248 
MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
below the knee, and occupying the space between the two 
splint-bones, two remarkable and important ligaments are 
situated. They are not only elastic, but also particularly 
well adapted to obviate concussion. They have their origin 
from the head of the shank-bone, and likewise from the 
heads of the splint-bones. They descend down the leg, 
and fill the groove between the splint-bones, although they 
are not attached to either. A little lower down they ex¬ 
pand on both sides, and as they approach the pasterns, 
separate, and are inserted into two small sesamoid bones, 
situate at the back of the upper pastern. These form a 
joint, both with the lower termination of the shank-bone 
and the upper pastern-bone, to both of which they are 
united by ligaments, /, i, and k, but more firmly united 
with the pastern than the shank. Between them pass the 
flexor tendons, through a mucous bag, which prevents the 
friction to which they would otherwise be exposed in passing 
through so confined a situation. This ligament is continued 
over the sesamoid bones, and afterwards is directed obliquely 
forward over the pastern, where it unites with the long 
extensor tendon, and downward to the perforated tendon, 
which it surrounds, and fixes in its position, and likewise to 
the smaller pastern bone. 
a The coffin-bone. This bone is fitted to, and occupies the fore 
part of the hoof, filling about half of it. It nearly resembles 
the hoof in form, being half-moon shaped : it is convex above 
and in front, and concave behind and beneath. It varies, 
however, with the natural form of the hoof, and also adapts 
itself to such changes in the hoof as are induced by disease. 
Its structure is light and spongy, and perforated with numerous 
holes. These are adapted for the passage of the blood-vessels 
of the foot, without which the circulation could not be so safely 
and conveniently kept up, and affords another striking example 
of those beautiful provisions of nature for effecting certain ends 
But for this, these vessels would be frequently subjected t* 
