GENERAL EXAMINATION 33 



is indicative principally of speed. There is a combination 

 of power and 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 con- 

 sidered a draft horse. In addition, this weight must be ' 

 the outcome of strong bone, heavy muscles and idi'ge pro- 

 portions 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 introduction as a means of transportation, it 

 is stated that a small model of a locomotive with thejiec- 

 essary 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. Considerable 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 train 

 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 pro- 

 portionate weight and it ultimately assisted in the per- 



* Smith, Physiology of Domestic Animals, page 756. 



