458 OPERATIONS—DIVISION OF THE TENDONS. 
contraction of the perforans tendon; and both deformities are generally 
produced by excessive labor, inducing strain, though a few cases have 
come to the author’s knowledge of animals being born thus afflicted. 
When we contemplate the huge frame of the horse, it seems more than 
fitted for all man’s ordinary purposes. But country carriers have vans 
proportioned only to the extent of their custom; their carts are enlarged 
as their trade increases; but very seldom is the power which draws the 
load augmented in the same proportion. The horse, so agile and so 
beautiful, as long as it can move the cart is esteemed to be not over- 
weighted. It labors up hill, and then the carrier congratulates himself 
that the worst of the work is over; it may be for him, but it is not for 
his horse. All the stress in going down hill lies upon the back sinews; 
the animal has to put forth all its strength to check the downward 
impetus of the load. It is the same with other horses in the shafts of 
other vehicles. Three or four animals—according to the usual English 
fashion—may be attached toa load; but the weight which three strengths 
can draw upon level ground, when descending an inequality, then, never 
bears equally upon the leaders. 
Clap of the back sinews is a common accident with all horses. The 
equine delight is the pleasure of the master. So entirely is the horse 
the slave of man, that it, by instinct, puts forth its utmost strength to 
attain anything in which its owner takes enjoyment. It does so regard- 
less of its own probable sufferings. In racing, in hunting, in all kinds 
of pastime the horse will strain every nerve and even burst its strong 
vessels laboring to gratify an ungrateful proprietor. Who does not 
remember the old coaching days? The animals then appeared happy in 
their vocation. A well-appointed coach, trotting by the White Horse 
Cellar, was a sight to contemplate. However, follow the vehicle to the 
termination of the first stage. See the poor panting carcasses un- 
harnessed—the perspiration lathering their sides, their veins swelling, 
their tails quivering, their nostrils jerking, and their limbs stiffened. 
Who then could regret that railroads were invented to indulge man’s 
desire for speed? See, as the coach leaves the metropolis behind it, the 
cattle deteriorate. At last, behold life with swollen legs, stiff joints, and 
diseased feet made to propel the loaded vehicle. Who, properly regard- 
ing such a spectacle, and having a heart to feel, does not rejoice that a 
method of traveling has at length been invented which renders the 
employment of the lash to overcome the agonies of breathing flesh no 
longer imperative ? 
These fast abuses induced contraction of the perforans tendon in the 
front legs. There is, however, this difference between contraction 
in the anterior and posterior extremities—one hind leg only may be 
