XXVI PREFACE. 



or with a view to produce some pretext for 

 returning him. It, therefore, behoves mas- 

 ters to look well to the conduct of their ser- 

 vants, or thcj may become involved in 

 expensive law-suits, and for no other purpose 

 than to gratiiy the spleen iind revenge of 

 those rapacious knaves. 



It is sometimes the practice of purchasers 

 to put their new purchases to the test, bj 

 galloping, leaping. Sec. to try if they are 

 sound. But, when the numerous accidents, 

 to which the animal must necessarily be 

 exposed during a trial of this description^ 

 are taken into consideration, and when it is 

 certain that the soundest horse may, even 

 by the smallest irregular position of the foot> 

 become lame in one moment, perhaps irre- 

 coverably, it cannot be supported, either by 

 reason or justice, that the seller should suffer 

 by such inconsiderate and unfair conduct. 



Thus far have I endeavoured to elucidate 

 this intricate subject. In the observations 

 which I have offered, my sole object has 

 been to remove vulgar errors and prejudices, 

 and to simplify, if possible, a branch of 

 traffic, of no small importance to the inha- 

 bitants of this kingdom. If I have failed 

 in the attempt, if 1 have left the subject 



