176 THE TRUNK. 



by the strength of the ligaments which preserve the stability 

 of this arch. We may note how relaxation of these muscles 

 will affect this state of convexity if we pinch the loins of a 

 horse, so as to make him crouch, which he does by the con- 

 traction of the muscles that lie on the top of the loins. 

 When he crouches in this manner, the upper line of the croup 

 will tend to become straight. Hence we may accept the 

 conclusion, which is fully borne out in practice, that undue 

 straightness of the upper line of the croup indicates weakness 

 of the part. I may also mention that when a horse is 

 affected by paralysis of the muscles of the loins, the croup 

 will usually assume an abnormally flat appearance, especially 

 when weight is put on the back, which, in this disease, can 

 badly support it. The slope of the croup (whether it is 

 *' goose rumped" or horizontal) will be considered on pp. 206 

 to 208. 



Anus. — The anus should be prominent, and the tissues 

 around it should be well filled out. It should be firm in 

 appearance and closed when at rest. A hollow, flabby and 

 open condition of the part indicates illness or general 

 debility. 



Tail. — The tail should be muscular at its root, and 

 naturally short as regards its solid portion (dock). Strength 

 of tail, as may be tested by endeavouring to lift it up with 

 the hand under the root, usually shows vigour of body. 

 A naturally long dock is, to a certain extent, a sign of 

 inferior breeding. 



The tail should, in all cases, be set on **high " (Fig. 281) ; 

 as this form points to a more or less horizontal position 

 of the sacrum. If this part be bent downwards, as in Fig. 

 280, so as to form a decided angle with the vertebra of 

 the loins and back, the backbone will not be as well adapted 

 to purposes of locomotion as it would be if it were com- 

 paratively horizontal. 



During movement, the tail should be carried well away 



