METHOD OF EXAMINATION. 67 



peculiarity on it, either from injury or disease. The 

 " chin-groove," which is the smooth portion of the lower 

 jaw, on which the curb-chain (when used) should rest, 

 and the branches of the lower jaw, a little above this 

 groove, should be examined for signs of recent injury, 

 or from bony deposits resulting from an improper use 

 of the curb. Although the fault may lie with the rider 

 or driver, still we may reasonably infer that a horse 

 whose mouth has been pulled about a good deal, will not 

 be a pleasant "conveyance." Feel the space between 

 the lower jaws for swollen glands, and observe if the 

 skin over the larynx has a swollen appearance, and if 

 there be any mark left from tracheotomy having been 

 performed. Feel the poll for poll-evil, and the space 

 between the ears and the angle of the lower jaw, for 

 enlarged glands. Examine the ears, find out that they 

 are all right. Eun the hand along the crest to the 

 withers, and see that they are free from wounds, soreness 

 or old scars. If the mane hangs to the near side, it 

 should be put over, to see that it does not conceal any 

 wound on the neck. Examine the course of the jugular 

 vein down the near side of the neck, for marks of 

 " bleeding," and try if the flow of blood through it is 

 unimpeded. See that the near shoulder is free from 

 "wasting," and harness-galls. If there be doubt as to 

 the state of the muscles, the two shoulders should be 

 compared with each other. We should observe that the 



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