2ZO XENOPHON's TREATISE 



re pre fen ration of his own performances. Whenever 

 we happen to be of the fame opinion with him, in any 

 particulars, we fliall not erafe them from our book, 

 but deliver them with greater pleafure to our friends, 

 as thinking ourfelves more worthy of credit, for hav- 

 ing the concurrence of his judgment, who was fo ex- 

 pert in the art: whatever he has omitted, we fliall en- 

 deavour to fupply. 



I 



C H A P. I. 



N the firft place, wc will fhew how any one 

 may be leaft liable to impofition in buying an 

 horfe. 



In a colt that has not yet been broken, it is plain 

 that the Shape muft chiefly be confidered ; for, having 

 never been backed, he can give but very uncertain 

 ligns by which to judge his temper. 



The firft part to be attended to is the Foot ; for as an 

 horfe would be of no ufe though the upper parts were 

 very beautiful, if the foundation were infufficient to 

 fupport it; juft fo a war horfe would be good for no- 

 thing, how much foever he excelled in all other points, 

 if he had bad feet ; for that alone would difable him 

 from uiing his other advantages. 



Upon examining the feet, firft obferve the Hoofs : the 

 thick are much preferable to the thin. In the next 

 place, take notice whether they are high, or low and 



flat, 



