A SOUND HUNTER 



In the phraseology of an Irishman, the catch-as- 

 catch-can system, when applied to the examina- 

 tion of horses, becomes a delusion and a snare, 

 the penalty for which the buyer has too frequently 

 to bear. Admitting that assurance is the out- 

 come of knowledge, and impudence the outcome 

 of ignorance, it follows as a logical sequence, 

 that he who possesses the former will be better 

 fitted to examine a hunter than the latter. 

 Supposing that a hunter is brought to one's own 

 stables, or that the intending purchaser visits 

 some establishment with this object, it is reason- 

 able to assume that he will make certain pre- 

 liminary trials with the animal, as to its 

 suitability for his purpose. First of all, the 

 price must be ascertained ; secondly, whether it 

 is free from all forms of vice, either in the stable 

 or when following hounds. If the answer is in 

 the affirmative, this, in the presence of a witness, 

 will constitute a specific warra7ity in relation 

 thereto. A written memorandum would be of 

 equivalent value, but it is not essential to prove 

 warranty, provided that such can be substantiated 

 by evidence. A hunter should then be jumped, 

 galloped, and tried in accordance with the 



37 C2 



