CHAPTER V 



HOW TO ASCERTAIN WHETHER A 



HUNTER IS SOUND OR 



OTHERWISE 



It is impossible to over-estimate the value of 

 soundness in a hunter, and, in a general search 

 for defects, it is necessary to resort to what may 

 be termed a systematic or methodical examina- 

 tion of the animal. The mere examination of 

 individual parts in a casual manner is as useless 

 as it is stupid, and only identifies the examiner 

 as one possessing very superficial knowledge. 

 The author does not wish the reader to believe 

 that he expects a non-professional to examine a 

 hunter as to soundness with the freedom and 

 assurance of a veterinary surgeon ; nevertheless, 

 an amateur may, by the exercise of diligence and 

 ordinary precautions, prevent himself from falling 

 into errors so prevalent in equine transactions. 



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