230 THE EXTERIOR OF THE HORSE. 



The profile of the knee from the inner side (Fig. 67, C) is very much similar 

 to that which is seen from the outer side. It presents the internal radial tube- 

 rosity, well outlined, the internal metacarpal vein, and the head of the internal 

 splint bone. 



Finally, viewed from behind (Fig. 67, D), the lines which circumscribe it 

 on the side are similar to those which we have described in connection with the 

 anterior face, while in its middle it is traversed by a voluminous conical emi- 

 nence formed by the insertion of the flexors of the metacarpus upon the supra- 

 carpal bone. This relief, slightly depressed below the latter at a point called the 

 fold of the knee, is continuous interiorly, without any sharp demarcation, with 

 the flexor tendons of the phalanges. 



Beauties. — The knee, ia order to be beautiful, must he fine, thick, 

 wide, well situated, ivell directed, and free from blemishes. 



Fineness. — This quality is one that, in a general manner, is 

 desirable in all the articulations. It denotes that they are formed only 

 of those parts which should constitute them. It resides in the appar- 

 ent prominence of all the normal osseous reliefs, the ligaments and the 

 tendons, which implies a thin and delicate skin, a small abundance and 

 great density of the connective tissue which covers these structures. 

 All horses belonging to the more distinguished races are noted for this 

 peculiarity ; those of the common races present it in a small degree, 

 and in nerveless and lymphatic animals it is absolutely defective ; the 

 articulations in the last are always more or less poorly defined. 



Thickness. — The thickness of the knee is its diameter from side 

 to side. It is particularly desirable, because the lateral diameter is in 

 relation with tlie transverse development of the articular surfaces, with 

 the volume of the carpal bones, and, consequently, with the firmness 

 of the step and safety of the gait. When this region is narroiv, the 

 animal is liable to stumble and to a premature ruin of his limbs, which 

 are too feeble to support the weight of the body beyond a certain rate 

 of speed. 



Width. — The width is measured from before to behind, for the 

 extent of the knee measures more in this sense than from one side 

 to the other. A large width always indicates the antero-posterior de- 

 velopment of the articular surfaces and a decided prominence of the 

 supra-carpal bone. 



The effect of the first of these factors is to render the carpal bones 

 more resisting, to augment the movements of flexion and extension, at 

 the same time that it makes the inferior extremity of the radius appear 

 larger, a disposition which separates the muscles from their parallelism 

 with the bones and favors their action. The second only implies a 

 longer arm of the lever for the flexors of the metacarpus. 



