THE EXAMINATION OF HORSES FOR SOUNDNESS. 
837 
place the proper value upon an animal, set up claims of unsound¬ 
ness at the time of purchase, had we not better look well to our 
interest and obviate any trouble that might arise by misinter¬ 
pretations and misconstructions by courts and juries ? 
I will submit a form of certification which will, in my opin¬ 
ion, give to our clients all that should be expected from the 
hands of an honest, conscientious practitioner. 
CERTIFICATE OF EXAMINATION. 
Issued to Mr.-upon the following described animal : Sex, gelding. Age, 
6 years. Color, dark bay. Points, 2-inch star. Scars, 2-inch on right forearm. Height, 
15. 1 hands. Breed, Hambletonian. Class, American roadster. Having made a 
careful and complete examination of the above described animal, I hereby certify that I 
fail to detect any unsoundness. Given under my hand this the first day of January, 
1897. 
This form of certification permits and encourages the prac¬ 
tice of fraud and deception on the part of unprincipled persons, 
I will admit—but in all such cases redress can be had in our 
courts. The laws of our State are sufficiently severe on such 
culprits, and should be promptly enforced in all such cases, but 
in all cases where honesty of purpose prevails no responsibility 
should be implied. We cannot vouch for the honesty and in¬ 
tegrity of the surgeon, neither can we assume to testify as to 
his skill in this important branch of our practice, but this risk 
should be taken by the client. We are supposed to possess that 
higher degree of trained powers of observation requisite to per¬ 
fect knowledge of the anatomical structure, and normal function 
of every part of the animal economy. This superior ability 
may be conceded to the most learned of our profession, but 
even the most skilled are often unable to meet the contineen- 
cies liable to occur under exciting influences. 
The Illinois Humane Society during the last ten years 
h^s relieved 7118 horses from abuse by brutal drivers; has 
caused 2133 to be laid up from work as unfit for it; has removed 
1401 disabled animals in ambulances, and destroyed 2347 by 
shooting. 
