388 POINTS. 



out. But it injured its utility by damaging its activity. It, moreover, 

 left the situation of tlie organ without amendment or made it more con- 

 spicuous. It was a silly practice, and is now, happily, all but discarded. 

 The reader, having had his attention directed to the subject, will 

 probably be surprised to notice how seldom horses have tails well set 

 on to their bodies. In short, the position of the tail, if employed as a 

 test for excellence, would cause the majority of quadrupeds to be re- 

 jected. The tail, however, should always be observed, not as an abso- 

 lute proof of the properties, but as suggestive of the breed. The cart 

 horse exhibits a thick dock, which is not remarkable for activity. It has 

 one peculiarity, this is, the extent to which the coat grows backward, 

 or the manner in which the origin of the long hairs is deficient near to 

 the haunch. 



The head is the oppositg to the tail. In the last, the spinal marrow 

 is represented only by thread-like nerves. In the first, the center of all 

 sense resides. The brain, with the bones that inclose it and the parts 

 that surround it, constitutes no inconsiderable burden. Many structures 

 aid in its support ; but the general idea that it is upheld by the verte- 

 brae, is no more than a popular error. The bones of the neck rather 

 prevent the muscular force dragging the head backward, or limit the 

 action of those agents, than actually support any portion of the weight. 

 The ease and the grace with which a head, well set on, is carried,' pre- 

 sents a beautiful object for contemplation ; our admiration should be 

 excited by a perception that, great as the weight may be, it is so ex- 

 quisitely poised as to inflict no sense of oppression upon the creature. 

 The chin can, without effort, almost repose upon the chest : the nostril, 

 by the mere operation of the will, can be elevated to the breeze. The 

 motions are equally varied, rapid, and incessant. Bach inclination is 

 directed by a purpose ; and volition is exercised, w^ithout experience of 

 the vast machinery by which the changes are accomplished, although 

 the motions are as active as the power must be great by which they are 

 directed. 



The course of the body is, as was before stated, greatly governed by 

 the position of the head. To the inexperienced, the freedom of this part 

 may appear of little consequence ; thus, ladies are well known to be the 

 principal perpetuaters of the bearing-rein, although it has for ages been 

 recognized that constant tension will destroy that sensibility of lip by 

 which the course of the animal is now directed. The bit, operating 

 upon a natural mouth, can sway the body during the topmost speed ; 

 for by the inclination of the head is the trunk to be rapidly turned. 



It is therefore imperative, for the ease and safety of the rider or the 

 driver, that the head should be well set on, and should be carried with- 



