THE SHOULDER. 59 



tachment of the scapula to the trunk, and the means through 

 which the latter is suspended — "when the scapula is oblique, has 

 more power in rolling it." Other muscular advantages likewise 

 accrue. " When the scapula lies at right angles with the humerus, 

 the muscles which are attached to the latter act with more effect. 

 And on the same principle, by the oblique position of the humerus, 

 and, consequently, its obliquity in reference to the radius and ulna, 

 the power of the muscle inserted into the olecranon is increased. 

 On the whole, both power and elasticity are gained by this posi- 

 tion of the superior bones of the fore leg. It gives to the animal 

 that springs a larger stretch in throwing himself forward, and se- 

 curity in a soft descent of its weight." 



Sir Charles has admirably illustrated by sketches contrasting 

 the fore extremity of the skeleton of the elephant with that of the 

 camel, that the former is evidently constructed for strength, the 

 latter for spring and speed : pillars of bones, like stone columns, 

 standing in upright positions are evidently intended to support 

 weight, movement being a secondary consideration ; on the other 

 hand, bones arranged in regard to each other in zigzag or oblique 

 directions, are adapted for movement and spring, ability to carry 

 weight being the secondary consideration. This point has been 

 already illustrated by comparisons between the upright shoulders 

 of dray-horses, and the oblique ones of thorough-breds. 



Let us now pass to 



THE ARM. 



Anatomists and horsemen will find themselves at variance con- 

 cerning the part to which this appellation is applied. The anato- 

 mist regards the humerus as the bone of the arm : the horseman 

 calls that part " the arm" which extends from the elbow to the 

 knee ; and incongruous and, to the anatomist, confusing as these 

 appellations, arm and knee, are, yet has custom so established 

 their use among horse people that we dare not refuse to adopt them. 

 The horseman's "arm", consequently, becomes the anatomist's 

 " fore-arm" ' : the humerus or proper arm being incorporated with 

 the shoulder, from the circumstance of the horse not being provided, 

 as a man, and a monkey, and some other beasts are, with those 



