162 THE REASON WHY: 



Epirus for th' Elean chariot breeds 



(In hopes of palms) a race of running; steeds." DRYDEN. 



discharges the same office. This is by some persons erroneously associated -wilfc 

 weakness or disease of the eye. But it is, in fact, a provision of nature to 

 accomplish a certain purpose, and is in no way connected with either health or 



486. Why is the best form of horse, such as tJie English racer, 



peculiarly fitted for swift running ? 



Because the mechanism 

 of the frame is based on 

 tjie most correct geometrical 

 principles, presenting a 

 series of lengthened levers 

 acting by means of a con- 

 densed muscular and ten- 

 donous organization of great 

 power, on angles capable of 

 great flexion and extension ; 

 while his pointed form fits 

 him to cleave the atmos- 

 phere, from which his deep 



chest enables him to take extensive inspirations to invigorate 



his exertions. 



487. The essential points in the form of a horse differ as much as the uses he is 

 put to vary. That which would approach perfection in one variety would be 

 defective in another. The finest-formed racer that ever bounded over the turf at 

 Newmarket, would cut a sorry figure in a London coal- waggon ; while one of 

 Barclay's splendid specimens of the heavy draught-horse would be even more 

 misplaced if entered for the Derby. To be able to form a tolerably correct 

 estimate of the capability of each variety of the horse to perform the duties required 

 of it, from a view of the general figure, constitutes the very feather in the cap of 

 the horse amateur. But to accomplish it requires much experience, and a long 

 habit of observation, comparison, and reflection.* 



488. Why has the horse a large square jaw under the ear f 



To enable the teeth to bear great pressure, they are socketed 

 very deeply in the jaw ; and as the strength of the muscles of 



* Elaine's " Rural Sports." 



