1/4 PRECEPT AND PEACTICE. 



which, he would still command a high price as an ani- 

 mal to win money with, which is usually the sole ob- 

 ject of the steeple-chaser. A chronic lameness might 

 render the riding such a horse a slow pace on a road 

 an act of positive danger • but once seta-going across 

 country, he is as safe, as far as relates to the effects 

 of the ailment, as a cat on a carpet. It is known that 

 with this ailment, if the horse is kept off the hard 

 roads, it will probably be stationary, that is to say, it 

 will be neither better nor worse, for perhaps three or 

 four seasons ; quite time enough to enable a horse, if 

 a good one, to be the means of putting a large sum in 

 his owner's pocket. But, on the other hand, the 

 slightest indication of a sinew going is fatal. It 

 is bad enough in a hunter ; but in a horse that runs 

 for money, he becomes all but worthless for such 

 purpose. It is true he may go for the stakes ; if the 

 leg lasts, probably he wins ; if it goes, he is a cripple 

 for life. Whichever way it turns out, all confidence 

 in him is gone, no matter what the odds : his owner, 

 who would back his capabilities for hundreds, is afraid 

 to back him with his infirmity for a farthing. This 



