IN SEARCH OF A HORSE. 



181 



This inquiry is easily made among the parochial 

 officers: they will always say (on assigning a fair 

 reason for the question) whether a man pays his 

 rates and taxes punctually ; or they will refer to his 

 landlord, who is always well disposed to complain of 

 an irregular tenant. * But a man should make these 

 inquiries for himself: they will swell a solicitor's bill 

 largely if left entirely to him. 



Should the result be unfavorable, there is but one 

 resource — send the horse to the hammer to take his 

 chance, and set down the loss, as I have too often 

 done, to the debit of experience ! On the next occa- 

 , sion you will be wise enough to consult a veterinary 

 surgeon hefore you make your purchase ! 



16* 



