ON THE HACKNEY AND HUNTER. 201 



gradually, that the withers be not too thick 

 and wide. But this indeed is a rare perfec- 

 tion. Many, which are efteemed good fhoul- 

 ders, have a cavity between their upper ex- 

 tremity and the withers, admitting the faddle 

 too forward, and bringing the weight too far 

 before the centre. 



The lead experienced eye will readily deter- 

 mine, whether a horfe be leggy, or too high 

 upon the leg. It is very apparent, when the 

 legs form the mod confpicuous part, and 

 appear too long for the carcafe. The horfe is 

 weak in proportion, but it detracts more from 

 flrength and continuance than fpeed. The 

 legs being very fhort, is alfo a defect, and of 

 a contrary tendency. But legs are never too 

 long, when the horfe is fufficientiy deep in the 

 carcafe. 



The knees muft be wide and flrong, but 

 lean, and free from puffinefs ; the hair bear no 

 veftige of derangement. A nice eye, will in- 

 ftantly detect any accident which may have 

 happened to the knees from a fall, even if 

 vears have fmce intervened : there will be 

 either an inequality of the furface, a few flaring 

 hairs, or thofe which have grown after a cut will 

 be of a different colour, or will be too long, 

 and fo not lie level with the reft. The back 

 part, or bend of the knee, is the fituation of 

 mallenders, oj chops; the inner fide, 



fomewhat 



