SOUNDNESS. 17 



eases, which do not in the least incapacitate hira ; 

 and yet it is difficult, I think I may almost say '» 

 impossible, to define soundness in such a way as| 

 to admit those, without, at the same time, ad-l 

 mitting others of greater consequence : and, on '_ 

 the other hand, it is as difficult to define unsound- 

 ness, so as to embrace all those diseases or faults 

 which deteriorate the animal, without likewise 

 including many that do not. Under such circum- 

 stances, a middle course is the most advisable, 

 and though there must be some outstanding 

 points, yet they are so seldom met with, that 

 they may be left to the decision of the lawyer or 

 the veterinary surgeon, according to circum- 

 stances. It is evident, however, that natural 

 defects in the conformation, temper, or action of 

 the animal must not be considered as unsound- 

 nesses. There is difi^erence of opinion and strife 

 enough in horse-dealing already, and to intro- 

 duce the doctrine, that a natural defect is an 

 unsoundness, would not diminish it. Nothing 

 but the existence of disease of one kind or an- 

 other can in justice be so considered. I think the 

 definition most likely to be generally useful, and 

 most impartial to both buyer and seller, is this : 

 —A horse is sound, when there is no disease 



