sys POINTS. 



privation cannot confound the two breeds. The thorough-bred in ruin 

 is not to be mistaken for the teamster. No want, no suffering, no length 

 of years can obliterate the evidence of nobility from the animal of pure 

 descent. 



When purchasing a horse, it is always well to examine the angles of 

 the lips. If any sign of induration is remarked, it signifies that the 

 animal has suffered from the abuse of the bit. If on any limited space, 

 however small, a patch of white skin is observed located upon a dark 

 ground, it denotes that " once upon a time " the true skin has been re- 

 moved from that place, while cicatrix now exists to apprise future pur- 

 chasers of the fact. If anything like a hardened lump should be felt in 

 this situation, it demonstrates that the quadruped has a hard mouth, and 

 is an obstinate puller, or that it has passed through the hands of an un- 

 feeling master. 



In either case, the creature is not a desirable possession. Harshness 

 is not a kindly educator, nor does it beget docility of spirit in the being 

 which is subjected to its exactions. A hard mouth necessitates one of 

 the severest trials which can be inflicted on a horse proprietor. It is 

 painful, every time a change of direction is desired, for the rider to tug 

 at the reins ; such a necessity soon destroys every pleasure of the exer- 

 cise. But a regular puller is always a dangerous servant. Generally it 

 turns out to be a " bolter," and, before running away, will seize the bit 

 between its teeth, when the driver or the rider alike is helpless. Our 

 entreaty to the reader is, to turn his back upon the offer, should he ever 

 be solicited to buy a horse having a damaged mouth. 



At this point it is requisite the author should review the various 

 organs whi-ch, together, constitute the head. An activity equally re- 

 moved from stillness and from restlessness, denotes health to be present 

 in all the seats of special sense. These things are of more importance 

 than at first glance is apparent, because such united testimony is the 

 best security as regards the general system. It equally testifies to the 

 soundness of the brain and to the healthiness of the body. When the 

 animal suffers, the perceptions mostly are inactive ; when the brain is 

 oppressed, the loss of sense first announces the disorder. 



These organs also deserve attention for their own sakes. Man is not 

 gifted with remarkable faculties either in seeing, in hearing, or in smell- 

 ing. He therefore desires such assistance as the companion of his jour- 

 ney may afford. The value, consequently, of an animal is materially 

 deteriorated by the loss of any of its protective powers. These, when 

 all enjoyed in perfection, assist one another. When any organ is excited, 

 the rest are seldom dormant. Thus when the quadruped perceives in 

 the distance some obscure object, the ears are advanced. and the nostrils 



