128 ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS. 



an unusually baggy, slack look ; the legs are long 

 and powerful in their sweep, and the animal can 

 handle them with the skill and proficiency of a pro- 

 fessed pugilist ; the head is very nearly an equi- 

 lateral triangle, with the nose for an apex; the ears 

 are small and rounded, the same distance in situa- 

 tion behind the eye that the eye is from the nose ; 

 the measurement in circumference close in front of 

 the shoulder is almost as great as behind, which 

 gradually increases as it ranges backwards till the 

 loftiest point of the spinal vertebra is reached ; while 

 the hind limbs, from their immense muscular power, 

 as well as abundance of flesh, appear like the extremi- 

 ties of a man encased in pegtop trousers. In walking 

 the toes of the fore feet are turned in, while the use of 

 the nether limbs is so human as to appear like a bur- 

 lesque on genus homo ; but if a casual observer be thus 

 struck, the anatomist or student of nature recognises in 

 this exaggerated formation the means supplied by nature 

 to ascend trees, escape enemies, or earn its support. The 

 colour when the pelt is prime is glossy black, but in 

 early spring a rufous tint is strongly developed ; this 

 is assisted by the undergrowth of wool becoming 

 elongated, and showing through the coarser black 

 hairs that at other seasons are the only visible cover- 

 ing, unless a close and minute inspection be made. 



