TEffi PERFECT HORSE. 



of another man. I would speak with all modesty ; and 

 yet I would say, that it is my firm belief, that if you 

 have closely perused the preceding pages, and thought- 

 fully pondered them until the main suggestions I have 

 made are well fixed in your memory, you are better 

 prepared to go forth and purchase horses discreetly 

 and profitably than nine out of ten of those professional 

 horsemen as they are called. Exercise your own judg- 

 ment, then, getting greater wisdom by your mistakes ; 

 which, I warrant you, under the conditions supposed, 

 will not be many nor grave. But, if you are to thus 

 trust wholly to yourself (which I decidedly advise), be 

 deliberate and thorough in your examination of the 

 animal under inspection. Note every point in order as 

 I have followed in this work. Let eye and finger alike 

 contribute to your decision. Feel of the bones, muscles, 

 and sinews. It would be difficult to cheat you, even 

 were your eyes bandaged, if you would receive the 

 knowledge of the animal's shape and condition which 

 might come to you through your hands alone. 



Be sure that the horse you purchase has symmetry ; 

 viz., is ivell proportioned throughout. Never purchase 

 a horse because he has a splendid develo]3ment of one 

 part of his organization, if he be lacking in any other. 

 Above all, keep well in mind what you are buying /or, 

 and buy the horse best adapted to the work you will 

 require of him ; and, when such an animal is yours, be 

 content. Never jockey. An occasional exchange may 

 be allowable; but this daily *' swapping" of horses 



