RING-BONE, 299 
did not quite encircle the bones, and though, when the preparation was 
dried, the different parts could be slightly moved one upon another, 
yet, during life, the joints were firmly locked. 
THE PASTERN AND PEDAL BONE OF A HORSE THE FOOT OF A LIVING HORSE WITH 
AFFECTED WITH SEVERE RING-BONE. AGGRAVATED RING-BONE. 
1. The joint between the pastern bones, showing The animal, from which the above sketch 
the groove in which the tendon of the extensor was taken, although used to propel a cart, 
pedis muscle reposed. was by no means of a cart breed. The crea- 
2. The joint between the lower pastern and the ture rather hobbled than went lame; but all 
bone of the fout. flexion was entirely lost in the pastern bones. 
One of the above sketches depicts this disease as it appeared 
prior to death. The reader has now to consider the consequences of 
such a deformity; it materially interferes with the value. The hind 
limbs are the instruments of propulsion in the horse; these are much 
incapacitated by the presence of ring-bone. An animal thus affected 
might move an easy load upon even ground; but when the weight had 
to be drawn up hill, the creature would obviously be unable to use the 
toe; the foot, placed flat upon the ground, or so shod as to have an even 
bearing, would perceptibly be of comparatively little use in such a case. 
So, also, in descending an inequality, the horse with severe ring-bone 
will be unable to bite the earth. Ring-bone, therefore, does incapacitate 
the animal for many uses, besides interfering with the free employment of 
the muscular energy; no persuasion or brutality can induce a maimed ani- 
mal to cast its full weight upon a diseased limb. The pace may be quick- 
ened by the lash; but the horse will, nevertheless, continue to hop when 
the affected member touches the earth. 
Let mankind, therefore, reflect that the horse is given as their fellow- 
laborer. The life of the quadruped is the property of the master; but 
who, being sane, would abuse his own property? The being who should 
destroy chairs and tables—although such things can be mended—would 
be speedily confined as mad. Yet it has not entered the mind of man, 
as a reasonable idea, that to deface a living image—to destroy the value 
or to deteriorate the property which is present in the animal—deserves 
more than the very mildest of punishments. The breathing creature, 
