PROPORTIONS 273 



PROPORTIONS OF THE HEAD OF THE HORSE* 



Although it is very difficult, says M. Duhousset, when we 

 speak of measurements taken on the living animal, to 

 formulate other than approximations, we believe we have 

 determined with sufficient accuracy the following results, 

 which are the outcome of our numerous observations. The 

 head which we present is that of a horse which we have 

 frequently come across as a mean term between the highly 

 bred and the draught horse. Under this heading, it will not 

 be devoid of interest to accompany with dimensions the 

 two drawings to which are consigned the measurements 

 in question. 



Head viewed in Profile (Fig. 108). — Length, A, B, 

 from the nape to the margin of the lips, o"6o metre. 



Thickness, C, D, from the angle of the lower jaw to the 

 anterior surface (a half -head), 0*30 metre. This line passes 

 through the middle of the eye, taken perpendicularly, to 

 the profile of the anterior surface. Many common horses 

 present it, especially the heavier draught horses ; in finely- 

 bred subjects it is a little shorter (G. and B.). 



Depth, I, H, of the neck in its narrowest part (a half -head), 

 0*30 metre. It is frequently greater ; this is noticeable 

 in aU instances where the superior parts of the neck 

 are deficient in fineness. It is this which we see in 

 draught horses, and in those which become too fleshy 

 (G. and B.). 



Distance, O, R, of the internal commissure of the eye from 

 the superior border of the commissure of the nostril (G. and 

 B.) (a half -head), o"30 metre. It is more considerable on 

 the common head, and on that which is too long. 



Distance, A, O, from the nape to the internal angle of the 

 eye, o"22 metre. This distance is equivalent to the thick- 

 ness of the head, P, Q, taken perpendicularly from the profile 

 of the anterior surface, and passing at the level of the 

 maxiUary fissure and spine. 



* Extract from the work of MM. Goubeaux and Barrier on the exterior 

 of the horse. As before, the initials G. and B. of these authors are 

 added. 



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