94 THE HORSE. 



muscles of the back should not be increased in power, 

 by being accustomed to a gradual increase of weight. 

 If this were done with sufficient caution, it would be 

 the means of adding to the thickness and strength of 

 the muscles of the back. The presei'vation of the legs 

 is the only obstacle in the way ; but this might be got 

 over by keeping the horse, during the time of his 

 work, at a moderate pace. At all events, the matter 

 is worthy of consideration and investigation. My at- 

 tention was first directed to the subject, by observing 

 the gi-eat facihty with which sacks of grain are carried 

 from place to place in the market on the backs of 

 practised individuals, when compared with men who, 

 although apparently strong, are inexperienced in the 

 work. There can be no doubt the muscles of the 

 back, by regular exercise, are brought to cany weights 

 with ease which they could not at first endm-e. 



The back should present a gradual and gentle elevation 

 over the kidneys. If there is a hollow here, the part 

 must be weak. The elevation, however, requii-es to be 

 moderate and gi-adual — never sudden. A gTadual 

 sweep is indicative of strength ; an abrupt rise is con- 

 nected with weakness, as the bones of the back are 

 not well adapted to each other. 



In order to fonn a correct estimate of the shape of 

 the back, we must view it on the side, from behind, 

 and in front. From these positions, we can see it on 

 every part. The withers ought not to stand very much 



