288 



EVOLUTION OF THE HORSE, 



tively, the knees and hocks downward, we shall notice that 

 although the splint-bones form joints with the knee bones which 

 are immediately above them ; their lower ends do not, like that 

 of the cannon-bone, articulate with any other bones. Were a 

 man who knew nothing about the anatomy, working functions, 

 and diseases of any other animal except those of the horse, to 

 criticise the plan according to which the bones below the 

 knees and hocks were constructed ; he might justly remark 



Fig. 372.— (4//^r Gaudry:) Abnormal Left Fore Leg, below the Knee, 



OF Horse (fth real length)* 



that, for purposes of equine labour, it would have been better if 

 the cannon-bone and two splint bones had been one bone of 

 corresponding size. Such a combination would have rendered 

 the ^column of bones stronger at that part, and would have 

 obviated the frequent evil effects of sprain to the interosseous 

 ligaments which connect each splint-bone to its cannon-bone. 

 I may here point out that the disease known in veterinary 

 surgery as " splint," is; as a rule, brought on by sprain of this 



