SOME GENERAL REMARKS. 325 



Mgh authority assured. Nevertheless, in. this 

 case, in the multitude of counsellors there is 

 likely to be conf vision. My oAvn particular 

 counsel "vvould be, not to ask the opinion on 

 this point or that of every man you meet, 

 who knows, or thinks he knoAVS (as men 

 mostly do), all about a horse ; but go to the 

 one among your friends who you think is 

 the mostly likely to know, explain the state 

 of the case, and follow imjilicitly whatever 

 advice he gives you. Buying a horse for a 

 friend, or even recommending one, is often a 

 thankless office. His friendship may, or may 

 not, go so far as to perform this service for 

 you ; but you will at least find that his own 

 store of experience in horsekeeping is readily 

 at your service ; and it will profit you far 

 more to avail yourself of this than to let 

 your own servant impose ujoon you either 

 his own ignorance, or that of Ins friends. 

 Capable grooms, willing and able to dress a 

 horse as he should be dressed, are, it may 



