2 - W A R TIA X TING . 



Every novice in horseflesh is satisfied with his new 

 hobby for a week. A horse, however badly bred, or 

 faultily built, if only in good external condition, will 

 always catch his eye before a thin one ; and bog- 

 spavins, thorough-pins, capped hocks, and windgalls, 

 as well as the round shank-bones and dents, are all 

 less likely to be taken notice of when the nag is in 

 plump order ; many having a bone-spavin, a contract- 

 ed long foot, or founder, have I seen pass through 

 three or four hands, each new possessor alike uncon- 

 scious of anything wrong : these treasures, whether 

 latent or patent, not being always discovered till the 

 horse is hunted, or suddenly becomes lame. Kind 

 Griffins, then/ for w^honi this volume is chiefly writ- 

 ten, I most fully exonerate, and acquit you of the 

 charge of intentionally deceiving ; yet, for reflecting 

 on your judgment, and for daring to assert, that if 

 you want knowledge you must begin with " BLUNT 

 SPURS," I know you would like to see me " regular- 

 ly bitten." Friends, impose upon me with every 

 fault and infirmity the horse is subject to ; from the 

 day this book issues from the press, I know I must 

 be considered fair game ; but if you have the slightest 

 compassion for a man who has endeavoured to save 



months, very probably, not then. ' What shall I do ?" said he. ' ' Write on 

 half a sheet of paper," I replied, "that the horse has been lame for two 

 months is thought to be incurable and that he is in the market for sale." 

 The man burst out laughing. He afterwards tried to get rid of him, but 

 failed ; for I took especial care that none of my acqniantance should be de- 

 ceived by such an apostate as this. He then sent him to a dealer, who re- 

 fused to sell him as sound. At last, he handed him over to a friend to dispose 

 of, from whom he received nearly the full amount of his original cost. I 

 did not discover the unlucky wight that was imposed upon ; but, fancy this 

 hypocrite crying out, " Impossible !" Here lies the honest distinction between 

 :.i man wanting t> buy. and oue wanting to sell. 



