I am especially fond of strong, muscular backs, loins, and quarters, added to great length and compactness, combined with well-moulded and short limbs. But, in my opinion, to pick out certain points in a racehorse and uphold them as outweighing all others, because such and such horses may have run very successfully with only this or that good point to recommend them, is the height of ignorance, and shows an utter want of careful consideration as to what constitutes the 'rule' and what the exception.' Unless this be determined, all discussion on the subject will be fruitless.

That certain forms do run the best I am confident, in spite of the hackneyed theory that horses run in all forms.' But I do not deny this; though I fearlessly assert that in proper forms horses run most successfully, which is surely the point at issue.

THE HEAD.

To begin with the head, I prefer a clean, blood-like head, but do not care what the size is so long as it is not out of proportion to the general frame; though I must confess to a decided objection to the small Arab head, which is generally indicative of more cunning and temper than is desirable.

Large, long ears I have long esteemed as a sign of gameness, and appreciate them accordingly.

THE NECK.

To the formation of the neck I am inclined, from experience and comparisons, to attach the greatest im

portance. The lower surface of the neck, or portion of the œsophagus or gullet perceptible,-i.e. from the larynx to the breast-cannot be too short. The distance or length from the top of the withers to the end of the cervical vertebræ should be more than double that of the former; because this formation presents the smallest possible distance for the air-pumps to work, and consequently renders rapid respiration more easy. Also, such formation is effected by the proper formation of other portions of the frame, and more especially by proper formation of the shoulders,-i.e. by the base of the scapula or shoulder-blade being pushed forward, and the apex being thrown back in a corresponding degree. Thus the apex of the scapula, being well inclined backwards, or thrown into the back or dorsal vertebræ, lengthens the superior surface of the neck, while the base of the scapula and apex of humerus, or arm-bone, being pushed forward, shortens the inferior surface of the neck-or, in other words, lessens the space between the breast and the larynx.

I have scarcely ever seen a good neck on a bad animal, or a bad neck on a good one. By a good neck I mean a strong, deep, broad neck running right into the shoulders imperceptibly, and formed as above described. I abhor either the weak thin ewe-necks, or the light tapering arched peacocky roaring necks, which indicate weakness, not only of this particular organ, but of the whole system.

This I take to be a rule. A well-developed muscular neck, properly formed, indicates strength, and a thin,

THE RACEHORSE.

and therefore badly developed, neck indicates weak

ness.

I have often been told that a good neck should be light, arched, long, and airy; but in answer, all I have to say is this: when it can be proved that a want of muscular development constitutes a good neck, I shall then, and not till then, alter my opinion.

SHOULDERS.

I must pass on to a point of all others the least understood, or rather the most misunderstood, by ninety-nine out of every hundred persons conversant with horseflesh. Among such it is very common to hear what are termed clean, or rather thin, weak, knify shoulders upheld as a sine quâ non of a racehorse; though how the Sweetmeats, Blair Athols, Fandangoes, Voltigeurs, Fishermans, Stockwells, Lifeboats, Touchstones, and numerous other notoriously muscular-shouldered horses, go to prove the correctness of such opinions, I am at a loss to comprehend; and if we are not to derive our conclusions from living horses, from whence can they be obtained? That the scapula must be properly placed,―i.e., in an oblique position, I think all must agree, though Teddington and one or two more come in as the exceptions; but why such formation should be unattended by a proper covering of muscle, is an enigma. The Touchstones can all stay, and we never heard it stated that they were deficient in speed; but if any one should be tempted to make such an assertion, the fact that Touchstone has some

two hundred winners attached to his name in these

days of flying handicaps should set this question at rest Yet almost invariably the Touchstones have strong and muscular shoulders.

for ever.

And, moreover, what can thin and light shoulders consist of but so many bones with a paucity of muscle to work them?

Surely the trapezius and the antea and postea spinatus are not useless muscles; and, if not useless, why should there be so great an objection to seeing them well developed? Without these muscles the shoulder cannot move, for the scapula must remain motionless. Surely, then, if they are well developed, may we not expect quick and vigorous action?

There is yet another point that I must not omit, and which I consider of great importance in a racehorse, which is the inferior extremity of the scapula, or shoulder points. I like to see this point taper gradually, or fine down. That is, the two points of the scapula and humerus should incline towards each other, be well covered with muscle, and yet narrow perceptibly to the eye, as you stand in front of the horse; and immediately behind the scapula the fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth ribs should appear to swell and bulge out boldly.

This formation does not render the chest narrow, but ensures more compact and vigorous action of the shoulders, since the points of the bones thus converging, if properly placed, are too far forward to interfere in any way with the capacity and formation of the chest.

THE RACEHORSE.

9

THE CHEST.

Of the chest in a racehorse I need say but little, as the proper action of its organs depends more on the development of the contiguous muscles than on its own formation.

The chest should be of sufficient breadth to allow of the proper action of the respiratory organs; but I have no fancy for a wide chest as you stand before the horse, not seeing how, with such formation, the frame can be so compact and regular as is desirable, and even necessary for maintaining continued exertion.

FORE LIMBS.

In spite of continual opposition and assertions that forelimbs have little or nothing to do with racing, I nevertheless hold that a horse is unworthy of the name of a racehorse which does not possess properly-formed fore legs.

That a horse cannot race in good company with badly-formed fore legs, I will not attempt to prove, for the simple reason that I do not wish to offer decided opinions on what must be a great uncertainty, dependent on the nature of a particular course, &c. I do say, however, that I never yet saw such animals bring anything but disappointment and vexation on their deluded owners and trainers.

Pray watch the next racehorse you may chance to see in his gallop still more closely. See how, when fresh and well, the good fore legged horse sends out his