266 
On the Rearinrj and Feeding of Cattle. 
lies in front. When ^ve examine a horse, we find the whole 
cavity of the chest filled by the lungs ; but in the fattened domestic 
ox they only fill a part of it, the rest being occupied by the fat 
accumulated around the organs, and by the protrusion of the 
abdominal viscera. But enough has been said on this subject 
when treating of the size of the lungs. 
There are certain cases in which animals exhibit an aptitude 
to fatten, although their chests are large and their cavity filled by 
large lungs. Thus the horse or the prize-fighter possesses large 
lungs. But both, when in training or working, have much exer- 
cise, and their lungs are kept in a constant state of activity. The 
amount of exercise which they receive increases the vital forces, 
and consequent assimilative powers of the svstem ; but when they 
are deprived of exercise their lungs become contracted, and less 
air enters the system. But their digestive apparatus has become 
accustomed to much food, and their powers of assimilation are 
still strong : they, therefore, eat a large quantity of food, and, as 
little of it is now expended in force, they rapidly become fat. 
Such cases are, however, no objection to the general principles 
which we have advanced. 
We have now examined some, far from all, of the applications 
of physiology to the feeding of cattle. We have had to contend 
with difficulties, both from a deficiency of scientific data on which 
to ground our conclusions, and from an imperfect knowledge of 
the practical part of our subject. I have honestly informed you 
of both of these obstacles to the establishment of our views^, and 
it is therefore for you to determine wliich will or will not bear 
the test of a more thorough acquaintance with practice. You are 
also put in possession of the proper value to be attached to the 
theories brought forward ; for I have requested you to look upon 
some of them with caution, as the mere opinions of an individual, 
and not as established trutlis of science. The subject is full of 
interest, and strange though it be, it has never hitherto been ex- 
amined in its scientific relations. I sincerely trust that some 
eminent men of science will turn their attention to its elucidation. 
The only credit which I attach to myself, in having introduced 
this subject to your notice, is this — that during the few weeks 
since I was honoured by the commands of the Council to appear 
before you (and as a soldier of this Society I thought it my duty 
to obey those commands), T have worked hard in your behalf; 
and though my labours may have proved unproductive, my inten- 
tion to serve you has been good — a circumstance which, permit 
me to hope, will induce you to look with some degree of leniency 
on the very many faults contained in my lectures. 
