416 , POINTS. 



Looking back upon such portions of the frame as have formed the 

 subject of the late remarks, there are certain points which are invariably 

 present in every well-made animal. A very broad, full chest is advan- 

 tageous for slow work ; but for slow work only. Where speed or activity 

 is desired, depth of thorax is indispensable ; yet the cavity should not 

 be narrow or the sides flat ; while the exterior of the ribs should appar- 

 ently encircle sufficient space. The general contour should, moreover, 

 excite no idea of fixedness : the part should convey a notion of its capa- 

 bility for easy and for rapid alteration of magnitude. 



The abdomen should neither be large nor small. The exhibition of 

 either failing announces a radical defect. The belly ought rather to 

 gracefully continue the line of the chest, than by its protuberance, or the 

 reverse, to enforce its existence specially upon the notice of the spectator. 

 All may be considered right when the form eUcits no remark ; but when 

 it challenges observation, the fact does not indicate that everything is as 

 the purchaser could desire. 



The position and the muscularity of the shoulder are the main points 

 in the forehand. With respect to the limbs, these should leave the body 

 as though they were parts of its substance. They can hardly be too 

 large where they emerge from the trunk ; and the forearm can scarcely 

 be too long. The knee-joint should be broad and flat ; while the bone 

 which projects forth posteriorly should be well pronounced and evenly 

 situated. The shin should be hard to the touch, and broad, when viewed 

 laterally. The leg should seem straight and strong; the feet standing 

 close together, and the toes pointing in a forward direction, rather than 

 inclining to the outward or to the inward direction. 



Such is a general view of organs, all of which are of equal import- 

 ance. Breathing and digestion are such vital functions, it would be 

 supererogation did the author pretend to point out their importance. 

 It may be otherwise with the fore limbs. Their use is not popularly 

 compi'ehended ; those members are exposed to numerous accidents and 

 liable to many diseases. This predisposition is generally explained, by 

 saying they are nearer to the heart than the hind legs are, and the 

 straighter form is more favorable to a descent of the arterial current 

 than is the angularity of the posterior extremities; therefore this por- 

 tion of the frame is more open to acute affections. 



The facts stated are certainly correct. So is the less freedom allowed 

 to the forelegs, by confinement in and fastening the head to a manger in 

 a stall. Such, however, is not the whole truth. There are other causes 

 in operation. The province of the fore limb is to uphold the trunk. 

 Thus, at all times, the member has to support no inconsiderable burden ; 

 but when that load is increased by the weight of a rider or is augmented 



