Seo. 8.] 



HORSES— WHEN UNSOUND. 



107 



Contraction of the Hoof is a considerable deviation from the natural form 

 of the foot, but does not necessarily constitute unsoundness. It requires, 

 however, a most careful examination by the purchaser to ascertain that thei-c 

 is no fever or ossification of the cartilage ; that the frog is not diseased ; that 

 the animal is not tender-footed or lame. Unless some of these feymptonis 

 are indicated, he must not be pronounced unsound. A sj^ecial warranty 

 should l)e required Avhcre the feet are contracted. 



Corns manifestly constit>ite unsoundness. Although few men lay much 

 stress on this malad}', still much inconvenience, and many times scrio\is 

 difficulties, must be encountered by them, as they are seldom thoroughly 

 cured. Many horses are almost constantly lame with corns, through a scrof- 

 ulous habit of the system. A Avarranty against such animals would be safe. 



TreiiiWuKj Knees. — This can not be considered unsoundness, yet it is a 

 precursory symptom of knee-sjJinuHj. Trembling of the knees, after a smart 

 exercise, indicates weakness, and should be regarded as objectionable. 



A CoiKjh constitutes unsoundness, however slight or of short standing. 

 If a horse is noticed to cough before the purchase, or immediately after- 

 ward, he is diseased ; but if warranted sound, and the cough is not discov- 

 ered till one or two days afterward, he is not returnable ; for a few hours arc 

 sufficient to contract a cough, by taking cold while standing in a daniji, 

 musty stable, or by eating different feed, musty hay, etc. 



lioaring, W/teezinff, or W/i istl i n r/ i-i unsoundness, being the result of alter- 

 ation of structure or disease in the air-passages. Although there have been 

 decisions to the contrary, courts and jurors are often at a loss for the want 

 of intelligent witnesses ; and if a veterinary surgeon is called to the stand, 

 not having seen the animal, he is liable to be mistaken from misrepresenta- 

 tion. Broken Wind is still more decidedly unsoundness. 



Crih Biting. — A difference of opinion exists as to this being imsoundness, 

 and courts have given opposite decisions in respect to it. There arc cribbers 

 that can scarcely be said to be unsound, as they arc not perceptibly injured, 

 and it does not interfere with their condition or endurance. Others inhale 

 and swallow a great amount of wind ; they bhiut and are siibject to colic, 

 which interferes with their health and strength : this would constitute un- 

 soundness. A ■warranty should always be taken against injury from crib- 

 bing ; then if he breaks his teeth or injures himself, recompense may be had. 



Curl) constitutes unsoundness as long as it lasts, and perhajis while the 

 swelling remains, altlumgh no inflammation exists ; for a horse that has once 

 tlirown out a curb, is liable to do so again on the slightest exertion. A 

 horse, however, should not lie returned if he spring a curb five minutes after 

 jiurchase, for it is dune in a moment, and does not indicate any previous 

 misoundness. 



111). Soiling llorsoSi — "We commend the following statement of J. C. Ad- 

 ams, of Seymour, N. Y., to the attention nf all ownere of small farms, like 

 the little one where we practice the same course : 



"I havi- ill close proximity to my barn a puteh of ground, 7j rods by 1(J 



