148 TEAINING IN INDIA. 



Development of Muscle. On this subject Dr. 

 Carpenter (Human Physiology] remarks that " the 

 frequently renewed exercise of muscles, by producing a 

 determination of blood towards them, oocasions an 

 increase in the nutrition ; so that a large amount of 

 new tissue is developed, and the muscles augment in 

 size and vigour. This is true, not only of the whole 

 muscular system when equally exercised, but also of 

 any particular set of muscles which is more used than 

 another. Of the former, we have an example in those 

 who practise a system of gymnastics adapted to call 

 the various muscles alike into play ; and of the latter, 

 in the limbs of individuals who follow any calling that 

 habitually requires the exertion of either pair, to the 

 partial exclusion of the other, as the arms of the smith, 

 or the legs of the opera-dancer. But this increased 

 nutrition cannot take place unless an adequate supply 

 of food be afforded ; and if the amount of nutritive 

 material be insufficient, the result will be a progressive 

 diminution in the size and power of the muscles, which 

 will manifest itself the more rapidly as the amount of 

 exertion, and consequently the degree of waste is 

 greater. Nor can it be effected if the exercise be 

 incessant, for it is during the intervals of repose that 

 the reparation of the muscular tissue occurs ; and the 

 muscular system, like the nervous, may be worn out 

 by incessant use. The more violent the action, the 

 longer will be the period of subsequent repose required 

 for the reparation of the tissue." 



From this we see that, while giving the horse the 

 exercise necessary to develop those muscles which are 

 used in galloping, we should attend to his proper 



