2Y4: Exercise. 



fibre stronger, and even that of the bones^ so much more solid and 

 hardj that, in comparison of the bones of a common Cart-horse, 

 they may be said to resemble ivory. To the strength and compact- 

 ness of his general frame; therefore, and not to any peculiarity of 

 structure in the lungs, must be attributed the superiority of the 

 wind, (to use the common expression) of the blood or bred Horse. 



For, as to the vast superiority of his speed, this undoubtedly de- 

 pends primarily and chiefly, on the geometrical proportions of his 

 frame. We may say, therefore, that geometrical proportion and 

 muscular energy, arc the grand constituents of a bred Horse. The 

 lirst is called symmetry, the latter strength ; these fundamental pro- 

 perties, are variously modified in diflerent Horses, and it is the busi- . 

 ncss of the breeder, and trainer, to lind out, to blend, and improve 

 these qualities, so as to produce the mos|perfect animal.. It is almost 

 superfluous to add, that no difference is found, in the quality of the 

 blood of the bred Horse, when anahzedapd compared with thatoCone 

 of the coarsest kind, though some superstitious notion of this sort, was 

 not only formerly entertained, but, actually gave origin to tlie term 

 of a blood Horse. These remarks I have been led into, in conse- 

 quence of speaking of the effects of exercise on the muscles ; for, the 

 natural history of the Horse, makes no part of the plan of this 

 work. I have already observed, how necessary regular exercise is 

 to the stabled Horse, in order to ward off disease ; and what has been 

 advanced under the head of some of tiie disorders, that have been 

 treated of, may serve to remove any scepticism on this subject. But, 

 as 1 conceive that next to the hot and foul air of stables, the want of 

 regular exercise, is the chief cause of the attacks of our perpetualiy- 

 harrasing enemies, farcy and glanders, I shall take leave to extend my 



