POINTS. 399 



are inflated. The same general movement is remarked whenever the 

 hearing catches a distant sound, or whenever the scent detects a novel 

 odor. All are conjoined to produce one result; therefore the loss of one 

 cannot be without effect upon the uniformity of action. 



As regards the formation of the countenance, an enlarged cranium is 

 no detriment; but the Roman nose sometimes interferes with the ca- 

 pacity of the nostril. When it produces such a result, the peculiarity 

 warrants either a reduction of price or an absolute rejection of the offered 

 sale. In other respects, this make is regarded as of no importance ; but 

 it certainly does not add to the appearance of the animal. Horses are 

 generally prized in proportion to their beauty : nor can the author quar- 

 rel with such a foundation of judgment, as, in most animals, harmony 

 of figure justifies a belief that excellence of spirit also exists. 



The nostrils, however, are associated with the important function of 

 respiration ; therefore these organs demand consideration, when regarded 

 apart from the other senses. They admit the air which is inhaled by the 

 expansion of the chest ; consequently the dimension of the nostrils al- 

 lows an inference to be drawn as to the capacity of the lungs. This 

 opinion, however, should be only advanced after the alteration has been 

 noted between their size when at rest and their enlargement when ex- 

 cited. Should no marked variation be produced by the opposite states, 

 then the value of the animal is only to be considered in connection with 

 slow work, as the speed must be regulated by the capability of receiving 

 a quantity of vital air proportioned to the power exerted. 



After the capacity has been observed, the nature of the movements 

 of the nasal openings should be noticed. Subsequent to exertion, ease 

 of motion is not to be anticipated ; but nothing approaching to spas- 

 modic action should be remarked. The nostrils ought to be regularly 

 expanded : not to fly open with a jerk, or to suddenly enlarge their form, 

 as under the influence of a gasp. A capability of dilatation, attended 

 with an evenness of motion, however fast the movement may be, are 

 the points which should be looked for in the nostrils of a horse, — because 

 the characteristic changes attending inhalation best expose any defect in 

 the respiratory apparatus ; for, by such a test, the remotest disposition 

 to become a roarer, or to exhibit diseased wind, is easy of detection. 



Connected with the head, every horseman comprehends how much 

 width of channel, or of space between the branches of the lower jaw, is 

 to be^jidesired. The reason why such a form is highly prized in an 

 animal of fleetness or of exertion, is because such an opening allows room 

 for the varied movements necessary for the offices of respiration, or for 

 the change of position imperative in the larynx, which is located near to 

 or within the hollow thus provided. Clear space is of course impera- 



