VICE AND OBJECTIONABLE HABITS 



a very difficult matter to put a proper con- 

 struction upon the term vice, more especially 

 when it becomes considered in its relationship 

 to the soundness of a hunter or otherwise. In 

 its broadest meaning, one might include all 

 offences directly or indirectly concerned, not only 

 with its own well-being, but also that more 

 immediately belonging to the possessor of the 

 animal. It is the ambiguity of its meaning that 

 so often renders its correct interpretation so 

 mystifying to the layman. Litigation frequently 

 arises because such and such a horse after 

 purchase is found to possess some habit, or if 

 you prefer it, vice, that renders it less useful 

 than it otherwise would be: if so, according to 

 the old legal definition as laid down for sound- 

 ness, the animal would, under these circum- 

 stances, be technically regarded as unsound, 

 and returnable on proof of warranty. It is 

 necessary to bear in mind that a horse may 

 easily develop a vice through the carelessness or 

 ignorance of Its owner, and once such becomes 

 established, it Is generally a very difficult matter 

 to eradicate. It Is much easier to acquire vice, 

 bad habits, &c., whilst an animal Is being broken, 



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