FALCON'S FORM. 391 



into them by degrees. In taking this rear view, we see 

 the ribs forming a curve, which is not hidden by the 

 quarters, showing that he is good in the carcase or middle 

 piece. This gives room for the internal viscera that are 

 situated back of the diaphragm ; also giving that impor- 

 tant muscle room to assist in respiration. His body is that 

 of an elliptical truncated cone, the base at the point I 

 have just mentioned, and the apex where the neck is 

 joined to it. This conformation gives him great depth 

 through the heart, and is much better than if more cylin- 

 drical, as the expansion of the chest is greater than if 

 circular. If the chest were a circle, there could be no 

 expansion, while with this form the dilatation is sometimes 

 so great as to burst the girth that confines the saddle. 

 The high and broad shoulder-blade drops back towards 

 the sway, till the distance between it and the anterior 

 part of the pelvis is very short, in comparison to his 

 whole length. This gives the proper angle with the upper 

 arm, permitting the legs to be thrown forward much 

 more than they could be if it were short and upright. 



The elbow-joint is parallel with the body. In our former 

 conversation I dwelt at some length on the necessity for 

 this joint being thus truly placed, any divergence interfer- 

 ing with the action. The sloping shoulder not only gives 

 greater stride, but the concussion is less, which is also im- 

 portant. When the weight of a horse's body is propelled 

 with the rapidity which the well-formed quarters and hind 

 legs give, there must be some contrivance to lessen the jar. 

 Thus we see the hind legs are joined to the frame, and 

 tied to it by powerful muscles and sinews, but the fore 

 legs receiving at least three-quarters of the weight, could 

 not be so attached without danger of knocking the ma- 

 chine to pieces. Elastic cushions are placed between the 

 shoulder-blades and the body, and the spring formed by 

 the angular position the humerus and scapula assume 



