408 
MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
well after being cauterised ; we have known animals or mgb 
reputation as hunters and racers, which have been subjected 
to this operation. 
When the cornea of the eve is of a yellowish tinge, it is 
indicative of liver complaint. This being observed, turn 
up the lips and notice their internal structure, and if they 
are of a similar hue, avoid the purchase of the animal. 
If the coat of a horse stares, it is certain he is not in 
good health. It will be noticed that their dung is either 
unusually fetid and slimy, or it is soft and washy, like that 
of a cow. When not disturbed, such animals are languid and 
sleepy, but dealers take care in showing them off temporarily 
to rouse them from their lethargic condition, by inserting 
ginger into their anus, salt into their mouth, and giving them 
a smart touch or two with the whip; and no sooner does 
the master enter the stable, than they commence champing 
their bits, cocking their tails, and exhibiting for a short time 
all the appearance of perfect health and spirits. In the 
meantime, the dealer exerts his clap-trap eloquence to in¬ 
duce the novice to believe the animals are the best and most 
active horses in Britain ; and tliey too often succeed in 
inducing such a belief. The hand should be drawn over 
the ribs, and the finger pressed firmly between them. If the 
skin appear tight and unyielding, it may be inferred that 
he is hide-bound, and consequently labouring under some 
internal disease. I would particularly direct the attention 
of the purchaser to the mark of a cut which may be some 
inches in length, and situated parallel with the shank-bone, 
immediately below the pastern-joint. If such a mark is 
found, it is certain that the nerve operation has been per¬ 
formed, which we particularly noticed at page 245. Such 
a horse should instantly be rejected. 
In examining the foot, if the front and sides the noofr 
