Henry Ernest Dudeney/Modern Puzzles/89 - The Seventeen Horses

by : $89$

 * The Seventeen Horses
 * "I suppose you all know this old puzzle," said Jeffries.
 * "A farmer left seventeen horses to be divided among his three sons in the following proportions:
 * To the eldest, one-half;
 * to the second, one-third;
 * and to the youngest, one-ninth.
 * How should they be divided?


 * "Yes; I think we all know that," said Robinson, "but it can't be done.
 * The answer always given is a fallacy."


 * (Considerable pointless argument ensues.)


 * ... The terms of the will can be exactly carried out, without any mutilation of a horse.


 * ... How should the horses be divided in strict accordance with the directions?