156 THE EXTERIOR OF THE HORSE. 



upon which many connoisseurs are led into error. We think that we are 

 giving good advice to beginners in recommending them always to dis- 

 approve of the flat rib, whatever may be its apparent length. In the 

 presence of such a conformation they should not neglect to assure 

 themselves, by a more complete examination of the other regions, of the 

 state of development which the respiratory organs present. This is, 

 in our opinion, the easiest and most positive means of recognizing the 

 compensation, if any exists. 



Besides, the roundness of the chest-wall, often more apparent than 

 real, may lead superficial observers into error. The volume of the 

 muscles which cover the thoracic walls and the abundance of fat and 

 subcutaneous tissue may have the effect of making the parietes of the 

 chest appear more round than it really is, and of concealing the essential 

 bony pieces which constitute its base and limit its internal cavity. 



3d. The width of the intercostal spaces is a beauty, or point 

 of excellence, of no less importance. When the ribs are well separated, 

 the thoracic walls present a large surface, extending from before to 

 behind, and circumscribing a deeper cavity. Their separation from 

 each other coincides also with their great projection backward, and it is 

 easily understood that the latter gives the measure of their projection 

 forward during inspiration. The movements of the different parts of 

 the thorax should be as extensive as possible, in order that the lungs 

 may have sufficient freedom of action. Large intercostal spaces support 

 strong inspiratory muscles, and, therefore, imply great possible dis- 

 placement of the pectoral walls. 



To recapitulate, the beauty of the ribs resides : 



1st. In their great curvature from the shoulder backward. 



2d. In their length, or in the vertical extent of the thoracic pe- 

 rimeter. 



3d. In their strong projection backward. 



4th. Finally, in their separation from each other. 



Defects. Ribs that are flat, short, little inclined backward, little 

 separated, characterize a horse which is short-winded and without 

 power, whatever may be his breed, his stature, his temperament, or his 

 origin. 



In ordinary language, this vicious conformation is expressed by 

 saying that the false ribs are short and the hoop-ribs are but little 

 descended, or that the animal has need of ribs. 



Diseases and Blemishes. a. Horses which have suffered from a pro- 

 longed sickness, and which for this reason have assumed the decubitus for a long 

 time, sometimes present a flatness of the one or the other region of the ribs. 



