364 



HORSE DEALERS. 



all readers. Therefore the equestrian must pardon the author, if he 

 nere interrupts the course of the present description to explain its mean- 

 ing. A " May bird " implies a young animal of no great height, with 

 some showy points, but with no constitution to stand work. These 

 quadrupeds are kept, during the spring season, in the stables of most 

 London dealers; and they are shown to young gentlemen as handsome 

 saddle horses. The majority, however, soon succumb to work; many 

 yield as the warm weather increases ; and few endure even to a second 

 season. 



A MAY BIRD. 



To establish a connection requires that each customer should be better 

 STiited even than pleased. Both are, of course, desirable ; but a person 

 well suited generally becomes well pleased ; wherea-s the individual 

 whose pleasure is alone consulted, not being suited, is certain to grow 

 ultimately dissatisfied. Horse dealing, therefore, is attended with con- 

 siderable anxiety ; yet the members of the calling generally grow fat 

 upon such a diet. Few, when of middle age, retain a figure fitted for 

 the saddle, although nearly all have been good and fearless horsemen 

 during youth. The pursuit, however, is not one of laziness ; but often 

 obliges the endurance of great bodily and mental fatigue. 



All dealers travel much. They always attend those large horse fairs 

 which are held in the north of England. Their business compels them 

 to make periodical journeys among the distant breeders of stock. When 

 walking over the breeder's farm, they often interrupt conversation to 

 bid for some foal; and may, off-hand, purchase the animal wh.ch shall 

 please their fancy. Business always seems the last subject wb!ch oc- 



