INTRODUCTION. 3 



— we must consider the qualifications and dis- 

 qualifications that would be respectively most de- 

 sirable or objectionable to the particular party for 

 whom the animal is intended, and by whom it is 

 to be used. This might not be attended with 

 much difficulty, if advising a particular individual ; 

 but it must be apparent to every one, that to 

 discuss or point out the advantage or disadvantage 

 of certain perfections and imperfections as rela- 

 tive to particular purchasers, would take a volume 

 of no portable size and weight. And then we 

 should not probably effect our object, as the faces 

 of persons do not differ more than do their tastes, 

 ideas, and predilections. 



All that can, therefore, be done, or, at least, all 

 I can do, or shall attempt, is to mention, in general 

 terms, the usual consequences or effects of some 

 of the different ailments, habits, action, shape, 

 and qualities of the horse, so far as regards their 

 probable and general influence, as to his utility 

 at such work as he is fitted or intended for. 



In touching on his looks, I shall only do so 

 under the idea that most men wish, in making a 

 purchase, to get that which is likely to do credit 

 to their taste and judgment ; that is, so far as the 

 price given will admit, taking, at the same time, 

 qualifications also into account. 



It may very fairly, and indeed justly, be said, 

 that every eye has its beauty ; and every man has 



B 2 



