74 DETERIORATED CONDITION OF 



of larger stature proportionably than the stal- 

 lions, we should invert the clearest order of na- 

 ture, for naturally females are smaller than the 

 males. 



It is certain, that in enlarging the na- 

 tural size of both cattle and horses, we do 

 not pari passu increase the natural amount of 

 nervous, or, if I may use the expression, vital 

 power. Dr. Holland, in his work on Mental 

 Physiology, says in the chapter entitled, " In- 

 quiry into the Nervous System," " Other 

 arguments, in addition, might be used to sanc- 

 tion the idea of quantity in the nervous power 

 as expressed by its deficiency. May we not 

 under this view find the explanation of the 

 great exhaustion (sometimes involving danger- 

 ous results) which follows sudden or excessive 

 growth of the body ? regarding such debility 

 as the effect of disproportion between the size 

 of the frame, and the amount of nervous force 

 ministering to its functions." On this passage 

 Dr. Holland adds the following note : — " In 

 such cases, however, we are bound to advert 

 also to the want of proportionate growth in the 

 muscular structure of the heart, and its conse- 



