THE HEAD. 



11 



weight of iron a distance of five miles. I have 

 seen a small-sized ass di*awing half a ton weight of 

 goods from Portrush to Coleraine. Here, then, are two 

 animals which could di-aw far more in proportion to 

 their size and weight than any dray-horse that ever 

 was foaled ; and this plainly proves that draught does 

 not depend altogether upon weight and size. It is in a 

 great measm-e the result of a vital power. Although 

 weight can render some assistance, the power of draught 

 is chiefly owing to muscular action and nei*vous energy ; 

 which again are intunately connected with, and greatly 

 dependent on, the temperament of the animal. The genet, 

 mule, ass, and blood-horse have much more energetic 

 temperaments than the Clydesdale or Belgian cart- 

 horse, and consequently possess more muscular power 

 than the latter, in proportion to then- weight and size. 

 Their leverage, however, is not nearly so well suited 

 for draught, and in that respect, when compared with 

 the ordinary cart-horse, they labour under a decided dis- 

 advantage. 



"Having said thus much regarding temperament, I 

 will proceed with a detailed description of the ijoints of 

 the horse ; and, for convenience sake, I will commence 

 with 



THE HEAD. 



The head of every horse should be as small as would 

 be in keeping Avith the rest of his body. A large, 



