THE KNEE. 251 



have it without large, well placed muscles where the fore leg 

 joins the shoulder. The fore leg for speed can hardly be too 

 light at the bottom, but it is never too heavy at the top. There 

 are no muscles below the knee. Not an ounce of superfluous 

 weight is permitted where it would have to be lifted at such a 

 great mechanical disadvantage, so that the muscles on the arm 

 have not only to lift and carry the leg on, but to work every 

 joint below the knee by a beautiful system of polished, well 

 oiled pullies, and smooth strong cords. No strength elsewhere 

 can compensate for weakness in the muscles of the arm. 



THE KNEE 



602. — Of the horse is no common joint. It is, in fact, not 

 one joint but three. As it is the only joint in the body in which 

 one bone receives the weight of the body from another bone, in a 

 perpendicular direction, it is furnished with the most extra- 

 ordinary precautions, to prevent any injurious concussion. 

 Between the lower end of the arm bone, and the upper ends of 

 the shank bone, and its two small bony attachments, six small 

 fiat bones are interposed in two layers, each bone being deeply 

 covered with elastic cartilage. These are connected together by 

 very strong ligaments, so contrived as to hold between each layer 

 of polished elastic cartilage a supply of oil, sufficient not only 

 to lubricate, but also to soften in the most effectual manner, any 

 otherwise injurious concussion. 



603. — The knee should be somewhat large compared with 

 the bones above and below it. A broad knee spreads the con- 

 cussion over a large surface, offers a more secure attachment for 

 muscles above, and more advantageously directs the sinews 

 below it. When at rest the knee should retain its straight line, 

 without a bend in any direction. Bending or knuckling forward 

 is often the result of excessively fast work. It somewhat lessens 

 the safety of the horse, and may be expected to grow worse with 

 continued work. It is often seen in exceedingly good horses, 

 and where the arm muscles are very strong, and the action good, 

 it may be long before it produces any bad repults. The least 

 bend in the opposite direction will quite disqualify the horse for 



