GENERAL PART OF EXAMINATION. 41 



through the instrumentality of the bodily senses of sight, 

 hearing, smell, and touch. We distinguish between a lively 

 and a phlegmatic temperament, comparing the power of quick 

 perception with its opposite slow comprehension. Too much 

 tendency in either direction will affect the usefulness of an 

 animal. 



Animals of fiery disposition often show temper by being 

 stubborn, vicious, balky, or they are very nervous, anxious, 

 easily frightened, which reduces their economic value. Young 

 animals, especially horses, are often restless and like to play. 



Animals of a very phlegmatic temperament may be so 

 slow to move as to impair their usefulness. 



The sort of temperament possessed by an animal is shown 

 by its external appearance. The countenance, expression of 

 the eye, play of the ears, and quickness of movement form 

 sources from which the temperament and disposition may be 

 judged. The facial expression and eye give information as to 

 the mental condition. 



Blind horses are often scary; they employ the sense of 

 hearing, moving the ears in a lively manner to take the place 

 of the lost sense of sight, at the same time holding the head 

 still. This may cause us at first sight to suspect that the 

 animal is suffering from a brain disease. Old horses are not 

 so sensitive to outside impressions as colts. Some colts, how- 

 ever, are little observing of their surroundings, appearing dull, 

 stupid and lazy, without suffering from disease. Great fatigue 

 produces temporary mental depression in individuals. 



Febrile diseases affect the temperament, making the 

 animal affected sluggish in its movements. In animals of fiery 

 temperament this is not so noticeable. 



In animals suffering from severe, serious diseases, the 

 temperament can become so changed that vices, such as crib- 

 bing, biting, kicking, etc., are no longer indulged in. The 

 countenance appears blank, expressionless, staring, eyes 

 sunken, locomotion slow and unsteady. A few hours before 



