THE HORSE. 77 



best suited to his condition, and all will be well. Of 

 course this plan will sometimes alter a horse's class, 

 but, being equal to the work of the class into which he 

 is drafted, he is SOUND. 



Where disease creates dulness, he is UNSOUND. 



Malformations. 



Malformations are not an unsoundness unless the 

 horse is diseased or lame, or is prevented from doing 

 the work of the class to which he belongs. 



Where there is any doubt of the horse's ability to 

 stand the work of his class upon the supposition that 

 the affected part has not been permanently healed, the 

 buyer is naturally anxious to try the horse before he 

 recommends it. Now, as there seem to be very absurd 

 ideas entertained by many persons as to what may be 

 done with horses on trial, and as the subject is of much 

 importance to both buyer and seller, perhaps I cannot 

 do better than devote some space to it. 



The Trial. 



Having satisfied yourself upon the general merits of 

 the horse, try him, and, whilst trying him, use him fairly, 

 according to the treatment to which horses of his class 

 and condition are subjected. Thus, suppose you are in 

 want of a horse able to trot sixteen miles an hour, and 



