VERTEBRATES 165 



" quarters," should slope downward somewhat, and the hook 

 should be comparatively wide to afford ample leverage 

 for the pulling muscles. The legs should be straight 

 as pillars when seen from front or rear. The outer walls 

 of the hoof support most of the weight though the frog 

 should normally touch the ground. In nature the hoof 

 wears away properly of itself, but the shed hoof needs 

 regular trimming attention, while the frog must not be 

 trimmed, for it is the soft growing part that nourishes 

 the hoof. In this treatment the foot is comparable with 

 the human finger and finger nail. 



Observations. 



If access to a living animal is impossible or incon- 

 venient, the pupil may use reference book or pictures 

 for most of these points. A measuring tape or ruler 

 should be at hand, and the assistance of an experienced 

 person is a valuable aid. If several horses are studied, 

 they should be distinguished by name or number. 



Record the color, condition, weight, and height of the 

 horse at the shoulder. (Height is given in " hands," a 

 hand being the breadth of the palm, or 4 inches.) Note 

 the slope of the shoulder, of the back and the hips, 

 the general form of the head and neck, and the facial 

 expression. Find the chestnuts, warty growths on the 

 inside of each leg. Examine the foot, finding the V-shaped 

 frog in the center, surrounded by the horny hoof. 



Find the pulse by passing the fingers downward from 

 the upper curve of the neck, along the inside of the jaw ; 

 count the pulse. Notice the position and motion of the 

 ears with their lining of hair, and the position of the 

 eyes, the form of the pupil, and the probable range of 

 vision. Watch the horse use its lips, and examine the 



