Record of the Tracks on the Ground 73 



smaller stride from that average of 19.72. Entering in the variation 

 columns the difference between the actual stride and the average, we 

 designate that difference with plus ( + ) when the stride is greater 

 than average, and by minus ( ) when the stride falls short of average. 

 Again, we see long and short strides throughout the movements of the 

 legs, but they must all conform to this general average if the gait is to 

 be kept up as a pace. So again, in spite of variations, the stride of 

 each leg must be the same or very nearly so. We can not have a long 

 stride in front and a short stride behind, or vice versa ; but we may find 

 greater variations in one leg than in another, or in the hind than in the 

 fore, or vice versa. 



This trial was not made over an ideal piece of ground, the same 

 being on outside of homestretch near grandstand and in rather loose 

 soil. Moreover, the mare swerved a little to left, being used to going 

 on inner side. Hence, the near fore shows a little greater variation,, 

 that being the side to which she tried to get. 



From experiments we have the same rules as to the indications of 

 variations as were set forth in the case of Lou Dillon, namely: 



1 i ) In fore legs the greater total variation belongs to, or occurs 

 in, the stronger leg; and 



(2) In the hind legs the greater total variation belongs to, or 

 occurs in, the weaker leg. 



By "total variation" is meant the entire scope of such -f- and 

 variations for those 15 strides; as the figures under the variations in- 

 dicate. This is simply an ordinary addition without regard to the plus 

 and minus signs, which latter only show the total extension over and 

 below the average stride. But if, furthermore, we divide the total 

 variations by 15 we will obtain the tendency of each stride with ref- 

 erence to average stride. 



For instance, we have approximately : 



Hind Fore 



Near Off Near Off 



+.155 +- J 34 +-167 '4-.I49 



-.135 -.127 -.184 .156 



+ .02 +.007 .017 .007 



