IN SEARCH OF A HORSE. 29 



next that fell to my lot. I wanted something more 

 substantial, it is true; but a ''perfect picture" has 

 attractions for every eye, and mine was, of course, 

 captivated. 



"To be sold, for only half his value, under pecu- 

 liar circumstances, which will be satisfactorily ex- 

 plained, a beautiful gray gelding. For strength and 

 symmetry he stands unrivalled ; he is a perfect pic- 

 ture of a horse, and goes so pleasantly : he is well 

 known in the Surrey. Warranted in every respect. 

 Apply to A. Z.," &c. 



I found the above description in the columns of 

 the Times, and notwithstanding its elegance of 

 grammar and style, I made all allowances for the 

 education of a Surrey sportsman, and left my card 

 at his stables. There was a something about the 

 look of the stables that I did not like — an indescri- 

 bable negativeness of appearance. There was no 

 groom; he was out, exhibiting his "picture;" there 

 was no key to the door ; there was no manure piled 

 up under the window; there was no learning any 

 thing about the horse, or the owner, or even the 

 place itself; but then my call was unseasonably 

 early, and though I recollected these matters after- 



