160 VETERINARY JURISPRUDENCE. 
perior part, which extends as high as the pastern joint , is 
covered by skin only; and on that account is quite perceptible 
to the feel, and in form to the sight , as the animal stands with 
his side towards us. Mr. Blaine states, “ They are partly 
within and partly without the hoof and are covered at their 
lower portion by the coronary ligaments;” also, “ that they ap¬ 
pear particularly intended to operate in expanding the upper 
horny portions of the hoof.” Mr. Youatt tells us, “ the cartilage, 
like the crust, is convex outwards, and concave inwards; it 
extends to the very posterior part of the foot, rising about the 
quarters, half an inch or more above the hoof' ’ Now, nothing 
can be plainer than these statements to prove Mr. Dawtry was 
entirely incorrect in his judgment; and I am of opinion that 
his positive, though erroneous, assertions had much to do with 
the decision of the Judge. Mr. D. made a remark, that “ if the 
horse was here, he would soon prove to Mr. Mannington that he 
(Mr. M.) was wrong ;” but 1 think, if Mr. Dawtry will take the 
trouble to dissect a horse’s foot carefully, and then compare it 
with what he has seen of the horse in question, that he will find 
himself wrong and me right. I know other veterinary sur¬ 
geons had been procured to examine the animal by Mr. Griffin- 
hoof, but that they considered him unsound, and consequently 
were not brought forward to give evidence; and I will stake 
my professional reputation against that of Mr. Dawtry, and 
against the assertion of all those men brought forward by Mr. 
Griffinhoof, that the horse is still unsound , and unsound from 
ossification of the lateral cartilages of both fore feet; and if Mr. 
G., who still has the horse in his possession, will allow me, 
I will myself be at the expense of procuring either Mr. 
Spooner, Field, Mavor, or Turner (gentlemen of high character 
in the veterinary profession), to examine him, and I will abide 
by that decision, which shall appear in your columns. Mr. 
Griffinhoof can readily comply with my request if he chooses; 
I have made it to him before, by letter, but have received no 
answer, and I now make it publicly. I am not actuated by any 
ill feeling towards Messrs. Comber and Dawtry, not even being 
acquainted with either of them; but I wish to remove the onus 
of having given an incorrect opinion about so simple a case from 
myself and from those gentlemen whose evidence was in behalf 
of Mr. Blaber. 
With apologies for trespassing so long on your valuable 
space, I beg to subscribe myself 
Your obedient servant, 
John Mannington, M.R.C.V.S. 
Brighton, Nov. 27, 1851. 
