NATURAL HISTORY OF THE HORSE. ^f 



safety." In contests of speed the ears are generally laid back- 

 wards, so as to afford no 0}'»position to the rapid progress of 

 the animal. It must be evident, that if the concave surfaces 

 df these organs be presented forward, they would gather the 

 wind, and slightly impede progression. Another reason as- 

 signed for this deflection, is that the animal may avoid the 

 inconvenience, if not pain, which the current of air, produced 

 by his velocit}^ would inflict on that delicate organ. 



The different vocal articulations to which the horse gives 

 utterance, are collectively termed neighing ; but some variety 

 of intonation may be discovered in the expression of its pas- 

 sion? ; as, for instance, the cry of joy or recognition differs in a 

 marked manner from that of desire ; and anger from playfulness. 

 The females do not neigh so frequently, nor with so much force 

 as the males. Castration is known to have a modulating effect 

 upon the voice. It is supposed that neighin.g is produced by 

 the vibration of two small triangular membranes found at the 

 extremity of the glottis. In the ass and mule, this strncture is 

 wanting; bnt they are provided with a more singular apparatus. 

 Hollowed out of ihe thyroid cartikiges is a small concavity, 

 over which is stretched a membrane, similar to the parchment 

 on the head of a drum. When air is forced behind this sub- 

 stance, a very considerable noise is produced, though from the 

 absence of muscularity the vibrations are without modulation, 

 and consequently dissonant. 



The intellectual char-acter of the horse is scarcely excelled by 

 that of any other quadruped. His perceptions are remarkably 

 clear, and his memory excellent. Attachment to those who 

 tend him with kindness, forms a prominent trait in his character. 

 The feats which he is often taught to perform, evince a high 



