THE SPINE. 241 



larly strong bone. It has much of the head and neck to support ; 

 and it is the fulcrum or fixed point on which all th? other bones are 

 to move. Each rib is united to the spine by great strength of attach- 

 ment. They spring from the spine in a quite horizontal direction ; 

 and consequently, there is a provision for the capacity of the chest 

 above as well as below. They are large, for the attachment of much 

 muscle ; they spring out at once laterally, in order to secure that 

 permanent capacity of chest which the functions of the ox require. 



In some breeds a httle flat-sidedness (the less the better) may be 

 forgiven, because the width of the sternum below, and of the spine, 

 in some degree, but more particularly the springing out of the ribs 

 above, secure a sufficient capacity of chest. It is on this account that 

 the Devon ox is active and profitable while at work, and afterward 

 grazes kindly. The conformation of the bones just described gives 

 him a considerable capacity of chest, notwithstanding his somewhat 

 too flat sides : yet in the animal which was chiefly valued for his 

 grazing properties, something more would be looked for, and would 

 be found. 



The shoulder being past, this horizontal projection of the ribs is 

 more and more evident ; and, in order that the barrel-form shall be 

 as complete as can be, each rib is twisted. Its posterior edges are 

 turned upward and outward ; and as, proceeding backward, each 

 projects beyond the preceding one, not only until the eighth true rib 

 is passed, but also the five false ones, the carcass of a well-made, 

 profitable beast increases in width and in capacity, until we arrive at, 

 or nearly at, the loins. For illustration of this, reference may be 

 made to the cuts of the Kyloe, Galloway, New Leicester, or Short- 

 horn cattle. 



In point of fact, however, the thorax is now passed, and the abdo- 

 men presents itself; but the principle is the same : the ribs are spread 

 out, not only to ajOFord room in the thorax for lungs considerably 

 larger than those of the horse, but for that immense macerating 

 stomach, the rumen, wich fills the greater part of the abdomen, and 

 which must be preserved as much as possible from injury and 

 pressure. 



THE SPINE. 



The spine of the ox has great size of the individual bones, a small 

 quantity of elastic ligamentous substance interposed between them, 

 and great length and roughness of all the processes. Two objects 

 are accomplished — sufficient strength is obtained for the protection of 

 the parts beneath, and for the purposes for which the animal may be 

 required, and as much roughened surface as possible for the insertion 

 of muscles. As the joints are few, some provision seems to be made 

 for this, by their being comphcated. 

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