SUPERIOR FACE OF THE BODY. 141 



latter is badly carried ; the aspect which it presents gives it the name of 

 rabbit's tail ; it is observed in certain Frisian and German horses with 

 slanting croups. 



4. The development of the muscles of the croup varies 

 according to the race. 



When the median line presents a longitudinal gutter, limited on 

 each side by an elevation of the gluteal muscles, the croup is double; its 

 lateral diameter is then nearly always large. It is a characteristic of 

 great force, and is observed in draught-horses of a lymphatic type. It 

 must be considered as being detrimental to the production of speed, 

 because it surcharges the posterior extremities and occasions excessive 

 lateral displacements of the centre of gravity. 



When, on the contrary, the sacral spine projects above the sur- 

 rounding muscles, otherwise well developed, the croup is said to be 

 angular. This conformation, which renders the lines and the contour 

 of the region more apparent, is not a defect, but denotes great power 

 of the bony levers. If, however, it results in a disappearance of the 

 harmony between the bones and the muscles, and the latter are weak 

 and poorly developed, the preceding advantages will be absent. 



" If the muscles of the croup of the mare appear sunken, so that 

 the base of the tail is well detached and the abdomen somewhat pen- 

 dulous and projecting on each side, we can presume that she is preg- 

 nant ; a slow and heavy walk confirms this presumption" (Captain 

 Rivet). 



5. Finally, in relation to its movements, we remark that the 

 croup should propel the trunk without swinging from side to side. If 

 this condition be not fulfilled, the region is said to be dscillating, and if 

 it is more exaggerated, the animal rocks himself. 



In the first case, the region lacks propulsive force ; in the second, 

 the gait is ungraceful and deprived of speed. 



" In the pregnant mare, nine times out of ten the muscles attaching 

 to the summit of the croup on each side of the base of the tail will 

 tremble when she walks' 7 (Captain Rivet). This condition is due to 

 a relaxation of the sacro-ischiotic ligament, a fact which we have 

 demonstrated. 1 



Diseases and Blemishes. Certain authors assert that the coxo-femoral 

 articulation is quite frequently the seat of a peculiar strain, against which cau- 

 terization, setons, and vesicants are employed (Vallon, Merche). 



This disease, consigned to-day to the list of maladies whose names have 



i Arm. Goubaux, Soci6t de Biologic, ann6e, 1869, p. 125. 



