BRITISH TURF. 49 



his Arab master, arise from the possession of 

 larger muscles and smaller bones than any other 

 horses ; muscles and sinews constituting the 

 powers of action ; and on these depend the 

 lasting qualities of an animal going at the top of 

 his speed. Bones, being the weight to be lifted, 

 serve only to extend the parts ; and it is obvious 

 that such as are small, but highly condensed, 

 like those of the deer and the Arabian horse, 

 are, by occupying less space, and containing less 

 weight, more easily acted upon by muscular 

 force than such as are large and porous, and for 

 a greater duration of time, without fatiguing the 

 active powers. 



But the excellence of the horse of the desert 

 does not end with his highly condensed bone 

 and flat and wiry leg, so much valued by real 

 judges. On reference to the works of eminent 

 writers on the anatomy of the horse, we find all 

 the muscles, and fibres, and sinews of his frame 

 described as driven into closer contact than 

 those of any other breed ; always excepting our 

 own thorough bred horse ; and from the mem- 

 branes and ligaments being composed of a firmer 

 and thinner substance, he possesses the rare 

 union of strength with lightness, so essential to 

 the endurance of fatigue in all quick motions ; 

 and when to these qualifications are added the 



VOL. I. E 



