THE EAR 129 



Fortunately, glanders is nowadays but seldom met 

 with as compared with former times, when fewer pre- 

 cautions to prevent the disease spreading were 

 taken ; and it is also more readily recognised than 

 formerly, when any such running from the nose was 

 immediately concluded to be evidence of glanders, 

 and the most desperate remedies were resorted 

 to. 



The size, setting on, and motion of the ear of the 

 horse are of importance, as all who possess horses and 

 have paid any attention to the subject must be aware. 

 Ears which are rather small, not placed too far apart, 

 erect, and quick in motion, indicate both breeding and 

 spirit ; and it may be here remarked that if a horse is 

 in the habit of frequently carrying one ear forward and 

 the other backward, more especially if he does so when 

 being ridden or driven, he will generally be found to 

 possess both spirit and endurance. The fact of the 

 ears being stretched in contrary directions serves to 

 show that he is attentive to everything which is going 

 •on around him, and while this is the case he cannot be 

 fatigued, or likely to soon become so. Most horses 

 sleep with one ear pointed forward and the other back, 

 in order that they may hear the approach of anything 

 from either direction. The ear of the horse is one of 

 the most beautiful points, and is more truly indicative 

 of the temper and disposition of the animal even than 

 the eye ; and anyone who watches the movements of 

 the former can form a very just opinion as to what the 

 horse intends to do or not to do. As, for instance, if 

 a horse means to bite, he puts his ears flat back and 

 keeps them there ; but if he is only playful, they soon 

 come forward again. The rapid change in the position 



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