294 
MAKUA1 OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
state and conduct it into the circulation. We have strong 
proofs of this in the horse being more easily salivated than 
man himself, as we have known a horse to be salivated by 
rubbing a splint with mercurial ointment. 
OF THE HAIR. 
The hair of the horse is of two qualities : the one covering 
the entire surface of the skin, called its coat, and which is 
of a fine soft material; and the other, which invests the 
ridge of the neck, crown of the head, and forms the tail, of 
a coarser texture, and much lengthened. The foretop ap¬ 
pears only formed as an ornament; while the mane is a 
protection to the neck during combat; and the tail acts the 
double purpose of an ornament, and as a switch to drive off 
insects from its rear. The tufts of hair springing from the 
fetlocks defend them from contusion, and also protects the 
heels. The coat is of a uniform thickness all over the body, 
excepting upon the inner parts of the thighs, under the 
arms, &c. The coat varies in quality, colour, and length in 
different breeds. The thoroughbred racer, the Arabian, 
Barbs, and Turkish horses are remarkable for the short¬ 
ness and sleekness of their coat; while the cart-horse, the 
Shetland pony, and horses of all northern climates, are 
distinguished by the length, roughness, and coarseness of 
their hair. The lighter the shade of colour, the finer the 
hair ; and it has been found that in the chestnut and light 
bay horses there are many more hairs in a square inch than 
in black and other dark-coloured horses. 
The coat is shed twice a year, in spring and autumn. In 
a state of nature this commences with great regularity as to 
time ; but in a state of domestication, this process is much 
influenced by the temperature and stable management. 
The hair of the mane and tail is never shed. Regeneration 
i 
