CAUSES OF UNSOUNDNESS. 85 



evidence as to the animal being a " hard-puller." 

 Although the latter cannot be regarded as con- 

 stituting unsoundness, it is a vice of the worst 

 form. Caries and irregularities of the molar teeth, 

 and abnormal conditions of the incisor teeth, con- 

 stitute unsoundness, and, being permanent, a horse 

 purchased with a general warranty could be re- 

 turned. Disease of the molar teeth frequently gives 

 rise to a chronic discharge from the nostrils. 



The Jugular Vein. 



This runs down the furrow seen on the sides of 

 the neck, and it is the usual situation chosen for 

 bleeding a horse, although this custom is not a 

 great deal resorted to. The scar left by the lancet 

 is usually obvious. It is customary for veteri- 

 narians to test the vein for its patency. This 

 is done by compressing the vein with the fingers 

 so as to note the column of blood momentarily 

 accumulated within it. Necessarily obliteration of 

 the jugular vein constitutes unsoundness, and its 

 discovery either at the time of, or within any 

 reasonable period of purchase, gives the purchaser 

 power to return the animal. 



