3*2 FORM AND ACTION. 



result, wind, and strength, and stamina — it has ever been through- 

 out the animal world considered a point of the greatest desidera- 

 tion. We see it associated with good wind and bodily strength in 

 numerous quadrupeds, in fowls, in man even : we have only to 

 contrast the circular chest of the bull-dog with the narrow one of 

 the greyhound ; that of the goose with the turkey's ; and one man 

 in this respect with another ; and we shall have striking evidence 

 of a fact of which it would be easy to multiply examples ad infini- 

 tum. It is upon this same principle of conformation that farmers, 

 and graziers, and cattle dealers, proceed in their selection and 

 judgment of stock — not for purposes of wind and strength, so much 

 as for their known constitutional powers to grow fat, their dispo- 

 sition to feed kindly, and to turn out such in the hands of the 

 butcher as others, differently formed, with double and treble the 

 quantity of food, would never become : indeed, form of chest has 

 grown into a consideration of the first importance with the agri- 

 culturist, and by him has been turned to a most useful and profit- 

 able account. And to the horseman, is it no mean advantage for 

 him to possess a horse with good stamina — strong wind and con- 

 stitution — one that will do double the work of another, and do that 

 work upon comparatively little or indifferent provender 1 But, in 

 his case, joined with this consideration, is another, one of equal or 

 more import still, and that is, action. Can the horse with the 

 circular chest perform — make use of his limbs — as well as one 

 with a chest differently formed 1 Can he go as free and as fast 1 

 We must answer, No ! The breadth of his chest, will be disad- 

 vantageous to the action of his fore limbs; and, therefore, we 

 must be content to make a sacrifice in one respect that we may 

 be gainers in another. Nature, however, even in this apparent 

 " dilemma, has made a provision, by giving 



Depth to the Chest : a formation which greatly compen- 

 sates for deficiency in breadth, while it enables the animal to use 

 his fore limbs with all the freedom and effect required. Be sure 

 to look for plenty of depth in the chest : it is a most important 

 point, where we cannot have breadth or circularity, and where 

 speed or action is demanded. Nowhere in nature is the design 

 of this or that form of chest more strikingly and beautifully shewn 

 than in the different breeds of horses. The cart-horse is admired 



