The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1888-09-13
COMPLETE cuIDETo HORSE TRADING
Points to BE Observed When You Wish to
BuY or Sell.


A dozen different artifices are resort
ed to by hOrsemen and horse-sharpers
tn conceal the age of an animal after
he has passed his 10th year. No buy
er need be deceived, however, who
will follow the rules herewith laid
down. You want to buy horse-an
animal not over years of age The
report gets out some way and you
receive postal card inviting YOU to
call at certain place. The would-be
seller takes you for a greenhorn and
is all ready for you. Your line of pro-
ceeding is as straight as board. Ask
to have the horse brought out into the
alley, where you have the full light OF
day. Begin to look at his feet, and
after you have inspected them shake
your head in dubious way, as if you
wouldn't give $40 for the beast.
Next hold the horses head close to
your face and jab your index finger at
his eyes, If you jab hard enough you'll
hit the eyeball. Then pull his right
ear down and blow into it. You may
blow him off his feet, but it is not pro-
bable. Then punch him in the ribs.
press on his spine, look dubious and
inquire:
''How old do you call him?"
''Eight last spring" the man will re-
ply.
Then you will for the first time open
the horses mouth, take lightning
survey, and turn away with the re-
mark:
He'll never see 25 again"
"What?"
cit was foolish in you to put up such
job on me-"
JOB? Why,sir,you are sadly mistak-
en-"
Eyes, know; but don't want him
just the same. He's got all the marks
of a horse who has passed his 25th
year. Iwant an old nag for grinding
tan-bark. but can't take one over 16
years DID,"
"Say. mister, see you know your
gait, and it's no use to try to work you.
He's 10 to month, and you can have
him for 1925"
You can make any excuse you wish
to get away, but you have accomplish
ed the great point in a horse transac-
ton.
If you are selling an old horse the
case will be different. When the would
be buyer makes his call keep him wait
ing for at least five minutes. Then,
when he has stated his errand, you must
obviously observe:
81 did say would sell him, as
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"
IF you raised him you must know
his exact age"
80, certainly. Got his birthday down
in an old diary. Billy is 9 years and 1
month DID,"
The man looks at Billie's teeth and
replies:
Ten years old! Why, the beast is
above 20 or Pm liarr'
Now you want to lead the horse back
into the stall and innOcently remark to
the visitor:
You will excuse me, sir, but / am
busy this morning"
but about the horse?"
20, he wouldn't please you sir. You'd
always feel that you were cheated"
Isn't he 20p"
Didn't say had his birthday in
writingp Didn't feed him milk with
my own hands?"
He has the teeth of an old horse. .
"Well, sir. No harm done, of
course"
II rather like his looks"
so does everybody. He's horse to
be proud Of"
Just what want if 1 was only sure
about his age"
Excuse me, sir, but l must go in
and soOthe the children. They are cry
ing for fear I'll sell Billie"
''Well, I'll take him at $3.50. If you
say he's only 10 that settles it, for /
know you to be man who wouldn't
lie nor deceive in a trade of any sort. :"
= Detroit E'J-ee Press