HORSE-SELLING ADVERTISEMENTS. 233 



seem that almost everyone wishing to dispose of a 

 horse considers it necessary, not only to desc]jbe all 

 particulars connected with the animal in question, 

 but also to give a satisfactory reason for wishing to 

 part with it — which one might suppose quite imma- 

 terial to the purchaser, whose only object is to be 

 satisfied that it^is what he requires, and worth the 

 money asked for it. 



I find in advertisements for the sale of horses, in 

 nearly every case they are stated to bfe 'the property 

 of a gentleman,' which would lead one to suppose 

 that this adds considerably to their value, although 

 I believe, as a fact, many gentlemen find themselves 

 in possession of horses which are anything but what 

 they expected, and consequently a];e glad to get rid 

 of at almost any price ; while some persons assume 

 the title of gentlemen, although their dealings in 

 horses scarcely warrant the assumption. 



Another frequent and favourite statement, after 

 enumerating all the virtues and good qualities that 

 can well be combined in one horse, is that he ' is 

 parted with for no fault,' which sounds rather 

 suspicious, and would seem to be superfluous. 



I find some descriptions dubious and obscure as 

 regards the animal to be disposed of, and rather 

 more descriptive of the owner ; for instance, ' a 

 perfect lady's hunter' may belong to a perfect 



