162 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



very numerous and important and can hardly be too large and 

 firm. 



A perfect form and sufficient power in the fore-quarter seem 

 to be much more essential to the fast trotting than to the gal- 

 loping horse. The latter moves by a succession of tremendous 

 leaps made principally by the hind-quarters, while the fore legs 

 appear to serve rather to support and steady, than to aid him 

 in the progression. The square trotter needs a more sym- 

 metrical and evenly-balanced form, and throws himself forward 

 almost as much with the fore as with the hind-quarter. The 

 movement of the trotter, requiring the alternate extension of 

 the fore legs, renders a broader and somewhat more muscular 

 breast than is necessary in the racer, quite essential to the 

 performance of much hard work. 



The fore-arm, or upper part of the leg, should be as large, 

 'hard and strong as is consistent with good action. The knees 

 ■should be broad, deep and firm, and composed of simple bone 

 'and sinew. The bone on the back of the knee should be 

 prominent, and the shank, or lower part of the leg, should be 

 rather short, wide, flat and free from flesh. It is important 

 that it be not tied in, or too narrow immediately below the 

 knee. Much has been said about the proper size of the shank 

 bones and the joints above and below them. One declares the 

 bone cannot be too small, and another that it cannot be too 

 large, provided the limb be clean, dry and cordy. The advo- 

 cate of fine bone affirms, with truth, that such bone is close 

 grained, like ivory, and is strong enough, because it never 

 breaks ; while the other says, he knows from experience and 

 observation, that a stout, durable horse must have rather large, 

 substantial legs. Fine-boned horses are generally spirited, of 

 good blood, and have a certain perfection of constitution. 

 There can be no doubt, however, that large, well-developed 

 joints are necessary to furnish a sufficient space for the firm 

 .attachment of the tendons, which cannot be too thick, hard or 

 •prominent, since they are always proportioned to the power of 

 the muscles which operate upon them. If, therefore, the other 

 points of the horse indicate a good constitution, and the form 

 of his legs be correct, his shank bones will never prove to be of 

 excessive size. If the shank be relatively short when compared 

 with the length of the leg, the horse will have a low, long- 



