238 



THE TRUNK. 



interfered with, if these muscles have to constantly strive 

 against undue pressure from the contents of the cavity they 

 cover. Besides, if the intestinal mass is greater than it 

 ought to be, it will hamper the action of the lungs by forcing 

 the diaphragm too far into the chest ; it will add to the 

 weight to be carried ; and will mihtate against speed by 

 tending to bring the centre of gravity to the rear, and by 

 thus increasing the stabihty of the equilibrium (p. 69). 

 Although the subject of feeding is not within the province 

 of this book, it may not be out of place if I point out that 

 the practice of giving horses large quantities of soft food 

 (boiled turnips, for instance), which they can quickly 

 consume, exerts, among other evils, an injurious effect 

 on the muscles of the stomach, intestines and abdomen ; 

 for, being deprived of the rest which is necessary to their 

 repair and development, by the continued pressure re- 

 sulting from the presence of the bulky food, these muscles 

 soon become ill-fitted to perform their work. On the 

 other hand, we should guard against a " tucked up " 

 condition of belly, which will indicate illness, over-work, 

 too excitable a temperament, or improper management 

 of some kind. If we consider that these abdominal 

 muscles act by tending to become straight between their 

 points of attachment, and that, when in a passive state, 

 they are longer than when they contract, we shall see that, 

 when in a condition of rest, they should be gently rounded, 

 and should be neither drawn straight nor bulged out. On 

 pages 355 and 356, the special development of these 

 muscles will be considered. 



Withers.— The chief object which the withers fulfil, 

 is to afford attachment for the suspensory ligament of 

 the head and neck ; for muscles which extend the head 

 and neck ; for muscles that draw the shoulder-blade 

 forward ; for the powerful muscle that runs along the 

 top of the back and extends the vertebrae ; and for a 

 muscle which aids inspiration by bringing the ribs forward. 



