ADVICE TO BUYEES. 55 



Observe, in the next place, if there be any ringbone on the 

 pastern, which, though a considerable defect, does not 

 always produce lameness, but more frequently in the fore- 

 leg than the hind. 



In examining the bottom of the hind -foot, we have 

 to ascertain that it is not affected with canker, bad 

 thrushes, and the other defects treated on in regard to the 

 fore-feet. 



Some horses have a tendency to swelling of the hind- 

 legs, or to that discharge from the heels which constitutes 

 the disease termed " scratches;" and horses with white 

 legs seem to be more disposed to this complaint than 

 others. When a horse's hind-legs, therefore, appear to be 

 swollen, if the hair about the heels appear rough or furzy, 

 or if there be scars on the heels, or an appearance of their 

 having been affected with cracks or ulcers, it may be in- 

 ferred that the horse is subject to scratches and swelling 

 of the legs ; do- not omit to observe if there be any puffs 

 on the inner part of the hock, a little to the front ; if so, 

 and they are tender to the touch, and evince pain to the 

 animal, or any heat can be felt in them, it would be better 

 not to run the risk of taking an animal that might be very 

 lame on one or two days' hard work, and when these puffs 

 (also known as bog-spavin) cause lameness, although it 

 is in but few cases that they do so, they generally are very 

 troublesome and difficult to treat. 



Having finished our examination of the feet and limbs, 

 we should proceed to the eye, which is an important part, 

 and requires the most careful inspection. The most favor- 

 able situation for viewing the eye is at the stable door, or 

 under a shed ; for when too much light falls upon the eye, 

 so much is reflected by its cornea, or surfaQe, that it is 

 difficult to see the external part. I am not treating of a 



