108 Veterinary Elements. 



entire foot is coated with gutta-percha, ends of nails 

 being inserted in the material to further aid in the decep- 

 tion, consequently it is well in all cases to thoroughly 

 examine, excessive smoothness of the horn in old horses 

 being always open to suspicion. 



The Sole is a thick plate of horn on the under surface 

 of the foot, filling the space between the bars and lower 

 edge of the wall. Its upper surface is convex and receives 

 the sensitive structure above, its lower one is concave, 

 depending of course on the animal. The tendency of 

 the sole to flatten increases with work and age; an exces- 

 sively wide spread heel will tend to let down the sole. 

 The sole should be strong, concave on its under side and 

 of fair thickness, the sole tissue flakes off during wear. 

 Bruises of the sole usually show by a discoloration; the 

 sole is not intended to bear any great amount of weight; 

 in its union with the wall it forms what is termed the 

 white line, the back (posterior) border of the sole is V 

 shaped and runs into the angle formed by the bars and 

 wall. The frog is a mass of spongy horn lodged between 

 the bars designed to receive a considerable portion of 

 the weight of the body and by its elasticity to diminish 

 concussion, on its under surface is a small depression 

 known as the cleft; its upper surface presents small open- 

 ings to receive the sensitive parts above, in its center is 

 an elevation corresponding to the cleft, known as the 

 frogstay. Inside of the sensitive structure are the bones 

 of the foot; these bones may be said to represent the 

 human foot, the sensitive structures the stocking and the 

 hoof the boot. 



The lateral cartilages, two half-moon shaped pieces of 

 gristle found at the upper part of the quarters, are of 



