BUYING AND SELLING HORSES. 285 



structor to give his pupils any definite rules to follow in this 

 particular branch of character reading. If not already inher- 

 ent, such knowledge can be gained only by experience and ob- 

 servation. 



After I have examined the eye, I next consult the mouth 

 as to the age and general condition of the teeth. I look at the 

 tongue to see if it has at any time been severely lacerated with 

 the bit, and to determine whether the ligaments holding it in 

 place have been strained, as is sometimes the case, causing the 

 animal to carry his tongue out of the mouth in a lolling 

 position. 



On raising the mane I like to see a good, long curl or rosette 

 on the neck, but this is not essential — only a matter of taste ; 

 yet it quite frequently helps, by many dollars, the sale of a 

 horse. 



Examine the nose for "heaves, poor wind, or difficult breath- 

 ing from any cause ; the nose is a great indicator to those who 

 properly understand its teachings. 



See the horse driven in harness ; stand behind him, in front 

 of him, and let him pass by you, thus viewing him from all sides 

 in his movements. Immediately after being stopped examine 

 his breathing and the inflation of the nostril and movement .of 

 the flanks ; pinch him on the back over the kidneys to see if he 

 flinches; there, which, if he is weak in the back or wrong in the 

 kidneys, he is quite liable to do. 



Lift the tail to ascertain the stiffness of the dock, remember- 

 ing that as a rule a very limber dock indicates lack of stamina. 

 Examine closely and thoroughly in the harness and out, on the 

 walk and on the trot, standing still as well as moving ; back 

 him and watch the effect. If he "passes muster" in all of 

 these trials, and you are satisfied with him and can purchase at 

 a fair price, it is generally safe to do so. Even then, as you 

 become better acquainted with your animal, he may surprise 

 you with the developing of some disease or some trick for which 

 you were not looking, and which you were by no means curious 

 to meet; for, after the most expert horse-buyer has seen all 



