HORSES 73 



lie by valuable directions for managing stock and treat- 

 ing sick animais : 



" There is much pleasure and profit in the service of a 

 good horse, and but very little of either in a bad one. 

 There are many mean horses that make a good appear- 

 ance when taken from the hands of a jockey. In pur- 

 chasing a horse, then, trust not too much to the seller's 

 word ; let your own judgment, or that of a friend, be 

 chiefly relied on. See that he has good feet and joints, 

 and that he stands well on his legs. See that his fore 

 teeth shut even ; for many horses have their under jaw 

 the shortest; these will grow poor at grass. See that, 

 his hair is short and fine, for this denotes a good horse. 

 Observe his eyes, that they are clear, and free from blem 

 ishes ; that he is not moon-eyed, or white-eyed ; for such 

 are apt to start in the night. A large, hazel colored eye 

 is the best. 



" Take care that his wind is good ; let him be fed on 

 good hay for twenty-four hours ; take him then to water, 

 and let him drink his fill, placing him with his head the 

 lowest ; if then he will breathe free, there is no danger. 

 See that his countenance is bright and cheerful. If his 

 nostrils are broad, it is a sign that he is well winded ; 

 narrow nostrils, the contrary. 



" See that his spirits are good, yet gentle and easily 

 governed. In travelling, mind that he lifts his feet 

 neither too high nor too low ; that he does not interfere 

 nor overreach, and that he carries his hind legs the 

 widest. Age from five to ten is the best. There are 

 many tricks practised by jockeys, to make horses appear 

 young. Horses' teeth, when young, are wide, white and 

 even ; the inside of their mouth is fleshy, and their lips 

 hard and firm. On the contrary, the mouth of an old 

 horse is lean above and below ; the lips are soft and easily 

 turned up ; their teeth grow longer, narrower, and of a 

 yellow color." 



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