EXAMINATION FOR PURCHASE. 277 



and admittinor ligrht, if il enlarfres and lessens under its 

 ilimulus, it is an infallible sign the eye is good. Bat if the 

 retina is unmoveable, the pupil larger than natural, and of 

 one invariable size when shaded or exposed to intense 

 lignt, though no disorganization is apparent, the eye ap 

 Dearing bright, of a peculiar glossy asjiect, and of a green- 

 ish colour, the animal is blind from the disease termed 

 glass eye — a palsy of the optic nerve. 



A decided cataract, or opacity of the crystalline lens, or 

 its capsule, is easily detected ; but when very small, they 

 may escape observation. It appears as a cloudy or pearly 

 white substance within the pupil towards the bottom of the 

 eye. If the pupil be round instead of a flat oval, it is an 

 indication of cataract ; when there is the slightest deep- 

 seated cloudiness, the eye should be condemned ; but ii' 

 there is any white object before it, such as a white hat, 

 neckcloth, waistcoat, or wall, the reflection on the cornea 

 pioduces a mark having so much the appearance of a cat- 

 aract as to have misled many an experienced observer. 

 Therefore, before deciding, hold the crown of a black hat 

 against the eye, and observe at the same time if the mark 

 disappears, which it will, if it is only a reflection. 



If your examination has proved satisfactory, and you de- 

 cide on purchasing ; before you part with your money, 

 learn something of the seller. For should your bargain 

 not turn out as you anticipate, upon further acquanintance, 

 trial, and second examination, you will Know what chance 

 of remedy you have against the vendor. 



The horse, if returned, must of course be in the same 

 condition in which he was received, except so far as the 

 disease for which he is returned may have progressed in 

 the mean time. 



It is advisable to enquire of tlie seller how he has been 

 accustomed to diet and clothe the animal ; whether his feet 

 were stopped , and the same treatment stiould be pursued 

 till his soundness is ascertained. 



Note tlie temperature of the stable ; if his new habita- 

 tion should be hotter, it is probable you may induce an in- 

 flammatory attack of the lungs. 



Beware of putting a saddle on a new horse that does 

 not fit him ; while the question of soundness is still doubt- 

 ful, it is far better to use the saddle he has been accustom- 

 ed to. 



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