54 DISTRIBUTION OF WEIGHT IN THE HORSE'S BODY. 



the centre of gravity is placed below the centre of the hull. If, for ex- 

 ample, we want to ascertain the position of the centre of gravity of a 

 loaded club, we may take one line through its axis, and another across 

 it, at the point where it balances, when placed horizontally. The lower 

 the centre of gravity of a body, the more stable will be its equilibrium, 

 as we may see by experimenting with a loaded stick of uniform thick- 

 ness ; firstly, balanced on its light end, and, secondly, on its heavy 

 extremity. 



In the living animal, the position of the centre of gravity is constantly 



Fig. 20. — rosition of Centre of Gravity. (From Goubaux and Barrier's 

 V Extdrieiir du Cheval.) 



changing, on account of the manner in which the respective positions of 

 the various parts alter, especially during movements of the head and 

 neck. 



Colin, the well-known author of Physiologic Comparee des Animaux 

 Domestiques, remarks that " the centre of gravity, the exact position of 

 which has never been determined, nearly corresponds, in the horse, to 

 the intersection of two lines — one, vertical, falhng behind the xiphoid 

 appendage [cartilage at rearmost point of the breast bone] of the sternum ; 

 the other, horizontal, dividing the middle third from the lower third of 

 the body." Fig. 20 is drawn in conformity with Colin's remarks. 

 The point of intersection of the two dotted Hues in this figure, shows 

 the position of the supposed centre of gravity. 



