VARIED FORM OF THE HORSE. 239 



With this formation, velocity is attained, at the sacrifire 

 of safety as regards can-ying its rider, and strength as re- 

 gards bearing burdens and drawing loads. 



The gallop of a race horse is but a succession of leaps ; 

 and all animals remarkable for their velocity in this mo- 

 tion (as the gi-eyhound and hare) are found comparatively- 

 low before, and high and powerful behind. 



The whole endeavour of the breeder has therefore been, 

 to mould his form, and fashion his organs for that purpose ; 

 and to condense into the smallest possible space, the gi'eat- 

 est possible bulk of muscle and bone. 



But the peifection of a race horse, as in all animals of 

 speed and endurance, consists in his wind, without which 

 the utmost perfection of form would be valueless ; and here 

 it is that external form is an indication of internal stmc- 



ture. 



The contractibility of muscular fibre is intimately con- 

 nected with the extent of respiration in all animals. In 

 the lower order of animals, where there is little motion, 

 as in birds, we find the air perm.eates every region of the 

 body. It is impossible, therefore, we can have great speed 

 or power without large lungs and a powerful heart, 

 which are indicated by "the size and capacity of the chest. 



It is a well-knowTi fact, that in proportion to the redness 

 of the muscle, among the higher order of animals,^ so is 

 iheir strength, and their redness is dependant on their sup- 

 ply of arterialized blood ; the muscles are of a higher co- 

 lourin stallions than in geldings, and there is a great increase 

 of strength given to muscles by the testicles ; and mai'es 

 are o;enerally supposed to be stronger than geldings. 



Upon the^size of the lungs and heart, principally depend 

 the strength and soundness of the animal. In proportion 

 to their size, is the power of converting food into nourish- 

 ment, and upon the facility with w^iich they assimilate ve- 

 getable matter to blood, is their power of reproducing and 

 supplying- the waste of nervous influence, and substance 

 expended by gi'eat exertion, — for which 



" The watchful appetite was given 

 Daily, with fresh materials to repair 

 The unavoidable expense of hie, 

 The unnecessary waste of flesh and blood." 



