85 
CONFORMATION AND ACTION, &C. 
relaxed in the other: hut this exception cannot affect the general 
rules laid ('own concerning exterior conformation.' When it is 
considered how much the race-horse diifers in his outline, volume, 
and proportions from the cart-horse—when we reflect upon the 
difference in their individual textures, organizations, and nervous 
influence—and when wo add to this the known difference be¬ 
tween them in speed and strength—it must appear evident 
enough, that one scale will not serve for two animals, though of 
the same species, so dissimilar to each other: at least, we ought 
to he furnished with one scale of proportions for the race-horse 
and one for the cart-horse. 
There can be no doubt that one definite length, and breadth, 
and volume, is required for every individual member; and 
that no great deviation from this can take place without dis¬ 
paragement and consequent impairment to the whole: but,then, 
so much depends upon a variety of concomitant and dependent 
circumstances—such as the adaptation and proportion of other 
parts, and the internal texture, organization, and susceptibility 
of the whole—that it seems very unnatural, and is perhaps im¬ 
possible, to lay down any precise and immutable laws. In con¬ 
firmation of this,how often does it happen that we are astonished 
at the excellent performances of some wus-shapen horse, and 
equally surprised and disappointed at the inability of another, 
whose pretensions, according to the laws of beauty or propor¬ 
tion, are of the very first order! 
Still, that proportion has to do with power, and strength, and 
action—and much to do with them, I admit: but then it must be 
taken in a relative sense, and as depending upon more than 
meets the eye; and, therefore, cannot well be subjected to any 
precise rule and measure. Among its relations stands first and 
foremost position ; of which indeed such is the importance, that 
I would almost say it lays claim to equivalent consideration. 
Of what value is the most beautifully proportioned limb, to the eye 
even, much less in point of utility, whose different parts are set 
in awkward or unnatural positions ? The head may be its pro¬ 
per length and breadth, and so likewise may be the neck: but 
of what avail is all this, unless the two be properly or advan¬ 
tageously conjoined ? Position intrudes upon us while we are 
measuring the limb; and in despite of every consideration we 
can give it, after all, turns out such a wayward and intractable 
thing to deal with, that we cannot anywise fashion it into our 
scale of dimensions. 
I he impracticability of reducing this science to any definite 
rule or law, has placed it among that species of knowledge 
which a man gains by dint of observation alone: hence it is that 
VOL. IV. N 
