SOUNDNESS AND WARRANTY OF HORSES. 491 
hunter, subject to my approval. On examination , I reported 
him as sound, with the exception of an enlargement to some 
extent of the right spermatic cord, from an opening, con- 
nected with which there was a slight discharge. My opinion 
was, that at times it might be a source of annoyance, but I 
had no fear of any ultimate ill effects resulting. He was 
kept, and has now gallantly carried his owner through three 
seasons, and I hope soon to see him doing the same in the 
fourth. His affection remains in statu quo. In this case, by 
being over fastidious, as good a hunter as ever followed the 
hounds would probably have been sacrificed to the drawing 
of a cab through the London streets. 
Our profession is often reflected upon and even censured, 
in consequence of the very conflicting evidence which is 
given by members of equal standing in what are termed 
“ horse causes but 1 would ask, are we alone in this 
respect? Do we not observe the same thing to occur with 
engineers, architects, &c. ? Why, even the members of the 
medical profession have afforded abundant proof of the same 
thing in the late memorable poisoning cases of Palmer and 
others. Here we have found men of the highest standing and 
attainments directly opposed to each other in matters of 
science. 
I have long entertained an opinion that it would be far 
better to do away with the practice of warranting horses alto- 
gether. If a party is about to purchase land, houses, colonial 
or home produce, and do not feel sufficient confidence in 
himself, recourse is usually had to an agent or broker , in whose 
judgment he confides. Could not the same plan be pur- 
sued in the buying of horses? Would not the veterinary 
surgeon be more frequently consulted and benefited ? And 
would not the hard, and I fear I may add, on some occasions 
with ordinary witnesses, false swearing, be done away ? 
The only parties, perhaps, who would suffer from such 
an arrangement would be the lawyers, and who, I may saj', 
very often on such occasions betray a great w ant of judgment. 
