DISTEIBUTION OF WEIGHT IN FORE-LIMB. 



175 



2. The centre of transmission of weicrht falls further back 

 as the pastern is more inclined. 



3. Lifting the opposite limb, and thus throwing increased 

 weight on that under observation, causes bending of the fet- 

 lock, and displaces the centre of weight backwards. 



4. The centre of weight never falls further forward than the 

 point of the frog nor further back than the posterior third of 

 the total length of the foot. 



By the conformation shown in lig. 148 the base of support is 

 certainly increased in front, though this is more often an ap- 

 parent than a real gain, because the animal then usually stands 

 with his hind-legs somewhat advanced. The strain of support- 



FlG. 148. 



Fig. 149. 



Fig. 150. 



ing the body falls more on the tendons than on the bones, and 

 the weight more on the heel of the foot than on the toe. The 

 centre of gravity of the trunk is displaced backwards and the 

 loins and hocks are exposed to excessive stress. 



On account of the fore-limbs being already so far in advance 

 the stride is short and the pace comparatively slow. This con- 

 formation is often acquired as a result of disease. 



Backward incurvation of the knee (fig. 149) is a fault, inas- 

 much as the knee itself is badly developed and the bending 

 stress caused by the body-weight falls on the ligaments, etc., 

 at the back of the joint. Flexion of the knee joint, moreover, is 



