V;J4 THE ANATOMY AND DISEASES OF 



Ocularly of inflammation of the lungs, or any of the air-passages. The cut on th 

 precedir g page shows the ramifications of the blood-vessels, both arlerial and venous 

 on Tie membrane of the nose. It beautifully accounts for the accurate connexion 

 which we trace between the colour of the nasal membrane, and various diseases or 

 states of the circulation. By the sore places or ulcerations discovered on this mem- 

 brane, we likewise determine respecting the existence of glanders ; and the interposi- 

 tion of the septum is a wise and benevolent provision to hinder the spread of the 

 mischief, by cutting off all communication with the neighbouring parts, and also to 

 preserve one nostril pervious, when the other is diseased or obstructed. The nasal 

 cavity is, on either side, occupied by two bones, which, from their being rolled up 

 somewhat in the form of a turban, are called the turbinated or turban-shaped bones, 

 i s, p. 72 ; part of the cartilage is cut away in our cut in order to display them. They 

 are as thin as gauze, and perforated, like gauze, with a thousand holes. Between 

 them are left sufficient passages for the air. 



If they were unrolled, they would present a very considerable surface; and on 

 every part of them is spread the substance or pulp of the olfactory, or first pair of 

 nerves. These bones, lined with delicate membranes, and covered by the olfactory 

 nerves, are the seat of smell ; and they are thus expanded, because the sense of smell 

 in the horse must, to a very considerable degree, supply the place of the sense of 

 touch and the lessons of experience in the human being. By this alone he is enabled 

 to select, amongst the nutritive and poisonous herbage of the meadow, that which 

 would support and not destroy him. The troops of wild horses are said to smell the 

 approach of an enemy at a very considerable distance. In his domestic state, the 

 horse does not examine the different food which is placed before him with his eye, 

 but with his nose ; and if the smell displeases him, no coaxing will induce him to 

 eat. He examines a stranger by the smell, and, by very intelligible signs, expresses 

 the opinion which he forms of him by this inquisition. The horse will evidently 

 recognise his favourite groom when he has nothing else to indicate his approach but 

 the sense of smell. These cavities are likewise organs of voice. The sound re- 

 vert erates through them, and increases in loudness, as through the windings of a 

 French horn. 



The extension of the nostril at the lower part of these cavities is an important part 

 of the face, and intimately connected with breeding, courage, and speed. The horse 

 can breathe only through the nose. All the air which goes to and returns from the 

 lungs must pass through the nostrils. In the common act of breathing, these are 

 sufficiently large ; but when the animal is put on his speed, and the respiration is 

 quickened, these passages must dilate, or he will be much distressed. The expanded 

 nostril is a striking feature in the blood-horse, especially when he has been excited 

 and not over-blown. The sporting man will not forget the sudden effect which is 

 given to the countenance of the hunter, when his ears become erect, and his nostrils 

 dilate as he first listens to the cry of the hounds, and snorts, and scents them afar off. 

 The painful and spasmed stretching of this part, in the poor, over-driven post-horse, 

 will show how necessary it is that the passage to the lungs should be free and open. 

 The nostril should not only be large, but the membranous substance which covers the 

 entrance into the nose should be thin and elastic, that it may more readily yield when 

 the necessity of the animal requires a greater supply of air, and afterwards return to 

 its natural dimensions. Therefore, nature, which adapts the animal to his situation 

 and use, has given to the cart-horse, that is seldom blown, a confined nostril, and 

 surrounded by much cellular substance, and a thick skin ; and to the horse of more 

 breeding, whose use consists in his speed and his continuance, a wider nostril, and 

 one much more flexible. 



The inhabitants of some countries were accustomed to slit the nostrils of theii 

 horses, that they might be less distressed in the severe and long-continued exertion 

 of their speed. The Icelanders do so to the present day. There is no necessity for 

 this, for nature has made ample provision for all the ordinary and even extraordinary 

 exertion we can require from the horse. 



Some very powerful muscles proceed from different parts of the face to Cie neighbour- 

 hood of the nostrils, in order to draw them back and Dilate them. Four of these aie 

 jri^en in the following cut, which is inserted to compl >ie OUT ^resent subject, and whicb 



