286 THE EXTERIOR OF THE HORSE. 



(Fig. 95). The horse affected with this fault appears slender in its 

 build, which, in fact, lacks strength. Horse-dealers, in order to con- 

 ceal it, leave the hairs at the upper part of the canon in arranging the 

 toilet, while below they cut them off very closely, a deceitful procedure 

 which it is easy to detect. 



The tendon in the posterior members is never weak, thanks to the 

 particular disposition of the tarsal sheath. 



The thickness of the canon is measured, on the contrary, from 

 side to side, viewing the parts either in front or behind. This dimen- 

 sion, which indicates the transverse development of the principal bone, 

 and, consequently, that of the regions between which it is placed, is 

 always greater in the fore-limbs, columns of support, than in the hind, 

 agents of impulsion. This is a fortunate adaptation of a part of the 

 locomotory apparatus destined to fulfil such different functions. 



A thick canon, therefore, constitutes an absolute beauty, which 

 denotes great strength of the members ; and because this is not the 

 same in the well-bred as in the common horse of equal forms, because 

 the meagreness of the canon in the former is not indicative of any weak- 

 ness, it does not follow, as several authors have advanced, that such a 

 conformation is not to be taken into account. H. Bouley has very 

 forcibly elucidated how unwise this theory is, by saying, " The bones 

 of the canon should be developed proportionately to the mass which they 

 support" This conception is important. The slenderness of this 

 region not only implies its feebleness of support, but it also involves 

 that of the adjoining bones and of the tendinous apparatus which is 

 annexed to it. A slender canon means a narrow knee ; the phalanges, 

 the sesamoids, and the tendons lack proper development. In these con- 

 ditions, the members wear away in a very short time, and so much 

 more quickly as the body is heavier, as the animal is endowed, from 

 his race, with greater energy. It is common to meet this defect in 

 horses of poor conformation which are the product of injudicious 

 selections or crosses. (H. Bouley.) 



When the region lacks width and thickness, the canon is called 

 meagre, narrow, slender ; when to these characters is added an excessive 

 length, the animal is said to be mounted upon matches; finally, this 

 same horse has nothing under his knee when the tendons are not suffi- 

 ciently developed, while the member is qualified well cast when the 

 tendons of the flexors are strong and well separated from the bones 

 which constitute its lever-arm. 



Fineness. The fineness of the canon is characterized by the 

 thinness of the skin and the spareness of subjacent connective tissue, 



