362 



HORSE DEALERS. 



always estimated. It is astonishing liow seldom comparatively coarse 

 and uneducated judgments err, though all such calculations may not in- 

 variably succeed. The failures, together with cheap purchases, however, 

 constitute the ordinary stock-in-trade of most yards. 



The foregoing qualifications are imperative in first-rate purchasers; 

 but other accomplishments are also requisite in the perfect dealer. His 

 manner must be so brusque as to provoke laughter ; nevertheless so ap- 

 parently simple as not to alarm the most timid customer. This suggests 

 a nice medium; but it is astonishing how tenderly some unrefined intel- 

 lects will embody it. The stout person who, as jo\i enter the gateway, 



THE MAN, QRACED WITH THE SWEETEST MANNERS, WHO SELLS THE HORSES. 



salutes you with a not altogether ungraceful lift of the hat, and rings the 

 bell as hfc approaches to learn your wishes, may be barely able to read 

 or to write. In a particular line of diplomacy, however, he is a model 

 worthy study; for, smiling as his face may be — bland as his manners 



