POSTERIOR MEMBER. 257 



is well outlined, p, over which are located numerous venous branches, r; the 

 saphena vein, i ; the chestnut, o ; and, finally, the point, k, where the articular 

 synovial is unsustained. 



Such is the conformation which the normal hock presents when it 

 is examined on its four faces. We have insisted much upon this, in 

 order that the beginner may not mistake for incipient blemishes nor- 

 mal eminences and depressions which are only the indications of one 

 of the primary qualities of this region, its neatness of outline. 



Examination of the Hock. The blemishes of the hock, as 

 soon as they become apparent, modify at once the neatness of its lines, 

 which cannot deceive the attentive and educated observer ; it is not the 

 same, however, with the student. We would therefore advise the 

 latter to examine the region with care in front, between the fore-legs, 

 and behind, in order to determine the form of the profile of the lateral 

 faces ; then to view it from the side, to see the profile of the anterior 

 and the posterior faces. When he has acquired a certain skill, he can 

 attempt a more complicated but more rapid examination, which is. 

 called oblique or three-quarters, either in front or behind. The com- 

 plexity and the greater rapidity of the oblique examination are readily 

 understood, since, in such a case, the eye endeavors to appreciate, with 

 the same glance, the two adjacent faces of the region. 



Some persons claim that it is ridiculous to examine the hock by 

 viewing it from between the fore members ; others remark the same 

 of those who, not contented with seeing with minuteness, insist, more- 

 over, on feeling with their hands, the better to ascertain the facts. Such 

 deference for the spectators' opinions would be very injudicious, and, 

 moreover, a very bad example for beginners whose many-minded 

 teachers are already so numerous. We are not aware that any one 

 ever became possessed of science by intuition ; in order to know a 

 thing a man must have given himself the trouble of learning it. 



Now, this book is especially prepared for the student, whom it is 

 necessary to impress with this great truth, namely, that, in the pur- 

 chase of horses, " he who does not open his eyes opens his purse wide !" 

 Open your eyes wide, therefore, until you have acquired absolute cer- 

 tainty concerning what you are examining, and by no means refrain 

 from feeling with your fingers if needs be. We will never regret too 

 much precaution in such a case, if we can thereby avoid committing 

 an error ; and in any case the purchaser will not be the party who 

 will complain of it. 



Whatever precautions may be employed, a careful examination of 

 the hock always requires certain preparatory conditions in the animal. 



17 



