ON THE HACKNEY AND HUNTER. 221 



and tenfion; after thefe had fubfided, a palpa- 

 ble laxity, and foftnefs of the tendon. 



The flying lameneffes, as they are ftyled, in 

 the moulders, and lower joints of young, or 

 unfeafoned horfes, it is the cuflom of farriers to 

 attribute to peccant humours. I mull boldly 

 avow my fcepticifm on this head, although 

 Gibfon and Bartlet be of the oppofite party. 

 They might jufl as well (in general) I con- 

 ceive, lay thefe griefs to the charge of the 

 lunar influence. They are often nothing 

 more than the confequence of fudden and un- 

 ufual exertion upon young and tender fibres, 

 or thofe unaccufiomed to ftrefs and action. I 

 know that copious bleeding and purging, 

 much to the credit and emolument of the 

 groom or farrier, are ufually prefcribed, and 

 with fuccefs ; but I have alfo repeatedly feen a 

 loofe (fable, or a fortnight's run abroad, fuc- 

 ceed full as well. So much for humours which 

 Jly about a horfe; they much oftener fly about 

 the brain of his keeper. Horfes are, in truth, 

 fometimes fubjecl: to rheumatic pains, and the 

 faatica, or hip-gout. 



It is the opinion of many, that there is no 

 neceluty for great fubftance in the fnank and 

 paftern, provided the finew be large and dil- 

 tincl, and the loin wide and good ; in which, it 

 is infilled, the chief ftrength of the Horfe re- 

 fides. Baret and Ofmer, are of that opinion; 



but 



