarian to pronounce him lame, although 

 brought cool from the stable on the pavement ; and 

 the owner is the more perplexed, in proportion as he 

 himself attempts to ascertain the cause. If the 

 horse happens to be a fast trotter, he tries him for a 

 spirt ; and is impressed with the idea that he never 

 performed his mile in less time in his life. 



If, instead of a trotting horse, it be an accom- 

 plished hunter, he returns from the chase, and ex- 

 claims in ecstacy, " We have gone the best pace 

 without a check, and he has carried me brilliantly !" 

 when, perhaps, on the preceding day, he had ridden 

 him five or six miles, at a walk or slow trot, and re- 



