50 DISTRIBUTION OF WEIGHT IN THE HORSE'S BODY. 



gravity will be the same as that of the centre of the figure ; but if it be 

 heavier at one side than at the other, the centre of gravity will be nearer 

 the former than the latter. For instance, in ships, with the view of 

 obtaining increased security from an upset, the centre of gravity is placed 

 below the centre of the hull. If, for example, we want to ascertain the 

 position of the centre of gravity of a loaded club, we may take one line 

 through its axis, and another across it, at the point where it balances, when 

 placed horizontally. The lower the centre of gravity of a body, the more 



Fig. 5. — Position of Centre of Gravity. 



stable will be its equilibrium, as we may see by experimenting with a loaded 

 stick of uniform thickness ; firstly, balanced on its light end, and, secondly, 

 on its heavy extremity. 



In the living animal, the position of the centre of gravity is constantly 

 changing, on account of the manner in which the respective positions of the 

 various parts alter, especially during movements of the head and neck. 



Professor Colin, the well-known author of Physiologie Compaj-ee des Ani- 

 iiiaiix Domesfiques, remarks that " the centre of gravity, the exact position of 



