448 CIIAI'TER GO. 



vardly their conformation is not actually visible. Their size, however, 

 as a rule, is i)retty correctly indicated by the size of the bones at the 

 joints. Large well-formed joints are accompanied and knit together by 

 large well-developed ligaments, whilst small joints arc usually held toge- 

 ther by small ligaments. 



In examining the tendons, the eye alone should not be trusted to. 

 They should also be carefully examined by jiressure with the foreiinger 

 and thumb along their course, — namely, the more flattened i)erforatus, 

 which is situated posteriorly, the corded perforans immediately in front 

 of it, and the suspensory ligament in front of the last named. See Plate 

 27. After examining the leg with the weight on it, it should be lifted 

 up, and the tendons and ligaments (being then relaxed) should be again 

 examined and compared with those of the other leg. The inside of the 

 knee shuuld also be noticed to sec if there is any mark of speedv-cut. 

 (See X Plate 25.) 



!»J1». G'Hcral Utmarlo?. 



We stated in the beginning of this Chapter, that like as the strength 

 of a chain is measured by its weakest link, so is the power and endurance 

 of a iiorsc limited by the weakest point in his structure. 



It does not, however, necessarily foUoAV that a horse will eventually fail 

 at that point, which was orirjinally the weakest. For example, in a chain 

 cable Avith a weak link no storm may occur for years to test its utmost 

 strength, and under such circumstances the weak link may last as long 

 as the rest of the chain. Similarly in a horse which is moderately 

 worked and well cared for, the particular defect may never go against 

 him, before age has worn him out altogether. 



Again circumstances may cause an excessive strain on a i)art which is 

 not weak, and that part may yield, whilst weaker points, which are not 

 subjected to strain in the i>articular animal may continue sound. For 

 instance, a horse may have good hocks and bad feet. From the jjcculiar 

 nature of the work, such as hunting, to which he may be subjected, it is 

 very possible that he may fail in the hocks ; whilst the feet, to whose 

 health soft ground is favorable, may stand sound. Again a horse may 

 have a defective chest, and yet die of some disease totally unconnected 

 with that weak point. 



Nevertheless our comparison with the chain holds good in the main ; 

 and a horse with defective conformation at any given point is especially 

 liable, if pushed, to fail at that point. In estimating, howevci", the com- 

 parative degree of importance to be attached to the various points, con- 

 stant reference must be made to the special use for which the intending 

 purchaser requires the horse, and also to the price at which the animal 

 with certain defects can be obtained. 



Certain defects will not go much against a horse for some sorts of 

 work, whilst they may be most objectionable for other descriptions of 

 work. For example, a somewhat hollow back is not of much detriment 

 to a horse intended solely for harness ; whilst it would be most objection- 

 able in an animal intended to carry a heavy weight on his back. Again, 



