110 Veterinary Elements. 



coronet. When weight is put on the foot there is a 

 widening out at the quarters, top and bottom, the height 

 thus being lessened, and the sole becomes flatter; weight 

 is then thrown on the lower bones, which sink down and 

 back, the corona (short pastern bone) presses down the 

 fatty cushion, which in turn pushes out the lateral cartil- 

 ages, and if movable, these cartilages push out the wall 

 at the quarters; the pressure brought to bear upon the 

 frog due to the earth' s resistance presses it and the bars 

 outwards. The result of all these movements are: 1, 

 to protect the body from shocks; 2, to aid and increase 

 the spring (elasticity) of the limb, thus giving an easy 

 untiring gait, besides limiting concussion; 3, to increase 

 the circulation of the foot, and thus ensure a proper 

 growth of horn. No portion of the body will retain its 

 usefulness unless used; Nature is firm in her laws and 

 does not supply nourishment in the form of blood to parts 

 not in use, consequently if a good frog is desired, it must 

 not, by shoeing or other means, be relieved from receiv- 

 ing pressure. 



The claws of cattle and sheep really consist of two 

 halves of feet, the division in the bones starting at the 

 fetlock. The space between the hoof is termed the cleft, 

 and at its upper surface in sheep a gland is situated 

 which may get blocked with dirt, etc., and thus cause sore- 

 ness in the feet. All animals need their feet attended 

 to at regular intervals, neglect results in deformity and 

 disease, especially so is this the case in colts kept in box 

 ,stalls and in cattle and sheep. An examination will 

 often show the horn grown long and curled in under the 

 heels, sometimes large pieces are broken out of the wall. 

 In the stables abundance of clean, dry bedding should 



