EXAMINATION FOR PURCHASE. 257 



]>e taken as a symptom of disorganization, in addition to 

 the broken wind. 



If the hair is rubbed off in some, especially about the 

 head, flanks, and tail, or lie is obseived rubbing himself 

 against the sides of the stall, there is danger of his being 

 mangy ; and in this case his coat will be found rough and 

 staring. 



The absence of the vice of kicking and biting may be 

 infeiTed from the manner of the gi'oom when entering the 

 stall, and by the quiet method with which he unclothes and 

 dusts hira over, and combs out his mane and tail. If he 

 be a biter, his head will probably be tied short to the 

 neck, or the groom will seize hold of him short by the hal- 

 ter or bridle, sometimes giving him a shake, or looking 

 sternly at him. Desire to see his hind and fore feet, and 

 by the manner in which he peiTnits the groom to lift them, 

 a guess may be made as to his quietness to groom his heels, 

 or shoe. 



While the horse is in the act of being led out of the 

 stable to the hsfht, closely observe his manner and action; 

 if the ears move in quick changes of direction, as if alaim- 

 ed at every noise, and he hangs back on the halter, raising 

 his feet hio^her than ordinary, and putting them down as if 

 feaiful and uncertain of his step, it leads us to suspect his 

 eyes, though sometimes these symptoms will be observed 

 when the eyes are perfect, if the stable has been a dark one. 



When the horse is shewn out, notice if he stand firm on his 

 feet, with his weiu:ht thrown boldly on his back sinews and 

 pa.->terns. If there is any appearance of shaking or totter- 

 ing of the fore iimbs indicative of grogginess, it will be en- 

 deavoured to be disguised by the groom continually pulling 

 at the bit, to make him shift his legs and stand advanta- 

 geously. A lame horse is never pemiitted to stand still a 

 moment, and the gToom, though pretending to soothe, is 

 in reality agitating him, while the shrewd and crafty seller 

 will most j^i-obably endeavour to withdraw your scrutiny 

 from the defective point, by calling your attention to his 

 spirit or playfulness. If any of these manoeuvres are ap- 

 parent, be upon your guard. The gi'oggy horse inclines 

 a lit' le forward at the knee, or it is readily bent by the 

 least touch behind, he rests his weight on his toes, and 

 when standing undisturbed, brings his hind legs under hiDi. 



2-r^ 18 



