INTESTINAL CALCULUS. 
493 
receive the shock of contact. My opinion is that they are 
there to continue the distribution of the concussion, which 
begins at the toe or extremity; for should the actual and 
acquired weight of an animal in leaping be thrown upon the 
heels, when the extensors are stretched to their utmost limit, 
how disastrous must be the results of such a distribution 
upon the flexors, both in alighting and in succeeding pro- 
gression. 
Jn conclusion, I may be allowed to remark that the anterior 
part of the foot, from its obliquity, is the extremity; that the 
horn is there the thickest, and quite capable of receiving the 
first contact; that the structures of the posterior portion of 
the foot are admirably adapted, and are there for the purpose 
of continuing the distribution of concussion, and allowing 
expansion of the heels ; that the limb is flexed as the foot 
comes to the ground before actual contact ; and that it is 
seldom extended to its utmost limit by the necessity of a 
conservation of muscular power in any of the horse’s paces. 
Mr. Gamgee admits that in ascending a hill a horse does 
place his toes to the ground, and that his steps are short and 
incomplete. I would urge that his steps are restrained, but 
quite adequate; and that if a horse requires a fulcrum in such 
a case, he also requires it when performing ordinary pro- 
gression, where the movement is so modified as to render it 
somewhat difficult of perception. 
In going down hill horses use the foot as a stay, and here 
also the toe appears to me to come to the ground first. 
Many allowances should be made., in observations of this 
kind ; proportions differ in different animals ; health and 
disease, malformation, temperament, shoeing, and many other 
causes, influence the planting of the foot of the horse. 
Facts and Observations. 
INTESTINAL CALCULUS. 
We gladly give insertion to the following particulars re- 
specting the finding of a large calculus in the intestines of a 
bay gelding, the property of Messrs. Garrett and Sons, 
Leiston Works, Suffolk, April 12th, 1858, not so much, how- 
ever, from the novelty of the case, as from the careful and 
precise manner in which the report is drawn up. 
