48 



describing here,) wliicli creates an artificial 

 sprightliness in the tail, and causes its 

 extension: this the dealers contrive to do by- 

 stealth ; and some men are so dexterous in the 

 operation, that in spite of the utmost vigilance 

 they will effect it. If, after the horse is led 

 out to be shevi^n, the tail is observed to quiver, 

 the motion is caoised by the w?rm sensation - 

 produced by the ginger, and the irritation 

 causes him to evacuate immediately. In a 

 short thne, however, the effect of this opera- 

 tion ceases, and the artificial vigour of the 

 tail is succeeded by its natural depression. 



The tail, however, determines in a great de- 

 gree the courage and temper of the animal ; 

 the more spirited he is he will carry his tail the 

 higher and faitherfrom his posteriors. Indif- 

 ferent horses always contract their tails close to 

 the hips, but spirited ones, even before their 

 tails are either cocked, or nicked, or are sub- 

 mitted to any other operation, will, when 

 Stimulated to exertion, throw up their tails in 

 a superior and handsome manner. 



The tail of a horse is so certain a sign of 

 the strength or weakness of the back, and of 

 other qualities, that by observing it, the judge- 



