Morning journal and courier., 1888-10-02
SeIIineaH Horse.

From the Detroit Free Press.l A dozen different artidces are resorted to by horsemen and horse sharpers to conceal the age of an animal after he has passed his tenth year. No buyer need be deceived, however, who will follow the rules herewith laid down. You want to buy horse-an animal not over nine years of age. The re- port gets out in some way and you receive a postal card inviting you to call at 8 certain place. The would be seller takes you for 8 greenhorn and is all ready for you. Your line of proceeding is as straight as g board. Ask to have the horse brought out into the alley, where you have. the full light of day. Begin by looking at his feet, and after you have inspected them shake your head in a dubious way, az if you wouldn't give $10 for the beast.
 Next hold the horses head close to your face and jab your index finger at his eyes. If you iab hard you'll hit the eyeban. Then pull the right ear down and blow into it. You may blow him off his feet, but it is not probable. Then punch him in the ribs, press on his spine, look very dubious and in- quire:
 "How old do you call him?'
 stEight last spring." the man will reply.
 Then you will for the first time open the horses mouth. take lightning survey, and turn away with the remark:
 He'll neveTs sac twenty-five again."
 ''What?"
 ct was very foolish in you to put up such 8 job on me-"
 "Jobl Why, sir, you are sadly mistaken" :"
 "Yes, I know; but didn't want him just the same. He's got all the marks of horse who has passed his twenty-ffth year. Iwant an old nag for grinding tan-bark, but I can't ba ODa Ovar siY vaars old 0
 "Say, mister, see you know your gait, and it's no use to try to work you. He's fifteen or month, and you can have him for $125."
 You can make any excuse you wish to get away, but you have accomplished the great point in horse transaction.
 If you are selling 0n old horse the case will be different. When the would buyer makes his call keep him waiting for at least five minutes. Then, when he has stated hi' errand, you must dubiously observe: s'l diG say I would sell him, as I want to get big cart horse, but the wife and children take on so that it goes against the grain. We raised him, you know, and he's like one of the family.n
 'If you raised him you must know his exact age"
 ooh, certainly. Got his birthday down in an old family diary. Billy is nine years and one month old"
 4u0 O1O HaH lOUkS hG Dll1J LCGlA onA AS- plies:
 "Ten years oldI Why, the beast is above twenty, or I'm liar"
 Now you want to lead the horse back into the stall, and innocently remark to the visitor:
 s'You will excuse me, sir, but I'm very busy this morning"
 But about the horsep
 ooh, he wouldn't please you, sir. You'd always feel that you were cheated"
 'Isn't he twentys"
 ''Didn't say had his birthday in writ ingi Didn't feed him with my own handsa"
 ''He has the teeth of an old horse."
 ''Nery we'll, sir. No harm done, of course"
 f.I-I rather like his looks"
 ''So does everybody. He's horse to be proud of"
 'tJust what want, if was only sure about his age"
 Excuse me, sir, but must go in and soothe the children. They are crying for fear I'll sell Billy"
 fWell, I'll take him at $50. If you say he's only ten. that settles it, for know you to be man who wouldn't lie nor deceive in a trade of any sort"