IN SEARCH OF A HORSE. 169 



To buy a new saddle for an untried horse, is throw- 

 ing away money ; and though saddle-trees are now 

 usually made in a form to suit most horses of the 

 average size, it is not improbable that the back 

 would be galled by a long ride in a saddle out of 

 your own harness-room. Should this kappen, any 

 dealer is fairly entitled to refuse the horse, if re- 

 turned, unlpss upon full compensation ; for he is 

 alike unfit for sale or use, till the wound is healed, 

 and I have already noticed that this is not the work 

 of a day. 



It is prudent to examine with attention the terms 

 in which the warranty is expressed. I have often 

 known instances in which, either from accident or 

 design, the guarantee of soundness has been so care- 

 lessly worded, as to leave no remedy to the pur- 

 chaser ; and in other cases, the warranty has been 

 signed by an agent, whose authority to give it has 

 been afterwards denied : thus substituting a right of 

 action for deceit against a man of straw, for a good 

 remedy against a solvent seller. 



Another precaution, rarely taken, but of great im- 

 portance, is to send a servant to fetch the horse : 

 the purchaser generally rides him away himself, if 

 15* 



