112 HORSEMANSHIP. 



our usual method of education so imperfect, thnt until 

 a horse be thoroughly tried, it is impossible in many 

 cases to determine the true nature and character that 

 have resulted from the treatment of his previous life. 

 The original constitution may have been sound in the 

 highest degree, the primitive disposition and temper 

 may have been of the kindliest nature; but it does 

 not at all follow that they have remained so for any 

 length of time. The lancet will drain the strongest 

 fountain, and prostrate the finest constitution of body ; 

 and tyranny will sour the mildest temper, and ruin 

 the best disposition in the world. For these reasons it 

 is always advisable to have several trials and searching 

 examinations, before arriving at the determination to 

 conclude the purchase of a horse. 



Again, horse dealing is surrounded with moral im- 

 pediments. There is a strong tendency to an impure 

 moral atmosphere, surrounding the general transactions 

 of dealings in horseflesh. The seller does not consider 

 himself bound to divulge the real and bond fide reasons 

 for the sale to the purchaser, and frequently he is as 

 anxious to sell the horse to his most intimate relative 

 and friend, as he is to the greatest stranger he may 

 meet. Continued practice in dealing engenders a taste 



