THE SKELETON. 



41 



ward and tlie muscles of the haunclies furnisli a 

 great propelling power, as can be observed by so- 

 called bow-legged liorses ; but tlie weight affects the 

 two pastern joints, which frequently collapse down- 

 ward and backward. 



In judging the different positions, it will be ob- 

 served that the normal shape is not at all decisive 

 for the working ability of the leg; because, the cor- 

 rect position can exist, even in a very badly formed 

 and unable leg. Fig. 2 shows how, in a leg composed 

 only of short and straight angled bones, and with- 

 out any ability for extension, the perpendicular posi- 

 tion may be found. 



Fig. 6. Fig. 7 



>i^ 



Back-standing Position, Caused 



by Bad Location of the 



Stifle. 



Back - standing Position, 



Caused by Great Length 



of the Leg Bone. 



THE POSITION OF THE FORE LEGS. 



The Uppermost part of the fore leg not being 

 inserted in a firm bone like the thigh bone, but 



