212 CATTLE. 



of the fourth rib, and spreads forward over the three .interior ribs, 

 and even to the vertebrae of the withers. 

 *?. Another head of the levoAor humeri. 



8. The tricejys extensor hrachii, or three-headed extensor of the 

 arm. Two of the portions are here seen, the one from the external 

 part of the shoulder to the outer tubercle on the bone of the arm, 

 and also on the outer parts of the elbow ; and the other occupying 

 the angular space between the shoulder-blade and the bone of the 

 arm ; the muscle has its principal lower insertion in the posterior and 

 superior part of the elbow. There is a third portion on the interior 

 of the scapula and the bone of the arm. The action of the compound 

 muscle is evidently to bind the humerus, or bone of the arm, on the 

 shoulder-blade, and thus to extend and throw forward the lower 

 part of the limb. These muscles are small in cattle for these evident 

 reasons, that strength is not required in the ox, as a beast of burden, 

 and his speed never taxed to any extent ; and because needless flesh 

 here would be precisely in the part where it is coarsest and least 

 valuable. The diminution of muscle on the external part of the 

 shoulder, and the accumulation of cellular and fatty matter between 

 it and the trunk, being the reverse of what we find in the horse, are 

 apt illustrations of the skill with which every animal is adapted to 

 his destiny. 



9. Another portion of the serrated muscles, belonging to the back 

 and ribs. These are principally muscles of respiration ; they elevate 

 the ribs, and bring them forward, and thus expand the chest, and 

 assist in the process of inspiration. This is a small muscle, because 

 from the idle life of the ox, his breathing is seldom hurried. 



10. The internal oblique muscle, or inner layer of muscles constitu- 

 ting the walls of the belly. These muscles assist the external ones in 

 supporting the weight of the belly, and compressing its contents. 

 Being placed somewhat farther back than the external oblique, they 

 will offer less assistance in respiration, but contribute more to the 

 expulsion of the urine and faeces. 



17. The iliacus iidernus, or inner and larger muscle belonging to 

 the flanks, occupies the upper and inner space between the spine and 

 the thigh. Its use is to bring the thigh under the haunch, which, in 

 the slow-motioned ox, is rarel}'^ performed with much rapidity or force, 

 therefore it is not large. It enters into the composition of the aitch 

 bone and the upper part of the refund. 



18, 19, 20. '\^\iQ glutcei muscles he on the upper and outer parts 

 of the haunch, and the good or deficient form of the quarters de- 

 pends upon them. They are valuable in the ox, as indicating the 

 general muscularity of the system. This may, however, be carried 

 too far. Contributing to the formation of the rump, and, in a cer- 

 tain degree, of the round, they constitute some of th(; tenderest and 

 most valuable parts of the ox. 



