EXTERNAL FORMATION. 85 
ether. It is necessary, therefore, in order to make a description intelli- 
ible, when using the term in its mechanical signification, to add the 
adjective, external, although, at first sight, it may appear to be an instance 
of tautology, for it might be alleged that internal forms can only be ascer- 
tained by dissection. With this explanation, I must now proceed to dis- 
cuss what are generally considered to be the best shapes, for the purpose of 
combining speed with stoutness, remembering that we are examining the 
thoroughbred horse, and are not alluding to any other. Asan instance of a 
very epposite conformation to that of Fisherman at page 83, I insert here a 
SAUNTER ZH. 
portrait of Sauuterer, both after careful paintings by Mr. Barraud. These 
are generally admitted to have been the two best horses of their time, yet iu 
is scarcely possible to imagine a greater difference to exist in first-class 
animals, than is displayed by them. Fisherman, short and strong, looks 
more like a hunter than a race-horse ; while Saunterer, long and elegant, 
appears incapable of carrying more than ten stone. The student will do 
well to study these animals carefully, but it must not be omitted that the 
portrait of Fisherman was taken after he was thrown out of training. 
Tue Bopy or trunk is the grand centre of all the muscular pullies and 
bony levers, which are used to move the horse, and it must, therefore, 
first come under consideration, although, as a matter of convenience, the 
horseman generally commences with the head. It is quite true that it in 
turn receives its orders from the brain, as will be hereafter explained, in 
treating of the nervous system, but as a mere machine it may be regarded 
independently of that organ altogether. It must, however, be viewed in 
three different aspects, inasmuch as it has three diferent offices to perform. 
These are, first, to carry its load, and propel it by means of the levers 
