460 
A. LIAUTARD. 
which take place in the shape and dimensions of the hoof, separ¬ 
ated from the foot, by consecutive dessication and immersion ; but 
if the deductions of M. Lafosse were logical, truly the best 
means to restore the hoof-bound foot to its normal dimensions 
would be by the use of daily, long foot baths. We do not know 
that the hydrotherapic method has yet been successfully employed 
in the treatment of this disease. 
We challenge the contraction post 'mortem as means of com¬ 
parison, because observations and experiments made upon the 
cadaver have only a relative value if compared to living facts. 
And we are surprised that M. Lnfosse, who took the phenomena 
to prove (?) the influence of the dessication of the horn in the pro¬ 
duction of the hoof-bound, had forgotten the wise reflections he 
wrote some time after : “ To discover the laws of nature,” said 
he, “ one must reproduce the facts of their actions in the same 
condition as she presents them herself.” 
To resume, it is possible that the want of external dampness, 
may act as assistant cause, in the genesis of hoof-bound ; but we 
will nevertheless Conclude that its action has been considerably 
exaggerated.* 
4th. What other influences were not invoked ? For this dis¬ 
ease, as for any others, every author has judged proper to have a 
different cause of his own ? Even the mode of feeding has been 
made use of. We find in some of our school notes, £ *The na¬ 
ture of food has a certain influence in the development of hoof- 
bound. It has been noticed that animals fed exclusively on dry 
•/ •/ 
food are more exposed to it than those who were fed on grass. 
The influence of grass is manifest upon all tissues. It softens the 
hoof. This may be the reason why it is more common in south 
bred animals, who are mostly fed on dry food.” Again, M. La- 
fosse says: “ Grass, in the stable, helps hoof-bound animals, and 
sometimes cures them. On the contrary, a dry, rich food, oats, 
predispose the feet to contract and stimulate hoof-bound.” 
The other causes, such as the influence of emigration, of warm 
If hoof-bound was the etfect of a natural tendency of the wall to con¬ 
traction, this would he more common on the thickest side, the external ; aud gen¬ 
erally it is the contrary which happeus. 
