512 DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 
sounds produced during respiration under different circum¬ 
stances, it was attempted to show the advisability of quali¬ 
fying an opinion of unsoundness, according to the probable 
extent and duration of the cause, on the general principle 
that roaring or whistling may be alleged against a horse to¬ 
day who shall be perfectly free from that unsoundness in a 
fortnight’s time. 
o 
The discovery of an acute or recent cause would not 
justify an examiner in total disregard of the defect. This is 
not contended, but it certainly appears to be convenient to 
include all such cases as are likely, under ordinary circum¬ 
stances, to recover, in one class. 
Experience proves that recent cases of roaring often 
become permanent, and hence the importance of considering 
all unnatural sounds in respiration consequent on disease to 
constitute unsoundness, but not the less to refrain from con¬ 
founding a variety of morbid conditions differing widely in 
their influence upon the animal’s usefulness, under one com¬ 
mon term. 
Special warranties will always meet the difficulties attend¬ 
ing the sale of animals affected with a temporary unsound¬ 
ness, that is likely to yield to treatment. Should such a 
certificate be refused, the veterinary surgeon is free from 
any further responsibility. 
Where time does not press, a second examination, in a few 
weeks from the first, will be the most satisfactory method of 
deciding whether the defect is likely to be permanent. These 
suggestions involve more trouble and thought than are 
usually considered necessary in order to decide whether a 
horse is sound or not; but the results to the profession and 
the public would be worth some little pains to arrive at, if 
only to obviate the unpleasant disputes which are of such 
frequent occurrence. 
ABNORMAL SOUNDS IN THE BREATHING PRODUCED UNDER 
CERTAIN CONDITIONS OR ONLY UPON OCCASIONS. 
A very nice question of law arises at once under this divi¬ 
sion, viz., whether a noise during respiration at intervals 
can be said to come under the accepted definition of unsound¬ 
ness. Whatever may be said pro and con ., it is safe for 
professional men to assume the fact as determined, because it 
is at least probable that an occasional whistler or roarer is 
suffering from structural derangement that will ultimately 
extend and lead to a continuance of the defect. 
Some very peculiar instances of exceptional roaring or 
