now TO BUY A. HORSE. 409 



are marked with circular depressions, running parallel to the 

 coronet, it is certain that severe inflammation has existed at 

 one time in the sensible portion of the foot, and is consequently 

 liable to return again. See that both fore feet, as well as the 

 hind ones, are of equal size, and ascertain that they are quite 

 cool, and equally so. Attend to what we have already said 

 respecting the examination of the sole, and its proper form. 

 Thrush may be detected by the fetid smell of the foot, 

 besides the other symptoms which we have described. 



As the feet of horses are of such importance, we would 

 especially recommend to all to acquire a thorough know- 

 ledge of them ; and we know no better plan than to attend 

 daily at a well-employed shoeing-forge, and for a small 

 gratuity the smith will allow the various feet to be ex- 

 amined ; and if he has had experience, he will be able to 

 point out readily the indications of disease. He will also see 

 why differently formed hoofs require the shape of the shoe to 

 be modified, and adapted to the peculiarity of structure, or 

 probably existing disease. 



The next important point to be attended to is the wind 

 and breathing of the animal. Study all v/e have said on 

 the different complaints connected with the lungs ; namely, 

 roaring, broken wind, whistling, &;c. The v/ind may be 

 tested by pinching the windpipe immediately behind the 

 jaw. If the horse give a long sharp cough, it is an indication 

 that he is sound in that respect ; but if the cough be short 

 and hollow^, it may be inferred that he has unsound lungs : 

 let gentle pressure ou the windpipe be frequently repeated 

 in order fully to test this. Be sure to perform this test 

 with your own hand, as dealers know that by compressing 

 the windpipe firmly with one hand and the fore-finger of 

 the other, the horse is forced to cough while they do so, which 

 produces that shrill sound considered a test of good wind, 



