In the Stable, Field, and on the Road, 243 



ties disappear, but these will re- appear whenever it is 

 again cooled down. A horse with an upright shoulder 

 is more fitted for driving than riding, a sloping 

 shoulder is best adapted for riding, for they have 

 generally better action and less of its own weight to 

 sustain on its fore legs ; a long-necked horse is 

 generally admired for its graceful form, but Ave consider 

 this a fault, as such are generally weak and are predis- 

 posed to roaring. Short-necked horses are for the most 

 part clear-winded, but one of medium length should be 

 preferred. Horses whose limbs have been fired should 

 never be purchased only at a small price, as it is a sure sign 

 of disease, although many horses work well after being 

 cauterized ; indeed scores of hunters and race horses 

 have been subjected to this operation. Thanks to the 

 French, the old system of firing will soon disappear, as 

 their patent firing apparatus can be used without the aid 

 of fire and irons, and Professor Pritchard informs me 

 that he has fired upwards of 200 animals with it and has 

 not had one slough, which is a very great recommenda- 

 tion for it, as with the old iron and the most careful 

 operator it was impossible to prevent some from slough- 

 ing. When the cornea of the eye is of a yellowish tinge 

 it is indicative of liver complaint ; this being observed, 

 turn up the lips and notice if the under portion of the 

 lips are of the same colour ; if so avoid the purchase 

 of the animal. If the coat of a horse stares it is a sure 

 sign that the animal is not in good health ; it will be 

 noticed that their dung is either hard, dark-coloured, 

 foetid, and slimy, or thin and washy like a cow. When 

 not disturbed such animals have a languid and sleepy 



