10 THE NEW POCKET FARRIER. 



pupil of the eye appears large, or does not contract, it is 

 a bad sign ; for that reason it is best to observe a horse's 

 eyes first in the shade, taking notice of the dimensions of 

 the pupil, for if that lessens on his coming into a stronger 

 light it is a sure sign that his sight is good and likely to 

 continue so. 



Upon the whole, that eye is generally good where 

 the eyeHds are thin, the eye transparent and sprightly, 

 and when the horse has a bold resolute look, and takes 

 notice of the different objects that present themselves 

 before him without fear. 



One of the best signs of a good horse is the eyes 

 wide apart. 



COUNTENANCE. 



After having carefully satisfied yourself as to his 

 eyes, let him be brought out, and have him stand naked 

 before you ; then take a strict view of his countenance, 

 particularly with regard to the cheerfulness of it, this 

 being an excellent glass to observe his goodness and best 

 perfections. Be careful you are not deceived by the 

 marks in his face, as frequently a good-looking star is 

 made of cat's skin. If his ears be small, sharp, short, 

 pricked, and moving ; or if they are long, but yet well 

 set on, and well carried, it is a mark of goodness ; if 

 they are thick, laved, or lolling, wide set, and unmoving, 

 they are signs of dulness, and of an evil nature. 



The whole substance of the ears should be thin and 

 delicate. They ought to be placed on the very top of 

 the head, and their extremities or points when pricked 

 up should be nearer than their roots. When a horse 

 carries his ears pointed forwards he is said to have a 

 bold, hardy, or brisk ear ; and it is a perfection in a 



