CHOOSING A MOUNT 85 



a few days, and during that time to 

 have him examined by a veterinary 

 surgeon, obtaining his certificate of the 

 horse's soundness. An animal abso- 

 lutely sound and without blemish is a 

 rare sight ; but there are many defects 

 which do not lessen the horse's prac- 

 tical value, although their presence 

 lower his price, and may enable her to 

 secure something desirable which would 

 otherwise have been beyond her means. 

 Such a horse should be accepted only 

 after a thorough examination by the 

 veterinary, and upon his advice. It is 

 well to avoid purchasing a horse from a 

 friend, unless one is perfectly familiar 

 with the animal, as such transactions fre- 

 quently lead to strained relations, each 

 thinking bitterly of the other. Some, 

 having pronounced their horse sound, 

 would take offence should a veterinary 

 be called ; while if he were not con- 



