408 



POINTS. 



With a front limb of this nature, the movements of the leg are regu- 

 lated by that of the shoulder. When the blade-bone is drawn upward, 

 the humerus leaves its almost erect position, and assumes a forward in- 

 clination. This causes the arm to be advanced, and propels the leg and 

 foot. Thus the movement of a part governs the motion of the whole : 

 a grace or harmony of action is the result. The various components of 

 the member change their relative positions to one another without effort, 

 but with evident intention; all parts of the limb are simultaneously 

 advanced. The work is not cast upon one set of muscles to the injury 

 of another region. A well-made animal is one perfect whole, and for- 

 merly was common throughout the land. People may sigh that such 

 quadrupeds are now lost to the nation: this regret, however, does not 

 accord with the folly that upholds the racing mania, which has engulfed 

 the once-prized native breed of English horses. 



A SLAKTING SHOULDER, SHOWING THE 

 POSITION OF THE BONES. 



A SLANTINO SHOULDER IN ACTION. 



The articulated skeletons which are exhibited in museums present 

 but 'poor resemblances of the living framework as it is arranged by the 

 hand of nature. In these artificial preparations, the fore limbs are 

 always straight, as are the supports of a kitchen table. But contem- 

 plate the living example. The positive perpendicular is never observed. 

 The member abounds in gracefully swelling prominences and admirably 

 poised inclines. The chest may be wide ; but the hoofs are placed close 

 together. Such a necessity renders an erect line an impossibility. Try 

 the same rule in another direction. Let a plummet be dropped from the 

 point of the shoulder of a living and well-made animal ; it will mark the 



