HOTV TO KNOW HIM. 35 



der-blade is not connected to the framework of the body, 

 as all other bones are, by the cartilages or joints, but is 

 attached to it by means of muscular substance only. It 

 is literally slung or wrapped up and held by a mass of 

 muscle. This is the reason why it is so difficult for any 

 jar or wrench to hurt it. The upper edges of the 

 scapula cannot, by any pressure or blow, be driven up 

 against any other bone (the spinal column or ribs), unless 

 by a blow that should literally drive it out through the 

 skin, and tear it from the body. By this arrangement, 

 Nature has amply provided both for its own protection, 

 and also for the ease of the rider, in that the shock of 

 the gallop or jump is thereby reduced to a minimum. 

 A writer has well said, '' If the smith were aware of this 

 fact, he would not trace to the shoulder, as he is apt to 

 do, one-half the diseases that are located in the foot and 

 leg. By referring the lameness to the shoulder, he can 

 account easily to the owner of the horse for the result 

 of his bad shoeing." Precisely. 



Of the second bone in the shoulder — viz., the hume- 

 rus — it is not necessary for me to speak, save to say that 

 it should be of good length, and well slanted upward 

 toward the scapula. Nothing remains, therefore, for 

 me to mention, in connection with the shoulders, but 

 the muscles. 



These — by which I mean all connected with the 

 shoulder — cannot be too large or powerful, no matter to 

 what use the horse may be destined. Every ounce of 

 strength here tells. I like to see a shoulder packed in 



