120 HINTS ON PURCHASING. 
and the large, later: a very important consideration in either 
buying or selling. 
There is another matter in reference to the size of the 
horse that it will not do to ignore altogether ; large horses 
are not only more liable to break down, but more often 
become roarers. 
The performances of small and large yearlings in the 
paddock have been referred to in Chapter IX.; but the 
purchase of yearlings is a subject of so special an interest, 
that I shall not attempt to deal with it now, but reserve it for 
the next chapter. We may however, I think, conclude from 
what has been here put forward, not only that small horses 
are best as two-year-olds and the larger ones later, but that 
small yearlings, if bad, may be got rid of with little fear 
of parting with a good one. Large horses ought to be tried 
a distance of ground before being sold as good for nothing ; 
as indeed should the small, unless they are wretchedly slow. 
A horse that has speed should always be tried over a distance 
of ground which may prove to be his forte before being 
parted with even fora good sum. So much said, it appears 
that with some observations on warranty, this portion of my 
subject nay be brought to a conclusion. 
t It is very seldom a warranty of any sort is given with a 
racehorse, age and pedigree always excepted. I have known 
but very few people who ever asked for, or gave one, as to 
soundness. Though I have sold hundreds of horses I never 
remember warranting one sound, and have seldom been asked 
todo so. When Oxonzan was sold for £1,200, it was conditional 
that the veterinary surgeon should pass him sound. He was 
examined and returned, though really one of the soundest 
horses alive, and the following year, after doing “the state 
some service,” was sold unconditionally for 41,100 to the 
