32 THE BREEDS OF LIVE-STOCK 



able to the lack of depth in the shorter ribs. Increasing 

 the depth of body and adding to the length of the hinder 

 ribs have been effective in lessening the prevalence of this 

 criticism. The croup of the Clydesdale is muscular, and 

 the quarters are specially well developed. The set of the 

 hocks is one of the strong points of the breed. A properly 

 set hock forecasts pulling power, and it also implies free- 

 dom from curbs and from coarseness, due to thoroughpin 

 or bog spavins. With the web of the hock free from any 

 filling, the latter works freer and stronger, and is not 

 predisposed to diseases; and such a hock is almost 

 invariably properly set, for it will frequently be noticed 

 that it is the bent hock that is more " meaty " and 

 subject to bog spavins and thoroughpins. Properly set 

 hocks, above all other things, insure the hock action which 

 is so greatly sought in Clydesdales. To bring the hocks 

 well under the body and not to spread too much in passing 

 each other are very desirable attributes, and these are 

 eminently characteristic of the Clydesdale's hind action. 

 The front action in best form is free, snappy and folding 

 at the knee, chiefly attributable to a shoulder of correct 

 slope, and springy yet strong pasterns. 



26. Uses of Clydesdales. The Clydesdale is essen- 

 tially a draft horse, bred for that purpose alone. His 

 free, straight, rapid gait, and strong, heavy frame, give 

 him high rank among draft breeds. 



Good types of pure-bred Clydesdales on native draft 

 mares have given grades with considerable snap and 

 power, well adapted for medium draft work in the city 

 and on the farm. 



The secretary of the American Clydesdale Associa- 

 tion has reported the sale of four draft geldings, largely 

 of Clydesdale breeding, on the Union Stock Yards market 



