THE SHOULDEE. 45 



of the scapula, at the point of the shoulder, to the top 

 of the foreleg. It is by its means that the shoulder- 

 blade is imited to the bones of the leg. Some parties 

 imagine it is an advantage to have this bone as short as 

 possible, for the pm-pose of keeping the point of the 

 shoulder light. But from this opinion I am disposed 

 to dissent. I think lightness in the shoulder-points is 

 quite compatible with a considerable elongation of the 

 humerus. If this is the case, it is a matter of some 

 importance, as an addition to the length of this bone 

 would increase the length of the stride, and add to the 

 elasticity of the fore-quarter. If the humerus were 

 long, and placed in the horizontal position, the leg would 

 undoubtedly be thrown a gi-eat deal too far back. 

 There would then be too much weight at the point of 

 the shoulder, which is an insuperable fault m a saddle- 

 horse. This conformation, moreover, is not favourable 

 even for the harness or draught-horse, because he will 

 be obhged to elevate his shoulders considerably every 

 time he puts forward his foot. He ^ill have a 

 sort of rocking action, which is rough and disagree- 

 able, and unfavourable for draught. But the case is 

 quite altered if the humerus is well slanted upwards 

 and foi-wards, in the opposite du-ection to that taken by 

 the shoulder-blade. This arrangement will permit it to 

 be long, at the same time that sufficient lightness is 

 preserved in front of the leg. Such a development is 

 most important for eyery horse but the carter. He 



