2g6 Management and Treatment of the Horse. 



smartly and watch the motion of its flanks, and 

 observe if it utters a noise in breathing with 

 considerable blowing ; if it does, reject the horse 

 at once. To examine the horse to ascertain if 

 it is a roarer, whistler, or piper, place it with 

 its side against the wall, hold its head up with 

 the left hand, and with the right hand give it 

 a sharp blow on the ribs, or touch it smartly on 

 the belly with a stick. If it utters a grunt at 

 every blow, it is a sign it is a roarer ; if it jumps 

 about in consequence of the blows, sobbing, and 

 drawing its breath quickly, this will be found 

 an indication that it is a whistler or piper. For 

 testing all diseases of the lungs, there is nothing 

 like giving a good gallop round a field, beginning 

 slowly and increasing the speed until it is at its 

 top speed, then stop short, dismount, slacken the 

 girths, and place your ear against its chest upon 

 the windpipe, and the least defect in the lungs 

 will be apparent. Consider no time wasted that 

 is spent in testing the wind of the horse, and 

 indeed all points connected with its health. There 

 are so many points to be looked at, and so many 

 things to look for in buying a horse, that if 

 the purchaser is in a hurry, he is sure to over- 

 look some important part. Having satisfied your- 

 self that the wind is all right, next stand behind 

 the animal and carefully scrutinize the promi- 

 nences of the hip bones, and see if they are on 

 the level, and especially mark the round bones 

 which are situated a little posterior to the promi- 

 nence of the hip. This is liable to lameness from 

 blows, strains, and other causes. If there is any 



