HORSE DEALERS. 365 



cupies the dealer's thoughts ; nevertheless, he is invariably alive to the 

 opportunities of trade. Some of the calling will buy unbroken or very 

 young colts, though such speculations are rather exceptional with the 

 general body. All, however, will make a conditional bargain for the 

 "hkely thing." Such transactions are arranged in few words; and 

 though no writings may be drawn up, these understandings are usually 

 observed by boA parties to the contract. 



At the successive horse fairs, a dealer generally occupies the same 

 station. His back may rest against some rail ; and here, surrounded by 

 an eager group, he appears the most gay of the party. Various young 

 horses are brought and run before him ; for, at the accustomed spot, the 

 little man is always anticipated. Some horses he buys ; others he rejects. 

 Respectable dealers usually accept their purchases upon no better se- 

 curity than their personal judgment. They ask for no written warranty ; 

 a verbal assurance that "all is right," is with them sufficient. Though 

 should any palpable defect or injury, which has undergone treatment, be 

 subsequently discovered, of course the bargain is void. 



But low or sharp tradesmen are very particular about written war- 

 ranties; consequently they cannot command the choice of the market. 

 Breeders know perfectly well the dishonest uses to which a written war- 

 ranty can be converted. A horse may be sold ; but it is not always got 

 rid of when a written warranty accompanies the sale. It may be taken 

 to London. Months afterward, the breeder may receive a letter which 

 shall contain a veterinary surgeon's certificate of unsoundness, stating 

 that lameness or "the seeds of disease" must have existed at the time 

 of purchase. This letter generally concludes with a demand that' the 

 purchase money may be returned, all expenses be paid, and the animal 

 be fetched away; or, if these conditions are not convenient, the late 

 purchaser will consent to retain the horse, supposing twenty pounds of 

 the sum formerly received are forwarded to the address of "your humble 

 servant." 



Now, to dispatch a man to town, to bring an animal many miles, to 

 risk the chances of the journey, to return a sum of money which was 

 probably spent as soon as received, and lastly, to pay for several months 

 of keep, — are bad conditions. The farmer may be morally convinced 

 that the report is unfounded ; but he has three choices before him : 

 either to risk an action at law, to expend a considerable sum, or to be 

 swindled out of a comparatively small amount. Any person can see 

 which of such terms must be the easiest to a needy man ; and the last 

 is generally accepted. Thus, by a dishonest practice, the unscrupulous 

 dealer obtains a colt cheap ; especially should the subsequent sale prove 

 a fortunate transaction. 



