THE SKELETON. 19 



of 140 degrees. The small pastern and the coffin 

 bone follow in the direction of the fetlock bone, and 

 are connected by equally named joints. The lower 

 part of the small pastern bone, the coffin joint 

 and coffin bone, are encased in the hoof. 



On the length of the fetlock hone depend consider- 

 ably the speed, elasticity and extent of the steps. 

 A long spring develops a more telling force than a 

 short one, whereas the latter can stand a greater 

 pressure. Likewise the long fetlock has the greater 

 elasticity, while the short one will carry a heavier 

 weight. The fetlock must be formed according to 

 the demands of either elasticity or carrying power, 

 but the elasticity must always be in proper relation 

 with the length of the former. The long elastic 

 fetlock of the race horse and the short, hard fetlock 

 of the draught horse are both good in their place. 

 The long, soft and relaxing fetlock is bad with any 

 animal ; it will succumb under the burden without 

 producing any elasticity. The short, straight 

 fetlock, bare of any springiness, ruins joints and 

 ligaments. 



FUNCTIONS OF THE FOKE LEGS. 



Let US now consider the functions of the fore legs, 

 and we find a repetition of the four moments we 

 had to distinguish in the hind legs, viz., the extend- 



