GAITS. 15 



covers the same space during the same period of time, the 

 hind limbs theoretically making their trails upon the 

 tracks of the fore feet. 



There are cases where the space between the traces is 

 found to be modified even outside the walk, be it ordinary, 

 precipitated, or slow. Thus, when the animal climbs an 

 ascent, this will be more rapid, and the step smaller, 

 by reason of the rejection of the centre of gravity upon 

 the posterior. The trails will be less far apart and cannot 

 be covered. It is similar when an animal is drawing: a 

 too heavy w r eight, as it then remains supported by three 

 feet so long as is possible. 



In the descent, on the contrary, the step of the horse 

 is long, the posterior trail exceeds that left by the 

 anterior member, and the centre of gravity approaches 

 the chest. 



The supposition of the animal in motion having just 

 been considered, the motor force ought to be sought, and 

 at the outset let it be emphasized that impulsion comes 

 from the posterior member, the greatest resistance 

 occurring when in the middle of its appui. In fact, the 

 member in its restraightment with the hock, puts into 

 opposition muscular forces which have a tendency to 

 farther remove its two extremities, the one, coming 

 into collision with the ground, the rigidity of which 

 serves as a point of appui, the body alone offers resistance 

 to the other, which agitates in an upward direction, and 

 anteriorly projects the whole by a direct transmission of 

 the pelvis invariably connected with the vertebral 

 column. 



The centre of gravity is immediately displaced ; the 

 body, projected anteriorly and in an upward direction, on 

 its again falling, finds the reaction of this motion 

 attenuated by the elasticity of the attachment of the 

 anterior members, which are perfectly organised as the 

 elastic suspension terminating straight columns. 



Having considered the direction, which is diagonal, it 

 should be said of the duration that, in the walk, three feet 

 rest the very minimum of time upon the earth : this 

 contact with the ground can constitute the points of an 

 isosceles triangle, of which the base is the space between 

 the lateral bipedal ; this is equal in length to the complete 



