136 INTRODUCTION. 



teen days old is valued four pence; at one year 

 and a day, forty-eight pence; and at three years, 

 sixty pence : this refers evidently to the native 

 horses, for there it is ordered to tame them with 

 the bridle and rear them as j^alfreys or serving- 

 horses, but the war-horse is not mentioned. When 

 completely broken in, the value rose to one hundred 

 and twenty pence, but if left wild or an unbroken 

 mare, was worth only sixty pence. 



The trinal system of the ancient Celtic nations, it 

 is perceived, still continued in use at that time, 

 and may be traced in the laws regarding horses ; 

 for to obviate the frauds of dealers, the following 

 singular regulations were in force : the purchaser 

 was entitled to time, in order to ascertain whether 

 the horse was free from three diseases. Three nights* 

 possession to determine whether he was not subject 

 to the staggers; three months to prove the soundness 

 of his lungs, and one year to remove all apprehen- 

 sion of glanders. For every blemish discovered after 

 purchase, the dealer was liable to a deduction of 

 one-third of the money, excepting in obvious cases, 

 such as, where the ears or tail were defective. Com- 

 pensations were likewise granted in cases of injuries 

 done to hired horses ; all showing a humanity of 

 principle, emanating from the Celtic source, notwith- 

 standing that prince had repeatedly visited Rome 

 for the purpose of rendering his code more perfect. 

 We find, even among the enactments, that " who- 

 ever shall borrow a horse and rub off the hair, so as 

 to gall his back, shall pay four pence ; if the skin 



