202 AN INTERESTING CASE OF MELANOSIS. 
pretty plainly the situation which it occupied ; for, seeing that it 
passed over two regions, there was all but demonstrative proof 
that it was external to both. There was, however, another point 
to be settled. How was it related to the panniculus carnosus! 
Superiorly it seemed to be near to the surface, but inferiorly it 
was not to be so accurately felt. It was also somewhat fixed in 
its situation. I could only slightly move it; therefore I concluded 
that it was placed below the muscle last named, the contraction of 
which served to hold it in its place; and having to my own satis¬ 
faction determined that fact, I turned to discover, if possible, the 
nature of the tumour. 
As I have said, it was at the highest part capable of slight 
movement, and when under this its edges were well defined, for it 
then had a well-marked and distinct margin. Below I could find 
nothing equally satisfactory; but the difference of situation, the 
intervention of the panniculus and parts, the abdomen being so 
much more yielding than the loins, accounted for the circumstance. 
I therefore argued that, as one part was, the whole in all proba¬ 
bility existed, and that the tumour was circumscribed. It felt hard 
generally ; but at the centre there was some sense of softness, 
although this conveyed to me no idea of actual fluctuation. The 
skin was healthy, and, notwithstanding it was in some measure 
tightened, did not appear to be in any degree thinner than 
on other parts. There was no sensitiveness in the swelling. The 
horse did not seem to care how much or in what manner it was 
examined. I did not try to create pain, for I saw no advantage 
to be gained through cruelty. 
Having endeavoured to ascertain the character of the enlarge¬ 
ment without being able to conceive myself that I had acquired 
the knowledge I desired to gain, I sought some aid from a more 
general examination. Seeing the age and colour of the horse, my 
hand was immediately directed to the anus and tail. At the root 
of the latter I found a little tumour, about as big as an ordinary pea. 
It was hard and round, perfectly detached from the muscles, and 
it also was devoid of sensibility. 
I then saw the proprietor, to whom I was to give my opinion, 
and, as he will probably see your pages, that gentleman will be 
able, if he pleases, to correct the statement I am about to make. 
I told him I could not positively decide what might be the character 
of the growth. There was a chance, and but a remote one, that it 
should be pus or serum, and, if so, the result would be happy ; 
but that I knew of no instance where fluids had for so long a period 
been confined, and in their effects been almost stationary. It 
might be cellular, or it might be fleshy, and, if so, there would be 
nothing to fear; but there was also a probability that it would 
