221 



Whenever difference of opinion arises re- 

 specting horses, it is generally on those points 

 which are rather the effect of caprice than of 

 judgement; for no man would attempt to op- 

 pose those maxims of choice which have re- 

 ceived the sanction of time, and which are too 

 evident to admit of controversy. But caprice 

 has its benefits. From it results many advan- 

 tages to the dealer, by procuring for him the 

 high prices that are frequently bestowed to 

 indulge the fancy, while the real worth of the 

 animal is not considered. It is to caprice that 

 he is indebted for that unceasing desire of 

 change which frequently releases him from. 

 horses which otherwise would have remained 

 a heavy charge on his revenues. In short, it 

 may be fairly presumed, that in this age of 

 v/himsicality a horse-dealer gains more by ex- 

 change than by any other source of profit. It 

 not unfrequently happens that men of fortune, 

 merely from a love of variety, dispose of an 

 entire stud one day, and perhaps the very next 

 fills his stables with horses of another colour 

 and size; and, indeed, these changes- are prac- 

 ticed, in a comparative extent, by numerous 

 Individuals who keep no more than one or two 



