A B C OF THE HORSE 55 



whilst referring to that matter, it would 

 be perhaps as well to point out the 

 necessity of examining the withers for 

 fistula, and the "saddle-bed" for galls. 

 If old marks only are found it is per- 

 haps well not to pay too much attention 

 to them, as they are generally caused 

 by an ill-fitting saddle, a thing which 

 we presume the reader of this work 

 would not tolerate for one moment. 

 Having concluded the examination of 

 the shoulders and withers, the hand 

 should be run down the near fore-leg 

 for the purpose of detecting any 

 blemish or any bony deposit — known 

 as a splint — between the knee and the 



