THE PHYSIOLOGY OF THE FOOT. 9 
tissue, we may safely conclude that it possesses that power at 
all times. 
If the sensitive laminae secrete good sound horn at any 
time, they do so always, and if that horn agrees in structure 
with the horny laminae, we have, I think, sufficient grounds 
for believing that both are derived from the same source. 
Lastly, if such a function offers a simple, common-sense 
explanation of sundry physiological and pathological con- 
ditions, explainable by no other means, I think we are justified 
in adopting it as a scientific fact. 
I may say that I have never used a microscope with a 
higher power than a lens with quarter-inch focus distance. 
2nd. Can the wall or horny laminae be produced by any 
other tissues than the coronary cushion and zone ? 
Here we have two questions which Mr. Greaves answers 
“ unhesitatingly ” in the negative. As to the production of 
the horny laminae we have said enough. The wall I know 
to be produced from the coronary band. 
I acknowledge no such secreting structures as “ coronary 
cushion and zone;” the cushion is merely subcutaneous 
adipose tissue, and zone is no improvement on the word 
“ band,” which usage has adopted. 
3rd. Are the sole and frog destined by nature to bear 
pressure ? 
Mr. Greaves and I both answer this question in the 
affirmative, but he has added a remark deprecating the bear- 
ing of a shoe on the sole. 
Now I believe we should always endeavour to follow the 
indications of nature, and I agree with Mr. Broad that a 
shoe may beneficially take a bearing on the sole. I rather 
fancy the difference in this question is more about the ex- 
pression than the fact. 
No one, I think, advocates placing any portion of a shoe 
on the concave part of the sole, we merely urge that the 
abutment of the arch, the portion of sole immediately in 
contact with the wall, should be utilised as bearing surface. 
This part is of course rendered level with the wall and even 
by the rasp, so that there is no danger of any limited and 
uneven pressure if the shoe be well fitted. Of course if a 
farrier over-reduce a foot, a seated shoe is least liable to do 
harm, but on a well-prepared foot, a flat, level shoe is bene- 
ficial, as it increases the bearing surface and gives functional 
activity to the sole. 
4th. Mr. Greaves urges the evil of rasping the outside of 
the wall, with which I heartily agree. It is a most mis- 
