THE BACK. 93 



at it ; but if we trust to appearance of strength, or 

 the want of it, cases will occur where we shall find 

 such appearances quite deceive us." To a certain ex- 

 tent, this observation is perfectly true ; but I am cer- 

 tain the mistake is often attributable to om* careless, 

 inaccurate, and imperfect observation. It is question- 

 able if it is ever the result of an error in the formation 

 of the animal. In the very nature of things, struc- 

 ture must tell truth ; but it is often extremely difficult to 

 draw accm-ate conclusions where so many things are to 

 be taken into the calculation. The back is not the only 

 part concerned. The question is not what weight can 

 a horse stand under, but with what weight can he go ? 

 This at once involves every imaginable particular about 

 the formation and temperament of the animal ; and 

 hence opens up so wide a field, that it is often ex- 

 tremely difficult, if not impossible, to arrive at precise 

 conclusions by mere inspection. Although inspection, 

 in the majority of cases, is of the greatest importance, 

 still it must be admitted that, owing to the imperfec- 

 tion of our powers of observation, trial is the best 

 proof. 



It has long appeared to me, that the power of the 

 horse's back might be materially improved by having 

 him gradually accustomed to carry an increase of 

 weight. Training, or work, if judiciously conducted, 

 will increase the strength of the entire muscular sys- 

 tem. Consequently, I can see no reason why the 



