92 AMERICAN FARMER'S HORSE BOOK. 



The other case was one in which the cube-bone was in- 

 volved. The victim was a small, compact, sorrel mare — a 

 most beautiful creature — for whom a friend had lately traded, 

 in his over-confidence in the spavin remedy. The joint was 

 at least three times its natural size. Although the corrosive 

 liniment was applied thoroughly, and for a long time, it was 

 without avail. The animal got no better, and, at last, the 

 deceived and disappointed owner was glad to give her away. 



CAUTIONS. 



A horse is sometimes affected with spavin while no bunch, 

 or, at most, only a very small one, is visible. He steps lame 

 when started after standing for some time; but, as he be- 

 comes heated, the ligaments expand and accommodate them- 

 selves perfectly to the swollen parts, his lameness passes 

 away, and he moves as freely as ever. Traders, and espe- 

 cially professional jockeys, improve this favorable time for 

 disposing of such animals, and practicing upon the ignor- 

 ance of customers. The new horse is taken home. After 

 standing in the stable over night, he comes forth the next 

 morning very lame and stiff, and great is the chagrin and 

 consternation of the credulous purchaser to find that a spav- 

 ined horse has been imposed upon him. 



To guard against such deception, the customer should feel 

 the legs with particular care; and if the least unnatural en- 

 largement, or any other suspicious indication, is apparent, let 

 him insist upon seeing the horse in the morning, or at some 

 other time, when he knows the animal has been standing for 

 some hours. Another method is to ride the horse into water, 

 letting him remain there long enough to cool off thoroughly. 

 If he is spavined, he will show it upon coming out, by the 

 stiffness of the joints and a crippling gait. But the best and 

 surest course, when there is any reason to suspect fraud, is 

 to have nothing to do with the beast. Should the bargain 

 seem too good to be lost upon mere suspicion, a trustworthy 

 friend may be consulted, or a guarantee required. 





