BRITISH TURF. 115 



cardinal points. But before we attempt to portray 

 these, it is highly necessary to observe, that no 

 rules can be laid down, by which it can be deter- 

 mined whether or not a horse will make a racer, by 

 the mere examination and consideration of his form. 

 Numerous instances might be adduced in which 

 horses, that the eye of the judge in such matters 

 would delight to study, have turned out worthless 

 on the Turf; and the contrary. While therefore 

 the sportsman may derive much useful information, 

 as well as pleasure, from a proper investigation of 

 the symmetry and proportions of the thorough- 

 bred horse, he will do well to remember that his 

 powers can only be safely determined by actual 

 trial. 



The peculiar elegance of form of the race-horse, 

 is derived from the just proportions of his limbs 

 and moving levers, coupled with the exact fitting 

 with each other, of all the mechanical parts of his 

 frame. To this mechanical excellence of frame is 

 united a superiority of muscular substance, joined 

 with justly proportioned shape, giving that elegance 

 of form, in which there is no unnecessary weight 

 to oppress the muscles. We now proceed to por- 

 tray the generally approved points of the race-horse, 

 without pretending to lay down any exact standard 

 of perfection. The form of the head in the racer, 

 resembles that of the Arabian, and is one of the 

 leading characteristics of the thorough-bred horse. 



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