3T8 HORSE DEALERS. 



done by avoiding that silly familiarity wliicli must be insulting to the 

 sensible man, but which the knave likes, because it affords opportunities 

 for his practices. Let the gentleman keep his proper station, and the 

 dealer, without being offended, will observe his. But, before the yard 

 is entered, above all things it is imperative to ascertain what is desired, 

 as neither civility nor compliance will be elicited by a general request 

 for "a horse." When the animals are being shown, let the contemplating 

 purchaser be silent. He must not allow any false notion of his eques- 

 trian knowledge to betray him into a discussion or expose him to de- 

 signing compliments. Keep the head cool and the attention clear. Do 

 not finger the animal. Decline all invitations to feel the condition of its 

 legs. Undervalue your own accomplishments, by professing not to com- 

 prehend such things; and leave the premises with the understanding 

 that the horse is to pass the examination of some veterinary surgeon of 

 repute. 



The dealer will not submit the quadruped of known unsoundness to 

 such a test ; because, in case of rejection, the property is not only de- 

 teriorated, but the owner has to pay for the process which casts a taint 

 upon his stables: whereas, should the examination be passed, the pur- 

 chaser takes the nag and pays for the certificate which assures him of 

 its value. These things being done, before the bargain is concluded 

 always specify for a trial, which can alone inform the future master of 

 mattei*s most essential to his personal pleasure, but which no veterinary 

 inspection could discover. It is prudent to attend to these particulars ; 

 and it is folly to imagine a warranty can shelter the person who know- 

 ingly disregards the security which these alone can afford. 



The customer is thus fenced in or protected on all sides. The con- 

 duct of the dealer should declare the personal opinion of the man who is 

 best acquainted with the animal. The professional judgment, being de- 

 liberately pronounced and duly certified, guards the points where a gen- 

 tleman's knowledge may be deficient ; while the trial permits the indi- 

 vidual to ascertain such traits as mouth, temper, habits, step, spirit and 

 mode of going. After sucl> qualities are approved, the horse may be 

 safely accepted ; and no warranty can be necessary, if the above direc- 

 tions are observed. 



