66 THE EXTERIOR OF THE HORSE. 



consideration, but we shall also examine the plainness, the width, and 

 the depth of this region. 



It is plain or clean when all the structures which enter into its 

 composition are distinct and can be outlined with the fingers. When 

 the connective tissue is abundant the contour of the parts is not dis- 

 cernible and the whole region is full or thick. Such is its structure in 

 lymphatic horses raised in low and moist districts. 



The depth is related to the cleanness and the absence of connective 

 tissue. 



The width of the intermaxillary space denotes a corresponding 

 separation of the branches of the maxilla and a large development of 

 the respiratory apparatus, since the larynx is partly lodged in that 

 space, and thus protected from the movements of flexion of the head 

 upon the neck. It is erroneous to believe that in horses in which the 

 head is arched, this region is narrow, and that these are therefore much 

 more predisposed to roaring. Exclusive of the general form of the 

 head, it is true that there are certain subjects in which the inter- 

 maxillary space is wider than in others. Professor Dupuy, 1 in 1829, 

 has taken measurements of sixteen horses of different types, and 

 proved a maximum width of 0.119 m., and a minimum of 0.087 m. 

 In two horses which were roarers, the measurements were 0.079 m. 

 and 0.063 m. ; hence it was believed as conclusive that the narrow- 

 ness in the latter was due to a defective development of the maxilla 

 and an insufficient separation of its branches, causing compression of 

 the larynx. We cannot dispute the figures of Dupuy, but they are 

 very exceptional. 



The skin of the intermaxillary space in common races is furnished 

 with long, stiff, coarse, and abundant hairs, which make the head 

 appear heavy and voluminous. Some are in the habit of singeing or 

 extracting them, so as to render the head smaller, to disguise the race. 



Diseases and Blemishes. The general disease known under 

 the name of strangles is often followed by considerable inflammatory 

 swelling of this region and the formation of enormous abscesses of the 

 lymphatic ganglia, of which we have spoken above. When the latter 

 do not have their normal characteristics, it is said that there is a gland 

 in the region, or that the animal is glanded. Great importance must 

 be attached to this tumor, for it may be a symptom of a more serious 

 disease, glanders. 



1 Dupuy, De la fluxion vulgairement appe!6e period ique on Recherches historiques, physio- 

 logiques et thrapeutiques sur cette maladie, auxquelles on a ajout des considerations sur le 

 cornage, la pousse et la section des nerfs pneumo-gastriques, 8vo, Paris, 1829, p. 114. 



