168 



THE HORSE. 



liind upon the fore, according- as either of them is made a fixed point. 

 This is the principal agent in rearing and kicking. 



CUT OF THE MUSCLES OF THE HORSE. 



The last we shall mention is the spi?iaUs dorsU the spinal muscle of the 

 back, from the spinous processes of some of the last bones of the back, to 

 those of the fore part ; — thick and strong about the withers, and broadly 

 attached to them ; and more powerfully attached, and more strongly acting 

 in proportion to the elevation of the withers ; and proceeding on to the 

 three lowest bones of the neck, and therefore mainly concerned, as we have 

 described, in elevating the fore- quarters, and producing high and safe 

 action, and contributing to speed. 



Before we quite leave the roof of the chest, we will speak of some accidents 

 or diseases to which it is exposed. The first is of a very serious nature. 



FISTULOUS WITHERS. 



When the saddle has been suffered to press long upon the withers, a 

 tumour will be formed, hot and exceedingly tender. It may sometimes be 

 dispersed by the cooling applications recommended in the treatment of 

 poll-evil (p. 153) ; but if, in despite of these, the swelling should remain 

 stationary, and more especially if it should become larger and more tender, 

 warm fomentations and poultices and stimulating embrocations should be 

 applied diligently to it, as to the tumour of poll-evil, in order to hasten the 

 formation of matter. As soon as tlie matter can be fairly detected, a seton 

 should be passed from the top to the bottom of the tumour, so that the 

 whole of the matter may run out, and continue to run out as it is after- 

 wards Ibrmed. The after treatment must be precisely that which we 

 have recommended for a similar disease in the poll. 



