lo A N E W S Y S T E M 



CHAP. II. 



Of the Hand^ and its EffeSis. 



TH E Knowledge of the different Charadlers, and the 

 different Nature of Horfes, together with the Vices, 

 and Imperfedlions, as well as the exa6l and juft Proportions 

 of the Parts of a Horfe's Body, is the Foundation upon 

 which is built the Theory of our Art ; but this Theory 

 will be unneceffary and even ufelefs, if we are not able 

 likewife to carry it into Execution. 



This depends chiefly upon the Goodnefs and Quicknefs 

 of Feeling in the Hand, a Delicacy which Nature alone 

 can give, and which £he does not always beftow. The firft 

 Senfation of the Hand confifts in a greater or lefs Degree 

 of Finenefs in the Touch or Feeling ; all of us are equally 

 furniihed with Nerves, from which we have the Senfe of 

 Feeling, but as this Senfe is much more fubtle and quick 

 in fome Perfons than in others, it is impoffible to give a 

 precife Definition of the exad Degree of Feeling in the 

 Hand, which ought to communicate and anfwer to the 

 fame Degree of Feeling in the Horfe's Mouth ; becaufe 

 there is as much difference in the Degrees of Feeling ia 

 Men, as there is in the Mouths of Horfes. 



I SUPPOSE then a Man, who is not only capable to judge 

 of the Qualities of a Horfe's Mouth from a Knowledge of the 

 Theory, but who has likewife by Nature that Finenefs of 



Touch, 



