ANTERIOR MEMBER. 217 



reach the vertical axis OX than the segment OjB, supposed to be well 

 directed. With the latter, however, the forward oscillation will be 

 greater, and it will correspond better with a long shoulder, which, as 

 we know, determines the degree of its displacements. 



If it be too oblique, on the contrary, as OB" , it does not bring the 

 humero-radial articulation sufficiently in advance to permit the forearm 



FIG. 64. Scheme of the muscular incidences in the straight arm, A, and in the 



oblique arm, B. 

 1, Extensors of the humerus ; 2, flexors; 3, flexors of the forearm ; 4, extensors. 



and the canon to evolve themselves completely. It obliges the horse 

 to multiply his movements and elevate the members excessively, 

 instead of being advanced without describing too great a curvature, a 

 loss of both time and energy. 



But a very oblique arm gives a better insertion for the muscles 

 than a straight one, as can be demonstrated by an examination of the 

 two diagrams (A and B) of Fig. 64, upon which are indicated the 

 flexors and the extensors of the humerus and the radius ; its muscles, 

 however, are shorter. It is also not disadvantageous in horses from 

 which great force is exacted. 



The degree of brachial inclination, on the other hand, having an 



