CAUSES OF UNSOUNDNESS. 109 



have been sold over and over again at fairs^ 

 markets, etc., but it constitutes fraud to dispose 

 of such animals. The seat of incision for this 

 operation is in the hollow of the fetlock, and a 

 small scar in this region (on the inner and outer 

 side) should arouse suspicion. If the animal has 

 been unnerved there is loss of sensation in all parts 

 below the seat of operation, and this can be veri- 

 fied by pricking the leg with a pin. Many sellers 

 will make an excuse about such a mark in order 

 to mislead an unwary purchaser. 



Corns. 



A corn is the result of a bruise and not, as in 

 a human subject, the effect of continued pressure. 

 It is universally regarded as constituting unsound- 

 ness ; hence the necessity for having the fore 

 shoes removed before the completion of purchase. 

 The usual seat of a corn is the inner quarter 

 of the sole, between the junction of the wall and 

 the bar. In some instances, faulty shoeing may 

 produce one, but it is generally the result of a 

 bruise, such as that produced by a stone wedging 

 in the foot, or the animal stepping upon a sharp 

 stone. There is a difference between a corn which 

 is recent, and one of some standing. In the former 



