6 FORMATION OF 



portance. The lower surface of the neck, or portion of the 

 oesophagus or gullet perceptible, — i.e. from the larynx 

 to the breast — cannot be too short. The distance or 

 length from the top of the withers to the end of the 

 cervical vertebras should be more than double that of 

 the former ; because this formation presents the smallest 

 possible distance for the air-pumps to work, and conse- 

 quently renders rapid respiration more easy. Also, 

 such formation is effected by the proper formation of 

 other portions of the frame, and more especially by 

 proper formation of the shoulders, — i.e. by the base of 

 the scapula or shoulder-blade being pushed forward, 

 and the apex being thrown back in a corresponding 

 degree. Thus the apex of the scapula, being well 

 inclined backwards, or thrown into the back or dorsal 

 vertebras, lengthens the superior surface of the neck, 

 while the base of the scapula and apex of humerus, or 

 arm-bone, being pushed forward, shortens the inferior 

 surface of the neck — or, in other words, lessens the 

 space between the breast and the larynx. 



I have scarcely ever seen a good neck on a bad 

 animal, or a bad neck on a good one. By a good neck 

 I mean a strong, deep, broad neck running right into 

 the shoulders imperceptibly, and formed as above de- 

 scribed. I abhor either the weak thin ewe-necks, or 

 the light tapering arched peacocky roaring necks, which 

 indicate weakness, not only of this particular organ, but 

 of the whole system. 



This I take to be a rule. A well-developed muscular 

 neck, properly formed, indicates strength, and a thin, 



