AS TO SOUNDNESS. 159 
CERTIFICATES. 
A good certificate ought to contain three paragraphs, 
namely :— 
The first to clearly define the horse. 
The second should set forth what is found. 
The third should contain the opinion. 
Example : 
ALPHABETA STREET, EDINBURGH, 
Fune 2nd, 1874. 
To-day I have examined a chestnut cob gelding, 
having two white hind steckings, and named Tom, the 
property of Mr. Squeers, of Dotheboy’s Hall, Yorkshire. 
I find he is six years old: that he has curby hocks ; 
and has wind-galls on his fore legs. 
I am of opinion he is sound. 
FiLexor T. Enpon, M.R.C.V.S. 
The certificate may be regarded as belonging to the 
horse at the date on which it is written, and your client’s 
name kept out of it. In all cases you must clearly 
define the horse by his breed, peculiarities, and name 
(if he have one), and if possible always his present 
owner’s name. In case of disputed ownership, as when 
a horse is sought to be returned, you may say, “‘ At the 
request of Mr. So-and-So.” If your second paragraph 
contain mention of a known /ega/ unsoundness, then 
you have to state in your third paragraph, “The horse 
is therefore unsound,” and leave out the word opinion 
