358 THE EXTERIOR OF THE HORSE. 



who wishes to analyze minutely the horse as a machine productive of 

 force and speed. It is necessary, besides, to inquire into the relations 

 of direction which the osseous segments may affect among each other, 

 to determine in what manner they are articulated, and what rules 

 govern their most extensive and regular action. 



We should then examine the whole body with regard to its larger 

 dimensions, its general harmony. 



Finally, we should determine in what measure the nervous system, 

 this ultimate regulator of all activity and of all vital manifestation, is 

 in functional equilibrium with the machinery which animates and 

 directs the animal with absolute power. 



These four important questions will be the subject of the present 

 chapter. 



A. Relation of Dimensions between the Parts. 



We have not to deal with long and slender or with short and thick 

 forms only, that is to say, with two extreme conformations between 

 which there might exist a mean one related as much to the first as to the 

 second. In reality, the types of conformation, varying with the conditions 

 of existence and the kinds of utilization, are much more numerous. He 

 who intends to make an artistic reproduction of them, or who wishes to 

 choose them with a view to some special purpose, should therefore be ac- 

 quainted with the characters proper to each, and seek for their differences. 



Nevertheless, certain common characters always unite them, which 

 establish their relationship, their analogies, and their resemblance. It 

 is these qualities, easily found in the great majority of horses, which, 

 hereafter, we propose to consider. 



But an important observation should first of all be made with 

 reference to the documents of which we are about treating. It is, that 

 they constitute only mean data capable of directing and aiding the 

 artists or amateurs who are making their debut. We cannot see in 

 them absolute ideas beyond which everything is false. They are only 

 beacons, landmarks of reference to be consulted, which, whilst showing 

 general harmonious relations of the form of the horse, will cause gross 

 errors, regrettable mistakes, and opinions falsely founded. 



Since Bourgelat's time, several observers, besides Saint-Bel and 

 Vallon, have endeavored to establish the relations of the dimensions 

 which should exist between the parts of the horse's body. 



Professor Colin, 1 a long time ago, indicated the mean length of 



1 G. Colin, Physiologic compare des animaux domestiques, lere d., t. i p. 252, Paris, 1855. 



