411 
THE HAND-ITS MECHANISM, &C. 
A scapula, which inclines obliquely backwards, increases the 
angle at which it lies with the humerus or arm-bone, and, con¬ 
sequently, improves the effect of those muscles which pass from 
it to that bone. 
We have only to turn to the skeleton of the elephant, the ox, 
the elk, or the stag, to see the confirmation of this principle. 
When the scapula is oblique, the serratus muscle^ which passes 
from the ribs to its uppermost part, has more power in rolling it. 
When it lies at right angles with the humerus, the muscles which 
are attached to the latter [at B] act with more effect. And on 
the same principle, by the oblique position of the humerus, and, 
consequently, its obliquity in reference to the radius and ulna, 
the two bones of the fore-arm, the power of the muscle, inserted 
[at C] into the olecranon, is increased. On the whole, both 
power and elasticity are gained by this position of the superior 
bones of the fore-leg. It gives to the animal that springs a 
larger stretch in throwing himself forwards, and security in a 
soft descent of his weight.^’ 
Sir C. Bell has introduced sketches from the skeletons of the 
elephant and camel, plainly shewing that the leg of the former 
was obviously built for the purpose of sustaining the huge bulk 
of the animal; whilst, in the camel, there is a perfect contrast. 
We likewise perceive, from the comparison of these sketches, 
that, if the humerus is placed obliquely, it must necessarily be 
short, otherwise it would throw the leg too far back, and make 
the head and neck project. It is one of the ** points” of a horse 
to have the humerus short: and not only have all animals of 
speed this character, but birds of long flight, as the swallow, 
have short humeri. 
We are almost ashamed to copy more from this interesting 
volume; but, bee-hunters as we are, we shall again have recourse 
to it for the next number of The Veterinarian; and shall 
then leave lots of its honey for our readers to extract for their 
own enjoyment. They may collect sweets from every chapter. 
K. 
Traite de L'Age da Cheval, parfea N. F. Girard, Troisihne 
Edition^ publite avec des changemeifts, et aagmeutee de VAge 
da B(EUF, da MoUTONy da Chien, et da CoCHON, par J. 
Girard. 
The Treatise on the Age of the Horse is a standard work 
among the French veterinarians, and the translation of it by Mr. 
Ganley occupies a place in the library of most English practi¬ 
tioners. It is an excellent book, and had it been the only 
proof we possess of the zeal and the talent of young Girard, we 
