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The upper end of the first digit forms with the lower end of the canon 
bone, the fetlock joint G. The second digit is not so long as the first, and 
the third one with the lower end of the second, are enclosed in-the horny 
case termed the hoof. . 
We may pause awhile to inquire what are the two splint bones of each 
leg? They are rudimentary bones, whose representatives in the progenitors 
of the horse, were well-formed canon bones. The Hipparion, found in those 
formations known to geologists as the late Miocene, was a small graceful 
animal, having three well-developed toes, each bearing a hoof. The middle - 
toe was strong and large, while the lateral ones were so small as not to 
reach beyond the fetlock. It is noteworthy and most extremely interesting, 
that cases are recorded where horses have been born with a three-toed foot, 
‘in all respects similar to the Hipparion. The earliest ancestral form of the 
horse was the Eohippus, found in the Utah territory of America. It was of _ 
about the same size as a fox, and each of the four feet was provided with 
three toes. 
