Purchase of Horses. 119 



Amongst the defects which are found to 

 lessen the value of horses as well as their useful- 

 ness, are diseases of the eyes. An ordinary 

 observer may regard these organs as perfectly 

 sound, and their appearances justifying purchase, 

 but alas ! finds the animal either suffering from 

 impaired vision, or, may be, totally blind. In such 

 cases the ears will be observed to be carried for- 

 ward, and their movements are exceedingly 

 rapid, and the eyes staring, the central opening 

 or pupil being wider than in health, and colour of 

 the organ probably being blue or yellow. Other 

 conditions are present, which however are only to 

 be detected by those conversant with the different 

 structures of the organs. 



Chronic cough, disease of the lungs and 

 heart, stomach, liver, &c. now and then is found 

 to be present. Malformations, the result of 

 accident or vicious propensity, may be detected ; 

 or the beast may be a crib-biter, or wind-sucker, 

 washy, and a bad doer, no matter what he gets 

 to eat. Whatever may be his qualities at work, 

 in the stable he may be a perfect demon, or he 

 may unite the kicker at work, with the " jibber/' 

 or one that will not draw. 



Another may be as gentle and docile as a 

 lamb in the stable, quiet in harness or under the 

 saddle, and capable of doing the highest rate of 

 speed with action and grace unparalleled, but the 

 pleasure of sitting behind such a creature is 

 marred by the fact that on reaching the stable 



