A TREATISE ON ELEPHANTS. 
the parts contained within it. In the elephant the " hoof slipper" 
consists of the sole and toe-nails. 
The shape of the sole in the fore-feet is nearly circular, while 
that of the hind-feet is more or less oval. It consists of a layer of 
soft elastic horn ; and though thick and tough, it may be made to 
bend under pressure of the fingers. Anteriorly it bears the nails ; 
posteriorly the margins curl upwards. On removal of the slipper 
and inspection of its inner surface, it will be seen to be covered 
with numerous indentations ; these small holes lodge projections 
from the sensitive sole. 
The toe-nails vary in number from i6 to 20, but the more usual 
number is 18, namely, 5 on each fore, and 4 on each hind foot. It 
has been already noted that the knee and hock joints are situated 
very low down, the digits running obliquely downwards. The 
terminal bone of each digit lies within one of the nails. If the 
internal surface of a nail be examined, it will be found to be 
traversed in a vertical direction by a series of horny leaves, or 
laminse ; it will also be observed that the extremity of the digit as 
exposed by removal of the nail is also traversed by a series of 
laminae known as the sensitive laminae ; they fit in between the 
horny laminae of the nail. It is by means of the indentations on 
the interior of the sole and the laminae above noted that union 
is brought about between the horny and underlying sensitive 
structures. 
The " hoof slippers " are not rigid boxes like the hoof of the 
horse ; each digit is provided with tendons for flexing or extending it, 
thus permitting of a great degree of motion. The noiseless tread of 
the elephant is a subject of common remark. The reason for it is 
that a large quantity of a fibro-fatty substance enters into the 
formation of the foot, which goes to make a wonderful elastic cushion. 
The elephant is by nature intended to roam about the vast forests, 
where the soil is usually soft or the ground is covered to a depth of 
many inches by fallen leaves. Under natural conditions the 
hoof slipper affords ample protection to the underlying sensitive 
structures. 
