846 THE EXTERIOR OF THE HORSE. 



and the light cavalry horse ; the average scheduled price of the staff 

 horse may be applied to him. The price of the reserve horse will 

 be 100 francs more, and that of the light cavalry 150 francs less. 



" These data convey nothing absolute, and are only points of refer- 

 ence which may be utilized specially in countries which furnish the 

 majority of reserve and line horses." 



B. — Troop Horses. 



" The troop horses may also be grouped into three principal classes : 



" 1st. Passable. — Either by reason of their conformation, their 

 defects of equilibrium, their want of ampleness of the chest, or their 

 blemishes. 



" 2d. Good. — These may be subdivided into three categories : a, 

 if there are white markings, if the coat, the mane, and the tail are 

 washed, the head large, the neck short, etc. ; b, good, properly so called, 

 if they have enough neck, strong body and members, sufficient weight, 

 harmonious conformation, and good action ; c, if they have, besides, 

 a fair physiognomy, a solid coat, and energy. 



"3d. Very G-ood. — Those that have a good physiognomy, a 

 neck well attached, a very good body, beautiful chest, good members, 

 fine coat, power, and long gaits. 



" The passable horse, of which no more than a certain number should 

 be willingly bought, commands one-fifth less than the scheduled price. 



" The price of a good horse of the first degree is about 60 francs less 

 than the average ; that of the second, degree, or properly called good, 

 is the mean sum ; and, finally, that of the third degree is 50 francs more. 



"The very good horse costs from 75 to 100 francs more than the 

 average price. 



" The price of the gray horse is one-eighth less than that of the 

 category in which it may be classed, and the passable gray should never 

 be bought, so as not to encourage that coat, which is known to be 

 unsuitable for war service. 



" Every horse that is one-fifth less in value than the average, 

 should be condemned. 



" In order to operate with quickness and certainty, if it be possible, 

 it is well to draw up a table of the different prices based upon these 

 statements, and to consult it when necessary. (See pages 747 and 848.) 



" It is important to make marked differences in the prices, accord- 

 ing to the quality of the horses, so as not to be always confined to the 

 average prices for the very good and the passable horse. 



" The breeder and the horse-dealer should be convinced that the 



