44 HORSE-BREEDING FOR FARMERS CHAP. 
been fixed from a time farther back than is recorded 
in any history of the breed. Border horses (such as 
Nonsuch, 655), more of the Vardy type perhaps, 
were also used in forming the stock from which the 
Clydesdale is descended. 
The points of the Clydesdale may be summarised 
as follows :— 
The Head—On the Continent to-day, as was the 
case in olden times in this country, more attention 
is given to the head than is the fashion in the horse 
markets of England. In my humble judgment the 
head is indicative not only of the temper and intelli- 
gence, but: of that brain power which gives value 
to the whole machine. Here is the seat of courage, 
of spirit and activity, which, if not occupied, renders 
valueless the largest and most symmetrical horse. 
From the study of a horse’s head much may be 
inferred as to his quality and character, his activity, 
endurance, and breathing powers. In the Clydesdale 
the jaw is broad, the muzzle somewhat coarse and 
short, but the nostrils large and open. 
Eye—Full, vigorous, and kindly. 
Forehead.—Large and wide. 
Ears.—Long and active. 
Neck.—Not too long, thick-set and strong. 
Shoulder.—F ree, and with considerable slope, to 
give him his long quick step. 
Fore-arm.—Side view broad, muscles long and 
strong. 
Knee.—Broad and flat. 
Shank Bone.—* Should be flat from a side view, 
thick and gently rounded from a front view, and 
tapering to an edge as it goes back (‘razor-legged’). 
