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windpipe, producing whistling and roaring; the other in the 

 lungs, producing broken wind. To detect the former there is no 

 surer way than to gallop the horse, and agitate and pull 

 him about, keeping the bridle tightly curbed. In this way the 

 wheezing is almost certain to be heard if it exists. The same mode 

 of action will detect roaring, and a roarer should be at once rejected. 



The state of the wind is frequently ascertained by grasping the 

 windwipe at the throat tightly, and then immediately letting it go ; the 

 horse is certain to cough, and the sound of the cough determines 

 pretty accurately the state of his wind. If it be long and sin-ill, the 

 wind is good ; if it be short and hacking, like that of a parson in 

 asthma, his lungs are affected, and the horse must at once be 

 rejected ; but unless the purchaser can distinguish between the dif- 

 ferent kinds of cough, he may as well pinch his own throat as the 

 horse's, and, indeed, the former would often be the safer course. 



If a horse coughs under any circumstances during examination, 

 ascertain, if possible, if the cough be of long duration ; and if there 

 is any difficulty in obtaining the desired information, see that you are 

 secured on that point by the warrants. 



The age of the horse is known by the appearance of the mouth, 

 and certain marks on the teeth ; but so many tricks are resorted to, 

 to make the age appear what it is ivished to be rather than what it is, 

 that a veterinary surgeon's opinion, or a distinct warranty on this 

 point are the only safeguards for the uninitiated. 



In concluding these few hints, I would say, in every doubtful 

 point, be sure your warranty covers it. Never buy a screw, and take 

 care that the animal, the weight, and the work are put on at least 

 equal terms. But I must be permitted to add, that to a man who 

 only thinks he knows something of horses, the veterinary surgeon 

 (not the farrier or smith), is the best guide he can have. 



