Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1886-05-26
THE HORSES HOOP.
Its Construction aud the Injurious Effects
OF Improper Shooting.

| W SuotinSs
The external covering of the foot
may be divided into four parts, viz,
the wall or "crust," the bars
sole and ''horny frog" The extcr-
nal portion, named crust" is adapted
as defense to the sensitive parts
within. 1t is composed of small fila
ments, or hollow tubes, consolidated
in such manner as to preserve their
canals distinct. These canals consti-
tutc the cxcrcmentitous outlets of the
hoof, through which morbifc or waste
matters make their exit, and i'm them
may also be found the vessels by which
the horn is sccrctcd. The small vessels
arising from the vascular and nervous
membrane beneath the hoof, which is
considered rs a continuation of the true
skin, enter also into these canals. The
small vessels alluded to, technically
called papiti0, possess the properties OF
scnsibility and conductibility. They
are formed from cells, and have an al
lotcd function TO perform, for which,
in their healthy state, they are all-suf-
| ficient, and for which no other class
has or can perform without derangc-
ments to the parts.
The "bars' are continuation of the
external portion just described. They
form an angle at the heels, which ter
| inmates toward tho toe. They serve to
give strength and durability to the hoof,
prevent contraction of the heels, and
thus aid tho hoof IN protecting the soft
and sensitive parts. The internal por-
| ton Of the bars presents the same APP
pcarancc as that of the crust. They arc
held together by vital afiinitics, and so
long as they maintain their normal in
tcgrity the foot will preserve its form.
Next in order Is the sole" IL is
considered TO be more elastic than the
crust, and is the medium of the scnsi-
tive faculty, through which, together
with its elasticity, the percussion of the
foot against the ground Is regulated.
The .'horny frog" is still more elastic
than either of the parts described, and
any unnecessary ''paring" on the part
of the smith is to be deprecated ~
On the internal portion of the parts
just described Is found beautiful set
of idmi,so, resembling those found OH
the under part of mushrooms; their
number is said to be about five hum
drcd, which artculatc with similar
number given off from the coffin-hone.
Each laminm, having two sides and an
edge, forms series of articulations,
numbering about three thousand. The
whole presents q surface of four square
feet. Hence, the body of horse rests
upon sixteen square feet of surface
within the hoof.
Tho hoof, as observed, serves as q
defense to the sensitive pSy.s within.
1t varies in size and thickness, accord
ing to the age and condition OF the an
imal. Its texture may be rendered
hard or soft by the judicious applica-
ton of therapeutic agents. Its con-
formation may be altered, for better or
worse, by proper attention TO the laws
of animal life, stable management and
skillful shocing.
Some people seem to suppose that
fhorsc's footlis as inscnsible as stone.
The smith wrcnching off the shoes, Of
ten brings away portion of the hoof
with them, and cuts of large pieces
with rs little care as a man would
trim dog, then apply arcd-hot shoe
to the part, without any regard to the
feelings of the animal. Many persons
have had occasion to dcplorc the pres
ent barbarious system of shooting. Dear
bought experience has taught them
lesson which they are not likely to for
get. philadelphia Record.