EXAMINATION FOR PURCHASE 33 



or thrice a day, sometimes after feeding or drinking; or 

 changes of temperature may induce it, when he comes 

 into or goes out of the stable. Occasionally a dose of 

 physic, and in some cases a little attention to his diet, will 

 prevent recurrence of this cough for two or three days, or 

 even weeks, when it will reappear. 



With a respectable dealer, after using your eyes and 

 discretion, you had better depend on the warranty and 

 the vendor's character, than, by any unnecessary display of 

 suspicion, offensively question his honesty. Nevertheless — 

 as the trade is taken up by needy gentlemen of good stand- 

 ing in society, and broken-down black-legs of respectable 

 connections, who are ever ready to give a warranty not 

 worth a dump, or satisfaction if you are dissatisfied thereat 

 — if you have reason to suspect the horse, or his master, the 

 directions here laid down will be found useful. Always 

 bear in mind that the observation of one symptom should 

 induce the examiner to follow up the inquiry into those 

 other symptoms which are characteristic of the suspected 

 disease, defect, or unsoundness. We would also recommend, 

 when you have made up your mind that a horse is such as 

 you would wish, to take with you, not as your dictator, but 

 as your adviser and friend, a respectable, qualified vet. ; for, 

 depend on't, he must be a wonder of incompetence and of 

 the rarest dishonesty, if his judgment and disinterested 

 advice are not superior to your unaided acumen, and 

 perhaps prejudged decision. The fee is well saved in after 

 satisfaction. 



The best time to view a horse is early in the morning, 

 in the stables ; as, if there is any stiflTness in the joints, or 

 tendency to swelled legs, it will then be most apparent. 



The horse should always be examined from a state of 

 rest. If there are any symptoms of his having been 

 previously exercised, such as sweat about his withers, or his 

 legs having been recently washed, it is advisable he should 

 be left in his stall till cool. There is more than one species 

 of lameness, which becomes less apparent after exercise ; 

 and where there is a tendency to swelled legs, a smart trot 

 and grooming will fine his legs, and render them clean. 



This precautionary measure is more especially to be taken 

 when you suspect your man, for in horse-buying you must 

 expect to deal with gentry who are adepts in the science 

 of imposition. A stable examination is the best for 



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