2 HORSE-KEEPING FOR AMATEURS. 



all our powers of discretion in the original selection and pur- 

 chase, and, above all, let us take our time and wait our oppor- 

 tunities. No one can recommend you where to go; there is 

 no growing ground for horses ; neither can we get them made 

 for us, even at Birmingham. I have picked up horses in the 

 most unlikely places, and at all sorts of prices, but, on the 

 whole, am inclined to think that the amateur will do better 

 to consult the advertisements in such high-class journals as 

 the Field, the County Gentleman, &c., and interview one or 

 other of the gentlemen who announce horses for sale in their 

 columns. Having found something of the stamp you want, do 

 not be too particular about his colour, or the length of his 

 tail — "a good horse is never a bad colour," remember, and 

 it is as impossible to get one that exactly suits you in all 

 respects, as it is for mortal man to attain complete happiness 

 on earth.' Again, do not be too exacting about the conditions 

 of a trial, such as the owner's natural desire to be present 

 at it, &c. If the animal is a hunter, you must see him over 

 fences ; if a hack, trot and canter him along the hardest road 

 you can find ; then, if you . can get any soft going, gallop him 

 steadily. In this way you can find out whether his paces are 

 easy, and suitable to the work you have in contemplation for 

 him, and you will also ascertain whether his wind is clear. 

 Pay special attention to the feel of his mouth ; and then, 

 having satisfied yourself that he is about the style of horse 

 you want, your functions, as rider, end, and those of the 

 veterinary surgeon begin. Now comes the question as to 

 whether you will employ one of these professional ** aids to 

 buyers," or whether you will undertake the duties yourself. It 

 is difficult to lay down any rule upon this point, but I may 

 say that I have, from beginning to end, purchased a very 

 large number of horses, and never in one single instance had 

 recourse to professional assistance. This by no means, how- 

 ever, proves that it is a safe plan to dispense with a veterinary 

 examination, nor is it any guarantee that I, personally, may 

 not be fairly caught at the very next venture. Assuming 

 that you have determined to examine for yourself, as far as 

 your abilities allow, into the soundness of the proffered animal, 

 you will find that your eye will naturally fall, in the first 

 place, upon the fore legs. Any child can, of course, tell whether 

 these are straight or worn ; but it takes a clever man to judge 

 how long they are likely to remain straight, and without 



