PURCHASING A HORSE. 297 



Make up your mind exactly as to what kind of a 

 horse you require — age, height, colour, etc. Go to 

 a good dealer. If he shows you a horse which you 

 like and which answers to what you require, see 

 him tried in every way you can before you try him 

 yourself. Do not listen too much to what the 

 dealer says, and never contradict him. If you like 

 the horse, and you think he will suit you, try him 

 yourself. Inquire the price, and if that is also 

 suitable, have him examined by the very best 

 veterinary surgeon you can procure. A good 

 dealer will not sell you a bad horse. He may be 

 plain, he may be slow, he may be lots of things ; 

 but the chances are that he is sound, as far as he 

 knows, and if not worth all the money he asks for 

 him, he is, at all events, worth some of it. Never 

 allow a dealer to talk you into buying a horse you 

 do not like. If you do not like him, say so at 

 once, and, if you can help it, do not assign any 

 reason for saying so. Always talk as little as you 

 can about horses when you are purchasing them. 

 Talk of the weather, anything else you like ; but if 

 you don't know much about horses be as silent as 

 you can. The dealer may probably imagine you 

 know more than you really do. Remember the old 

 adao-e, ' A still tongue makes a wise head.' When 

 riding the horse before the dealer or grooms, try to 



