294 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 



state and conduct it into the circulation. "We have strong 

 proofs of this in the horse being more easily salivated than 

 man himself, as we have known a horse to be salivated by 

 rubbing a splint with mercurial ointment. 



OF THE HAIR. 



The hair of the horse is of two qualities : the one covering 

 the entire surface of the skin, called its coat, and which is 

 of a fine soft material ; and the other, which invests the 

 rido-e of the neck, crown of the head, and forms the tail, of 

 a coarser texture, and much lengthened. The foretop ap- 

 pears only formed as an ornament ; while the mane is a 

 protection to the neck during combat ; and the tail acts the 

 double purpose of an ornament, and as a switch to drive off 

 insects from its rear. The tufts of hair springing from the 

 fetlocks defend them from contusion, and also protects the 

 heels. The coat is of a uniform thickness all over the body, 

 excepting upon the inner parts of the thighs, under the 

 arms, &c. The coat varies in quality, colour, and length in 

 different breeds. The thoroughbred racer, the Arabian, 

 Barbs, and Turkish horses are remarkable for the short- 

 ness and sleekness of their coat ; while the cart-horse, the 

 Shetland pony, and horses of all northern climates, are 

 distinguished by the length, roughness, and coarseness of 

 their hair. The lighter the shade of colour, the finer the 

 hair ; and it has been found that in the chestnut and light 

 bay horses there are many more hairs in a square inch than 

 in black and other dark-coloured horses. 



The coat is shed twice a year, in spring and autumn. In 

 a state of nature this commences with great regularity as to 

 time ; but in a state of domestication, this process is much 

 influenced by the temperature and stable management. 

 The hair of the mane and tail is never shed. Regeneration 



