126 The Selection and 



mell the animal goes again. He may not be 

 found a roarer, but probably he is found lame. 

 Then comes the tug of war. All agree to swear 

 to the lameness ; which is of course believed to 

 occur from conditions present at or prior to pur- 

 chase. Recriminations pass, the vendor is de- 

 clared not to be honest, and he who recommended 

 the animal pronounced as being actuated by 

 selfish motives. Money is wasted in useless law 

 squabbles, no one but the lawyer reaps profit, 

 while vexation crowns him who wins as well as him 

 who loses. 



Precautions to be observed. When it is desi- 

 rable that a horse should be purchased, recourse 

 should be had if possible to the farmer or breeder 

 usually possessing the character of animal required. 

 If this cannot be done, there are to be found 

 dealers who know it is to their interest to give 

 purchasers every advantage in scrutiny. When 

 a suitable animal is found, seek the opinion of a 

 qualified veterinary surgeon, who for a guinea 

 will give the results of a careful examination, 

 and if he cannot advise as to purchase or put 

 into your hands a genuine horse, he will at least 

 be able to save you from a worthless screw. 



Remember also there are circumstances re- 

 garding the future treatment and work to which 

 the animal is subjected. These should form a 

 subject upon which your veterinary medical ad- 

 viser is to be consulted afterwards. Let him 

 advise as to these, and depend upon it another 



