Experiments and their Verification 239 



and that such a hind leg extends forward more easily than it points 

 backward. In both these cases the near fore and the off hind act 

 together in those excessive extensions. In the second trial we find the 

 near fore a good deal more irregular, while both hind have approached 

 to a closer equality of extension (6.40 6.05). 



This horse, therefore, had a limit to his improvement in speed. 

 He lacked the harmony of motion that is absolutely necessary for sus- 

 tained efforts ; but before the case is dismissed the lateral extensions 

 of Fig. 180 should be examined as given in Fig. 181. They were aver- 

 aged from 21 positions of each foot. The distances are given in 

 inches as heretofore. 



Again we have the unsatisfactory inward placing of the off hind, 

 the other feet being in good position. The off hind should be at least 

 two inches on outside of the off fore, not only to correspond with the 



Ft 6. 181 



Loclera.1 extensions offig.JSO 

 reduced one half. 



nf 



l 



of 



\ 



other side, but also to conform to the general rule of. lateral exten- 

 sions for the trot. It is at times, on the stretch so measured, placed 

 at distances, in inches, from the median line as follows: i%, i l / 2 , 

 1^4, 2*4, ^2, 4, l /4. and then drops inside the line to 1*4, i, 4, 

 and so forth, showing the unsteadiness of a foot in danger of inter- 

 ference or actually interfering with the lateral fore foot. In studying 

 the tracks laid out, as it were, before one's eyes, it may not always 

 be expedient or possible to map them out as suggested, but it will be 

 always advisable to go over them carefully and note anything ab- 

 normal in the contact with the ground. When the surface is good and 

 smooth and the soil is not of the slipping kind, such as a sandy one, 

 one may rest assured that the irregularities of the impressions, occur- 

 ring as they often do with one particular foot, stand for some indica- 

 tion of a defect in action. For, as before asserted, the contact of the 



