132 THE CONDITION OF HUNTERS 



that so long as I contrive to preserve this circular 

 foot, these sound and elastic frogs, and these well- 

 defined bars, I am to have a sound horse ? Let me 

 not take such " flattering unction " to my soul ! No : 

 this horse is liable to disease in his feet as well as an- 

 other whose hoofs are narrow — whose heels are high — 

 whose frogs never touch the ground — provided nature 

 formed them in such a mould, and also provided she 

 formed them of good materials. If this were not the 

 case, what would become of the mule, the donkey, 

 and the Arabian ? I could bring a hundred proofs 

 of the truth of what I am now advancing, but will 

 only state one or two at present. 



In 1818 I heard of a very clever, well-bred young 

 horse, the property of a clergyman in Bedfordshire, 

 that had gone well one day for half an hour with the 

 Oakley hounds, when the country was very deep, 

 and was to be sold for one hundred and thirty guineas. 

 I went to see him for the purpose of purchasing him. 

 But I must here enter a little into detail, for the sake 

 of establishing one point. 



On my arrival at this gentleman's residence he was 

 on a visit to a friend, so that I only saw his horse in 

 the stable ; but, as he was expected at home early 

 the next morning, I gave him the meeting at an ap- 

 pointed hour. On examining this horse's feet, 

 previously to taking him out of his stall, I found them 

 perfect. I had him trotted at the end of the bridle 

 down hill, upon pavement, when he went perfectly 

 at his ease ; and after riding him a short time I pur- 

 chased him at the price stated, and had him led by a 



