GENERAL EXAMINATION 33 



speed which is desirable to secure in the draft horse but as 

 in all things opposed to each other it is impossible to secure 

 the highest development of both in the same individual. It 

 has been stated by a writer on this subject* that in the 

 instance of animals of short bones, slight angularity and 

 short muscles, the conditions are most favorable for drawing 

 heavy loads, and animals with long bones, long muscles and 

 slightly angular joints are especially adapted for speed. 



55. Advantage of Weight. In considering the form, 

 weight should be given a high valuation, for a horse that 

 does not weigh at least 1,500 pounds should not be consid- 

 ered a draft horse. In addition, this weight must be the 

 outcome of strong bone, heavy muscles and large proportions 

 and not have its origin in excessive fatness. As to the 

 importance of weight it may be illustrated best by citing what 

 is said to be the first experience that inventors had with the 

 locomotive. When this was being perfected before its intro- 

 duction as a means of transportation, it is stated that a small 

 model of a locomotive with the necessary track arrangement 

 was used by those desiring to bring it into practical use. It 

 was found in the model that the wheels would not adhere to 

 the track but would spin around and waste the power. Con- 

 siderable study was given to the best means of overcoming 

 this difficulty. It was thought that the wheels should have 

 cogs and the track furnished in the same way but a better 

 plan was happened upon by accident. The inventor having 

 a small load in form of bags to take over the track, instead of 

 putting it in the car of the model train threw them across the 

 locomotive and when steam was generated the t rain started 

 without any of the difficulties that had been before observed. 

 He found through this that the locomotive to exert its power 

 to the best advantage should have a proportionate weight 

 and it ultimately assisted in the perfection of the locomotive. 

 The same principle attached itself to the draft horse as a 



*Smith, Physiology of Domestic Animals, page 756 



