294 BULLETIN UA'ITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY. 



that the greatest width of the plantar surface between the lateral sharp 

 edges is much less than the diameter of the hoof across the top. 



Length of the hoof in frout (chord of the concave border) nearly two 

 inches. Entire length of the hoof behind (chord of the convex curve 

 from base to tip) three inches. Greatest width of the hoof, both halves 

 together, less than one inch — this measurement being taken near the 

 base of the hoof behind. Width of either half, at a point opposite ends 

 of the hairs in front, only four-tenths of an inch. 



The general constriction of the hoof is of course of a part with its 

 consolidation ; while its lengthening and curvature are doubtless the 

 progressive result of growth under circumstances not permitting the 

 normal spread and play of each hoof upon the ground. 



This monstrosity is clearly a freak in an individual case, belonging to 

 the general category of web-fingering; and it is not to be compared 

 with the more profound modifications of the pig's foot which I describe 

 in the succeeding article. Its occurrence is so obviously and seriously 

 disadvantageous that it could scarcely be perpetuated to any extent. 



