oe THE BREEDS OF LIVE-STOCK 
able to the lack of depth in the shorter ribs. Increasing 
the depth of body and adding to the length of the hinder 
ribs have been effective in lessening the prevalence of this 
criticism. The croup of the Clydesdale is muscular, and 
the quarters are specially well developed. The set of the 
hocks is one of the strong points of the breed. A properly 
set hock forecasts pulling power, and it also implies free- 
dom from curbs and from coarseness, due to thoroughpin 
or bog spavins. With the web of the hock free from any 
filling, the latter works freer and stronger, and is not 
predisposed to diseases; and such a hock is almost 
invariably properly set, for it will frequently be noticed 
that it is the bent hock that is more ‘‘ meaty” and 
subject to bog spavins and thoroughpins. Properly set 
hocks, above all other things, insure the hock action which 
is so greatly sought in Clydesdales. To bring the hocks 
well under the body and not to spread too much in passing 
each other are very desirable attributes, and these are 
eminently characteristic of the Clydesdale’s hind action. 
The front action in best form is free, snappy and folding 
at the knee, chiefly attributable to a shoulder of correct 
slope, and springy yet strong pasterns. 
26. Uses of Clydesdales. — The Clydesdale is essen- 
tially a draft horse, bred for that purpose alone. His 
free, straight, rapid gait, and strong, heavy frame, give 
him high rank among draft breeds. 
Good types of pure-bred Clydesdales on native draft 
mares have given grades with considerable snap and 
power, well adapted for medium draft work in the city 
and on the farm. 
The secretary of the American Clydesdale Associa- 
tion has reported the sale of four draft geldings, largely 
of Clydesdale breeding, on the Union Stock Yards market 
