,,riding ,,for ,,ladies4 ,illustration3 ,,lafayette1 ,,photo3 ,,dublin4 ,author's ,signature ,w4 ,,thacker ,,co4 ,,london4 ,,the ,,common ,,sense ,,of ,,riding4 ,,riding ,,for ,,ladies ,,with ,,hints ,,on ,,the ,,stable4 ,,by ,,mrs4 ,,power ,o',,donoghue1 ,,author ,,of 8,,ladies ,,on ,,horseback10 8,a ,,beggar ,,on ,,horseback10 ,,etc4 ,,illustrated ,,by ,a4 ,,chantrey ,,corbould4 ,,london3 ,w4 ,,thacker ,,co41 #hg1 ,,newgate ,,street ,,calcutta3 ,,thacker1 ,,spink1 ,,co4 ,,bombay3 ,,thacker ,,co4 ,,limited4 #ahhg4 ,,london3 ,,printed ,,by ,,william ,,clowes ,,and ,,sons1 ,,limited1 ,,stamford ,,street ,,and ,,charing ,,cross4 ,,to ,,my ,,friend ,,lady ,,glover1 ,,widow ,,of ,,the ,,late ,,sir ,,john ,,hawley ,,glover1 ,r4,n41 ,g4,c4,m4,g41 ,,governor ,,of ,,newfoundland4 ,a ,,small ,,token ,,of ,,sympathy1 ,,affection1 ,,and ,,esteem4 ,,contents4 ,,chap4 ,,page ,,introduction xi ,i4--,,ought ,,children ,,to ,,ride #a ,,ii4--,,for ,,mothers ,,and ,,children #aa ,,iii4--,,first ,,hints ,,to ,a ,,learner #bd ,,iv4--,,selecting ,a ,,mount #cb ,v4--,,the ,,lady',s ,,dress ,,on ,,horseback #dc ,,vi4--,,the ,,lady',s ,,dress ,,on ,,horseback--7continued7 #ed ,,vii4--,,bitting #fc ,,viii4--,,saddling #ha ,,ix4--8,,learning ,,to ,,ride0--,,how ,,to ,,sit1 ,,to ,,walk1 ,,to ,,canter1 ,,and ,,to ,,trot #ib ,x4--,,reins1 ,,voice1 ,,and ,,whip #aje ,,xi4--,,riding ,,on ,,the ,,road #abb ,,xii4--,,paces1 ,,vices1 ,,and ,,faults #ace ,,xiii4--,a ,,lesson ,,in ,,leaping #adf ,,xiv4--,,managing ,,refusers #aeh ,,xv4--,,falling #aff ,,xvi4--,,hunting ,,outfit ,,considered #agi ,,xvii4--,,economy ,,in ,,riding ,,dress #ahh ,,xviii4--,,hacks ,,and ,,hunters #bjc ,,xix4--,,in ,,the ,,hunting-,,field #bag ,,xx4--,,shoeing #bca ,,xxi4--,,feeding #bda ,,xxii4--,,stabling #bej ,,xxiii4--,,doctoring #bfb ,,xxiv4--,,breeding #bhj ,,xxv4--,,training #bib ,,xxvi4--,a ,,budget ,,of 8,,tips0 #cjg ,,index #cci ,illustration ,,introduction4 ,the work to which these few lines are meant to form a preface does not aspire to the dignity of containing anything resembling an exhaustive treatise on each1 or any of the numerous minor subjects connected with the principal one of ,equitation4 ,it is simply a collection of useful and practical hints on matters that pertain to the horse and his management--no study of things abstruse being brought into requisition1 or any complicated theories put forward for guidance4 ,the instructions given are of the plainest and easiest description1 and are the result of an experience which has in some instances been rather dearly bought2 the experiments described have been duly tested1 the recipes tried1 the systems explored1 and the rules set forth rigidly investigated before being recommended4 ,the unexpected success which attended the publication of 8,ladies on ,horseback0 induced the ,messrs4 ,ingram1 proprietors of the ,lady's ,pictorial1 to commission me1 some little time ago1 to write for them a set of articles of a prepared in part from very rough sketches made by my own hand1 ,i think ,i shall have said enough to form a suitable 8preliminary canter0 to this volume1 and may prepare to go up to the starting-point1 and begin my race4 ,n4 ,p4 ,o',d4 ,illustration3 ,,assisting ,,him4 ,see p4 #age4 ,a ,,horse',s ,,petition ,,to ,,his ,,owner4 ,going up hill1 ,whip me not4 ,going down hill1 ,hurry me not4 ,on level road1 ,spare me not4 ,of hay and corn1 ,rob me not4 ,of pure water1 ,stint me not4 ,of fresh air1 ,deprive me not4 ,to damp bed1 ,subject me not4 ,with brush and sponge1 ,neglect me not4 ,home from grass1 ,physic me not4 ,tired or hot1 ,wash me not4 ,sick or cold1 ,chill me not4 ,with bit and reins1 ,jerk me not4 ,when you are vexed1 ,strike me not4 ,when old and grey1 ,despise me not4 ,when past my labour1 ,work me not4 ,when sick and dying1 ,leave me not4 ,and1 when dead-- ,,forget ,,me ,,not4 ,,riding ,,for ,,ladies4 ,,chapter ,i4 ,,ought ,,children ,,to ,,ride8 ,illustration ,the 8,common ,sense of ,riding10 which formed the title under which these writings were first furnished to the public in the columns of a ,london journal1 supplied a fitting heading for the articles at the time1 very little concerning stable or general horse management being appended to the instructions offered to equestrians4 ,the expediency of adding to the work formed a necessity for altering the title2 but the original one1 if used here1 would set forth precisely the manner in which ,i am about to deal with the subject that ,i have taken in hand4 ,to discard preamble1 and plunge at once in medias res1 is usually the wisest and most common-sense manner of coming at and coping with the difficulties surrounding crotchety questions3 and surely one of the foremost in the category of such is the often-heard inquiry1 8,how shall ,i best learn to ride80 ,to offer instruction on any subject to persons who fancy they have no need of it1 is at all times mere waste of time and trouble4 ,my remarks1 therefore--embracing1 as it is meant they shall1 a variety of matters especially interesting to ladies--will be addressed throughout to those only who really feel their need of friendly counsel1 who are anxious to learn1 and are willing to benefit by such hints and instructions as my varied experiences of horses and horse-management enable me to give them4 ,before entering fully upon my pleasant task1 ,i would say that although many men1 and very many youths1 may learn a useful lesson or two from matters upon which ,i shall touch1 or possibly deal with in detail1 my observations will be directed chiefly to ladies1 my desire being to take each separately1 as it were1 into my confidence1 and speak to her less as teacher to pupil than as friend to friend4 ,it seems to me that to adopt the homely pronouns 8you0 and 8,i0 will be more convenient and concise than adhering to the stereotyped and old-fashioned terms 8the reader10 and 8the author0--modes of expression which are as a rule unnecessarily formal1 and most uncomfortably cold4 ,when1 therefore1 ,i begin my subject1 ,i shall suppose that you are a novice1 with but a very shadowy idea of the subject on which you wish to be enlightened2 but when ,i say 8novice10 ,i do not necessarily mean a child4 ,indeed1 ,i hope that you are not one1 for it is widely known that ,i object very strongly to children riding1 my reasons for doing so being founded on the surest and most common-sense principles4 ,the point is one which has of late years led me into discussions with very many high-class authorities on equitation1 but ,i have never for a moment swerved from my fixed opinions1 and many of my keenest opponents have1 from time to time1 ranged themselves on my side4 ,it is indeed a matter of surprise to me that anybody possessed of even moderate reasoning capacity can advocate infantile equestrianism4 ,the two arguments which defenders of it make their strong points1 namely1 that it is 8splendid exercise10 and that it imparts a courage which is beneficial in after life1 can1 while admitted1 be counterbalanced by so many genuine drawbacks and objections1 that their boasted efficacy runs considerable risk of being regarded as a thing of nought4 ,before1 however1 dealing with the con's of the case1 let us take up the pro's in rotation4 ,it is splendid exercise4 ,granted2 but rolling hoop is quite as good1 while ball-playing1 tennis1 badminton1 and every other game that sets the blood in motion and calls the muscles into active play1 may be styled equally beneficial4 ,all the advantages which are derivable from exercise--and they are many--can be had without riding2 this is an admitted fact2 and1 being so1 it serves to sweep away suppositious inferences respecting the superiority of equine practice1 or training1 over that of any other sort4 ,so much for the oft-quoted plea of 8exercise40 ,with regard to the question of courage1 it cannot be denied that a certain and useful amount of confidence is imparted to all young persons who participate largely in pursuits which have a smack of daring or danger about them4 ,watch1 for example1 the peasant girls who inhabit the country districts of ,ireland4 ,they climb steep mountains1 descend jagged cliffs1 run barefooted along sharp ledges and high rugged walls1 without thought of danger1 or trace of fear4 ,and why8 ,because from childhood they have been accustomed to it4 ,it goes1 then1 without saying that early practice does impart an amount of bravado1 which may in later life be found useful on occasion2 but1 having acknowledged this1 ,i feel that ,i have done my entire duty towards the advocates of a system to which ,i strongly object1 and ,i shall1 therefore1 proceed1 in all fairness1 to demolish their theories by a clear and simple setting forth of the evils which are1 in my opinion1 attendant upon early equestrian pursuits4 ,few persons will be found to dispute the fact that a child on horseback1 especially a girl1 runs at least as many risks as a grown person4 ,she may at any moment be jerked off1 run away with1 overpowered by the strength or temper of her mount1 cannoned against by awkward or reckless riders1 or subjected to the unpleasantness of discovering that the animal she herself is riding is given to slipping1 stumbling1 falling completely under her1 or behaving in some unseemly manner that is entirely beyond her powers to check or control4 ,to these dangers and discomforts--as well as to many others with which equestrians1 old and young1 are uncomfortably familiar--she is at all times liable to be exposed1 and1 this being an admitted truth1 ,i ask whether it can for a moment be asserted that a child is as capable as an adult of coping with such risks8 ,the answer must be 8,no40 ,the perils are the same for both--while the weaker side is absolutely unable to grapple with them when they arise4 ,i speak from experience1 and strive to teach from it also4 ,having been largely associated with juvenile riders1 especially in country parts of ,england1 the knowledge which ,i have picked up from their absolute want of it has proved most fitting and serviceable to me when offering hints and instructions to others of similar age4 ,five years ago ,i had the unhappiness of seeing a pretty child who was riding with me seriously hurt1 through her horse falling under her while traversing an extremely rutty road4 ,he made what is called a double stumble1 and had her hands possessed the cunning1 or her arms the strength1 to have pulled him together after he had made the first blunder1 he would undoubtedly not have gone down2 but he was a slovenly animal1--one that wanted 8collecting0 and keeping well in hand3 two things of which my tender little companion knew nothing whatever2 nor was she capable of putting them in practice1 even had it been otherwise4 ,about the same time ,i saw another bright-eyed little maiden run away with over the 8breezy downs40 ,her horse1 fresh and frolicsome1 started with mine at a light canter1 and for awhile we kept nicely together2 but presently--after a quarter of a mile or so--her mount began to romp with his head1 and finally breaking into a gallop1 made off at terrific speed1 lashing the damp turf from beneath his flying hoofs1 and laying back his wicked ears until they rested flat upon his neck4 ,i knew that the youngster he was carrying had abundance of pluck1 even without any very distinct knowledge of the art of riding1 so ,i shouted to her with all my might to sit close and leave him his head 7we were going up hill at the time71 and to give him the whip when he tired1 which ,i knew he very soon would do1 with a long1 heavy incline in front of him4 ,i might as well have spoken to the wind4 ,terror1 and consciousness of her own ignorance robbed the child of her wits3 she gripped the pommel with her right hand1 tugged at the reins with her left1 and1 after swaying about in a manner that makes me sick to think of1 finally fell off1 and was picked up bruised and bleeding1 and so entirely unnerved as to render it a matter of extreme difficulty to persuade her ever to ride again4 ,as for the horse1 he was not personally any the worse of his escapade1 but1 having conquered his rider1 he was ever afterwards rightfully considered an unsafe animal for a lady to mount4 ,i have seen children over and over again subjected to the most fearful risks through riding horses that were too much for them4 ,it is so easy for a girl to be overpowered1--and1 once she is so1 good-bye for ever to all or any pleasure in riding the animal who has been her conqueror4 ,he will always remember his victory1 and presume upon it4 ,horses are not simpletons2 their wisdom1 on the contrary1 is astonishing4 ,allow them to vanquish you once1 and they will pursue their advantage to their lives' end4 ,there are other reasons1 also1 on which ,i ground my objections to children riding4 ,little girls are exceedingly apt to grow crooked4 ,it is all sheer nonsense to say 8they will not if they sit straight10 inasmuch as young riders never do1 as a rule1 fall into the desired method2 or1 if for awhile it is a thing accomplished1 they very speedily fall out of it again1 when fatigue overpowers them1 or the groom has shortened their stirrup-leather too much1 or when a large amount of pressure upon it during a long ride has stretched it to an uncomfortable length4 ,it is the merest sophistry to argue that such things ought not to occur1 seeing that they do1 and are in fact happening every day around us4 ,one child out of five hundred may1 perhaps1 be an habitual straight-sitter1 but to counterbalance her perfection in this particular1 the remaining #dii will be either hanging to one side or the other 7usually the near1 or left side71 or sitting square enough1 it may be1 yet with the right shoulder thrust forward and upward1 thus sowing the seeds of a deformity which in ten years' time1 when the little one of eight shall have grown into a belle of eighteen1 will have become an incurable disfigurement1 one which all the arts of the most skilful modiste cannot by any possibility cover1 or the most seraphic charms of face and manner serve to put out of sight4 ,the frame of a child1 even the most robust1 is too weakly and delicate--too liable to grow 8out of form0--to render equestrian exercise a fitting pursuit for persons of tender age4 ,nature has not ruled that her frail handiwork shall be roughly or unfairly strained1 and when it is1 the penalty is certain to follow1 in disarranged system1 weakened or injured muscular development1 misplaced shoulder-blades1 undue tension of the tendons of the left leg--or contraction of them1 which is worse--accompanied by an unnatural languor and a constant craving for permission 8to go and lie down10 which1 in so many cases1 children are observed to manifest4 ,the absurd assertion that no girl can excel as a horsewoman unless she begins to practise the art when a child has been so often and substantially refuted that to attempt further contradiction of it would be merely to entail loss of time4 ,suffice it to say that some of the finest equestrians the world has ever produced have been entirely ignorant of riding until after their arrival at womanhood1 or1 at all events1 until childish days had been left far in the rear4 ,of these a foreign ,empress is a noteworthy example1 while many others1 whose names in park and hunting-field are familiar as household words1 might go to swell the list4 8,well1 but really0--,i fancy ,i hear some unconvinced matron saying--8,i cannot see that my children are anything the worse for riding every day4 ,i myself rode when ,i was their age1 and it never seemed to do me any harm40 ,granted1 madam2 but question yourself1 whether you have a right1 because you have had the good fortune to escape the evils usually consequent upon a prejudicial system1 to encourage your offspring to go in the way of contracting them4 ,as well might you boast of having escaped contagion during an attendance on a fever patient1 and then 7presuming on your own lucky chance7 thrust your children deliberately into an infected house4 ,no2 if you are a wise parent1 or guardian1 advocate early instruction in pianoforte-playing and its study1 also in drawing1 painting1 and such branches of education as will expand and benefit the understanding1 without unduly straining the yet undeveloped resources of the body2 encourage likewise such exercises as are of a healthful and suitable nature--but compel the young folks of whom you have charge to leave riding alone1 at all events until the fourteenth year has been well got over3 because1 just as in singing the vocal organs are weak1 and the voice apt to alter and break about that period 7which is the case with girls as with boys1 although very many fail to know or believe it71 so1 in like manner1 the frame of a young girl is delicate and unstrung1 and is absolutely incapable of enduring strain or fatigue without incurring consequences which1 even if not made much account of at the time1 will most likely in after life cause themselves to be dismally felt4 ,about fifteen1 or from that to twenty1 is an excellent time for a girl to learn to ride--by which ,i mean that she ought not to attempt it before the first-mentioned age while the last will not be one whit too late4 ,boys may begin whenever they choose2 their position on horseback obviates the possibility of growing shoulder-crooked1 while custom which enables them to ride with a leg on each side of the saddle1 equalises their seat1 and fairly distributes the amount of stress which pressure on the stirrups entails upon both nether limbs4 ,moreover1 they are infinitely stronger1 even from babyhood--can bear any amount of knocking about1 and so far from being injured by an occasional spill or two1 are immensely benefited by making moderate acquaintance with mother earth4 ,it is not so with girls1 and around them all my sympathies entwine4 ,illustration3 ,,conquered ,,his ,,rider4 ,,chapter ,,ii4 ,,for ,,mothers ,,and ,,children4 ,it is a rare thing to take up a cookery book in which the reader is not solemnly warned against the evils attendant upon frying chops and steaks in the pan1 the deterrent paragraph usually winding up with3 8,nevertheless1 for the benefit of those who will not be brought to acknowledge the superiority of the gridiron as a cooking utensil1 we append a few instructions40 ,it is as though the writer of the volume meant solemnly to say1 8,i have told you how to avoid the horrors of dyspepsia2 but1 if you will go in for them1 ,i may as well show you the least objectionable way of doing it40 ,on this principle1 or something bearing a close resemblance to it1 ,i have1 as in duty bound1 made known my objections to girls of immature age being permitted to indulge in equestrian exercise2 and having eased my conscience by doing so1 ,i shall lay down a few rules for the guidance of those who pay no heed to friendly warnings1 but prefer taking their own way1 and who1 in short1 will have the pan1 in preference to the gridiron4 ,first1 then1 ,i will surmise that the child to be instructed is at least five years old4 ,there are1 ,i am aware1 mothers of families who actually put their infant children into panniers1 because they 8look pretty0 in them1 and send them out on ponies for an hour's jolting1 with their poor little heads bobbing pitifully about1 and brain and spine alike suffering from the so-called exercise4 ,there are fathers1 too1 who think that their boys ought to ride before they are well capable of walking1 and who in consequence of this belief clap them on to wide-backed1 rough-actioned animals1 regardless of the dangers to which1 by so doing1 they are exposing the feeble frames of their hapless offspring4 ,to aid such persons by offering any sort of instruction as a help to their objectionable practices would be like assisting at a murder1 or showing a torturer how to get on with his work4 ,i was choosing some articles at the establishment of a fashionable saddler a short time ago1 when the proprietor stepped forward and requested me to look at an instrument 7,i can call it by no other name7 which he had just completed to order4 ,it was a child's saddle1 with a contrivance not unlike a brazier1 arising from the centre of it1 well furnished with padding and straps4 ,this unique appliance was1 it appeared1 the invention of the father of the unfortunate infant for whose benefit it had been manufactured1 and his pride in its appearance1 and in his own cleverness1 was quite unbounded4 ,determined that his son1 aged three1 should begin his lessons in horsemanship at that early period of life1 and resolved to secure him from tumbling off 7the only thing in the shape of danger to which he gave a moment's thought71 he conceived the idea of buckling the infant into the 8brazier10 which was meant to come right up under the armpits1 and by this means avert all possibility of a fall4 ,it had apparently never struck this intelligent inventor of curiosities that the pony might fall as well as the boy1 and that if it did1 the little rider could scarcely fail to be seriously if not fatally injured1 owing to the impossibility of his falling clear of the prostrate animal4 ,if a child of tender years must ride1 by order of an ill-judging parent or caretaker1 let it do so upon a safety-pad1 fitted with a well-stuffed back1 in order to prevent that of the child from becoming fatigued by remaining too long unsupported4 ,the pad-pony should be a light1 elastic walker1 and of necessity perfectly docile and quiet4 ,he must1 of course1 be led3 his paces being properly regulated1 and his head kept quite straight4 ,a good contrivance for this--and indeed for leading any description of horse--is a stout bamboo cane1 fitted with a swivel snaphook4 ,the pad-pony should be ridden with a mild snaffle bridle1 with loops somewhat large--and ,i am a great advocate for flap-reins3 by which ,i mean a straight but not over-tightened band1 extending from the flap of the saddle to the loop or ring of the bit1 on either side--an admirable contrivance1 which keeps the pony's head in position1 and also serves as a check against restiveness or starting4 ,the girths should be broad and strong1 and not too slack1 and the pad should be made without a tree1 and be composed of some soft roughened material1 ornamented or not--according to fancy1 and the outlay to be involved in the matter4 ,the advantage of having a strap in front is apparent for a very young child4 ,it should1 however1 be used only when the pony is led1 and when he cannot therefore possibly make off or fall down4 ,in such case1 and such only1 it may be approved1 inasmuch as it imparts a certain amount of confidence to an infant learner1 and is likewise of assistance in ensuring an upright seat2 but ,i should like to see it discontinued after the first few lessons1 and the back of the pad also removed when a trifle more experience has been gained4 ,illustration3 ,,pony ,,with ,,flap-,,reins4 ,about eight years old is the very earliest age at which a girl should1 under any circumstances1 be permitted to ride on a side-saddle1 or to mount the back of an unled animal4 ,i prefer a small horse to a pony for the initiatory lessons1 as being generally better paced and better broken4 ,the child should not at first be allowed to touch the bridle at all4 ,she should sit perfectly square and erect1 her figure well balanced1 her shoulders thrown back1 and her arms folded upon her breast1 while an attendant walks alongside her horse and keeps his paces evenly regulated4 ,this is the correct method of teaching a child how to ride from balance1--an accomplishment most desirable for every class of rider4 ,the ordinary fashion of putting a little one up1 and giving her the reins to hold on by1 is about as efficient a plan of instruction as teaching the same child to play the piano by ear only--thus ignoring the very first principles of the art--or running-up a building without laying a foundation-stone4 ,circus-children1 the most beautiful balance-riders in the world1 are taught to ride at first without ever touching the reins2 and nothing else that could be suggested would ever be capable of giving the same firmness of seat4 ,if the learner be a boy1 he should be taught his first lessons without stirrups2 but ,i would not deny the assistance of such support to a little girl1 as her position on the saddle would otherwise entail much extra fatigue upon the left leg4 ,be it understood1 however1 that the stirrup should be taken away after the first few lessons1 and the child be instructed to ride for at least an hour a day without any such aid2 otherwise she will trust to it1 when riding1 for the remainder of her life1 and to ride from the stirrup is one of the most objectionable practices into which a young person can possibly fall4 ,when a firm and even seat has been obtained1 without the help of reins or stirrup1 the former 7of the very lightest description1 and single7 may be entrusted to the little learner's hands1 but the flap-reins must not by any means be discarded4 ,illustration3 ,,young ,,child',s ,,saddle4 ,when the child is perfectly at home on her horse1 and has learned to treat his mouth with the utmost gentleness1 and not on any account to pull at the bridle1 a canter may be indulged in1 by the attendant attaching a long rein to a cavesson and urging the horse to a gentle pace1 making him lead always with the right leg1 and pulling him up directly he changes to the left4 ,the child should be most carefully watched during the exercise1 and any tendency to hang over on one side or the other1 or to lift one shoulder1 or poke the neck1 be at once checked4 ,the saddle should be level-seated--covered with buckskin1 for a beginner--and should have no off-pommel4 ,this latter appendage is happily almost obsolete1 except with the most old-fashioned saddles1 and is entirely unnecessary1 as well as unsightly1 for it affords no additional safety to the rider1 and youthful learners are especially apt to lay hold upon it in any imaginary danger--an excessively bad practice to acquire4 ,as the term 8level seat0 applied to side saddles may not be generally understood1 ,i will give a few words of explanation3--,the ordinary side saddle1 being made with the arch of the tree raised to clear the withers1 is necessarily much higher in front than behind1 and as a consequence the knee is thrown up in a cramped and fatiguing position2 it is difficult thus to keep the figure erect1 an aching back ensues to the rider1 and frequently torture to the horse4 ,the level-seated saddle has the steel front-part cut quite away over the withers1 and replaced by a pad of soft leather1 giving that horizontal shape from front to rear so much desired1 yet so seldom found4 ,these saddles were introduced and perfected by ,messrs4 ,nicholls and ,co41 of #b1 ,jermyn ,street1 ,london1 who have carefully studied the comfort of both horse and rider1 and assisted by the experience and suggestions of that well-known authority1 ,mr4 ,wilson of ,albington ,manor1 late master of the ,vale of ,white ,horse ,hounds1 have produced really admirable side saddles4 ,trotting must be taught when the pupil has been perfected in the canter4 ,it is not an easy thing either to teach or learn1 but ,i shall come at the principles of it by-and-by4 ,trotting should be practised on soft1 springy ground1 never on a road1 and the horse on which the lessons are taken should be very light of action1 and of even paces4 ,otherwise1 the punishment to the learner will be great1 and the teacher's difficulties equally trying4 ,little girls learning to ride should be dressed in neat skirts1 just long enough to cover the feet2 loose-fitting jackets--7jerseys are excellent7--hair left flowing1 never fastened up2 and soft hats or caps1 well secured under the chin1 in such a manner as to prevent the possibility of their coming off4 ,whips should not on any account be allowed until some degree of proficiency has been attained1 and the proper use of them should then be strictly pointed out1 and as strictly adhered to4 ,with this matter ,i shall likewise hereafter deal1 as also with the question of spurs--articles which1 ,i may here observe1 should never1 under any pretext whatever1 be granted for children's use4 ,a child should be taught to mount her horse with ease when assisted1 as also the expediency of being able to do so without any help at all3 this latter by simply letting down the stirrup-leather--taking it up1 of course1 to the required length1 or rather shortness1 when seated securely on the saddle4 ,she should likewise practice dismounting without assistance4 ,no active child should ever think of requiring a helping hand4 ,to lift the right leg deftly over the up-crutch1 take the left foot from the stirrup1 gather the skirt well together with the right hand--making certain that no portion of it is in any way caught upon the pommels--and then to jump lightly down1 is the proper method of dismounting4 ,to be lifted--except for very young pupils--is extremely babyish4 ,how long a child should be permitted to ride at a stretch is a question very often asked me1 and one to which ,i find some difficulty in giving a satisfactory reply4 ,some children are strong1 and can both endure and enjoy an amount of exercise that would knock a delicate child completely up4 ,again1 some are passionately fond of the art1 while others care but little about it1 and 7as is well known7 the things that one likes are seldom liable to cause fatigue1 except when carried beyond the ordinary limits of moderation4 ,the counsel ,i would give is this3 ,watch carefully for any sign of lassitude1 or display of weariness on the part of the pupil1 and stop the riding as soon as such appears4 ,what ,i mean to convey is1 that if a child complains of feeling tired during her lesson1 she should at once be permitted to dismount2 or if after1 say1 an hour's ride on the road she is conscious of fatigue1 the time should on the next occasion be shortened to three-quarters1 or even to half1 and subsequently increased1 according as the pupil gains experience and strength4 ,nothing should be left undone to inspire confidence in the breast of a child-rider4 ,her mount should be the gentlest1 her teacher the kindest1 all her appliances 7saddle1 c47 new1 comfortable1 and reliable4 ,girths that are apt to break1 for instance1 give a child uncomfortable impressions1--and early ideas or opinions on any subject are certain to influence the entire of the later life4 ,be it remembered1 however1 that although everything should be done to make the youthful learner feel at ease1 while striving at the same time to impart proficiency1 no approach to self-conceit1 or desire to 8show off10 should be for an instant encouraged4 ,modesty of demeanour is quite as charming out of doors as within4 ,the child who pays attention to her seat1 her hands1 her horse--in short1 to what she is doing--will make a better and more reliable horsewoman 7even though she may be awkward at first7 than will she who looks about for admiration1 while neglecting the principles on which she has been taught4 ,it is like the plodding student and the flippant-tongued4 ,one will answer every question with tolerable smartness1 out of the shallow depths of a superficial knowledge1 while the other1 though missing1 may nevertheless be engaged in laying up a store of learning1 which will in after life stand her in good stead4 ,illustration3 8,,pleader0 ,,and ,,his ,,mistress4 page #ba4 ,now1 a word specially addressed to children1 and ,i shall close my chapter4 ,be uniformly kind to animals1 especially to the horses that carry you4 ,let humanity be a portion of your religion4 ,discipline1 properly exercised1 is just and right1 and is as far removed from cruelty as is light from darkness1 or bitter from sweet2 but1 hand in hand with it1 gentleness should ever go4 ,a hasty temper will induce cutting with the whip1 dragging with the bridle1 kicking or rasping with the heel1 and uttering rough words1 which1 although not thoroughly understood by the animal1 yet carry a tone with them which has a meaning for him of no pleasurable sort4 ,on the other hand1 a child of cold and dogged disposition will take its turn out of the willing slave at its command1 and think no more about it than if it were a mere machine4 ,this is pitiably wrong4 ,you1 as a child1 ought to teach your horses to love you4 ,you can do so1 and it is well worth the time employed in the pursuit4 ,i need not tell you how to do it3 instinct will teach you4 ,there are a thousand little ways and means1 all of which you can try4 ,for instance1 always pet your horse in his stall1 and when saddled for your use2 make much of him when you are on his back1 patting his neck1 and stroking him gently with your hand1 speaking soothingly to him all the while4 ,accustom him to the sound of your voice2 give him scraps of bread1 sugar1 apple1 or carrot when you dismount1 or while he waits for you at the door2 and when you do this1 allow him to take the morsel quietly off the palm of your hand1 not showing any fear2 he will not bite you1 if he is fit to be your pet4 ,you should never offer him a bit between your fingers1 or pull your hand away before he has taken the morsel up4 ,this will1 or at least may1 induce him to snap3 just as it would provoke a dog to do1 if tantalised4 ,you can feed him1 too1 if you like1 when seated on his back2 there is nothing more charming than sympathy between the human and the brute creation4 ,horse and rider should be on the best of terms1 and all will then go right4 ,in a former work of mine on equitation1 ,i made repeated mention of a hunter ,i once possessed1 called 8,pleader40 ,i gave him that name because his sire was 8,the ,lawyer10 a very famous horse4 8,pleader0 and his mistress were on the most affectionate terms--brother and sister we were1 that horse and ,i2 certainly no two ever loved one another better--and this despite the fact that ,i had given him many a good whipping1 for ,i trained him myself1 and he was a rare hard one to bring to his manners2 but he knew quite as well as ,i did that it was for his good1 and so he loved me none the less4 ,i rode him subsequently to hounds for three seasons1 without ever giving him so much as a warning touch4 ,when we fell together--and how often we did6--he waited for me to get up2 and when he was the first on his legs1 although trembling with excitement to scurry away with the rest1 he would stand patiently for me to remount him4 ,that horse's training was not thrown away4 ,he carried me in the first flight through two long and trying runs1 the very day previous to that on which ,i met the accident that deprived me of the power of ever riding him again1 and he is now carrying in similar splendid style a noble and popular master of hounds1 the ,earl of ,eglinton and ,winton1 gaining honourable mention in the ,field and other sporting papers4 ,i sold him to a good master and a good home1 and when he shall have finished his work 7if ,i am spared to see it7 he has been promised to me again1 that the last of his days may be spent in quiet happy idleness1 and that the hands that trained him may lay him to his rest4 ,i have spoken thus of 8,pleader10 not altogether because ,i love him so dearly1 as to encourage my young readers to make much of the animals that carry them1 and to establish a bond of mutual sympathy1 which is as beautiful as it is good4 ,the greatest horsewoman in the world1 ,her ,imperial ,majesty the ,empress of ,austria1 frequently feeds her horses with bread or biscuit while seated upon their backs4 ,she is one of the rare few who seem to grasp the meaning of that peculiar 8sympathy0 of which ,i have spoken1 and which is indeed so very difficult to understand4 8,there are mysteries deep that we cannot unravel1 ,and bonds of affinity ever unguess'd1 ,while the ,road to ,,research is a hard one to travel1 ,and many's the query1 and weary the quest4 ,there are circuits of ,,thought1 growing fainter and wider1 ,like circles in water when pebbles are thrown1 ,and the links that exist 'twixt the horse and his rider1 ,our shallow philosophy never has known40 ,illustration3 8,,the ,,pony ,,might ,,fall ,,as ,,well ,,as ,,the ,,boy40 ,,chapter ,,iii4 ,,first ,,hints ,,to ,a ,,learner4 ,having already pointed out my objections to children's riding1 and appended a chapter of instructions for the benefit of those whose prejudices in favour of it will not be overruled1 ,i shall in the present one assume that you1 my reader1 are not a child in years1 although you may be one in experience4 ,surmising1 then1 that ,i am addressing a young lady of sixteen1 or thereabouts--although the fact of your being much older will not in any way tell against you--the first point for consideration will be1 whether you are resident in town or country4 ,if the former1 or that you even come up for a temporary visit now and again1 the wisest counsel that ,i can give you will be to place yourself under the care of the very best riding-master within reach of you1 being careful to select one according to reliable recommendation1 for some are as incompetent as others are the reverse4 ,i shall not occupy space or provoke jealousies by naming any in particular1 but shall here take occasion to say1 that readers desirous of receiving private hints or information on any subject strictly connected with horses1 riding1 or stable-management1 can receive such by addressing their inquiries to me1 care of my publishers1 by whom all communications will be at once sent forward4 ,this plan ,i have found to work very well upon former occasions1 a few rules being of necessity laid down4 ,for example3 ask all questions as briefly as possible2 write clearly2 do not cross your letters2 and wait patiently for answers1 accepting the assurance that no unnecessary delay will be made4 ,having1 then1 advised you1 if a city belle1 to secure the services of a competent riding-master 7though it shall be my aim by-and-by to teach you how to ride very well without one71 ,i would follow up this counsel by saying1 when you do so1 leave yourself entirely in his hands1 and do precisely what he tells you4 ,this is not by any means an unnecessary admonition1 for at least one-half the awkward riders whose deficiencies pain our critical eyes in the ,row and elsewhere1 have learned in good schools1 but have been too wilful1 or too conceited1 to give up their own entirely erroneous ideas on certain subjects connected with equitation1 and1 as a consequence1 failure--not to say fiasco--has of course followed4 ,it is precisely the same with regard to every other art4 ,the pupil should submit her own opinions to those of her teacher4 ,if he is not competent to instruct her1 why go to him at all8 ,and1 on the other hand1 if he is1 why not follow his advice8 ,to illustrate my meaning3 ,i rode with a girl1 one day1 to a meet of hounds at ,courtown ,gate--starting from ,kilcock ,station1 to which point we had railed our horses from ,dublin1 and trotting the two miles1 or thereabouts1 at a brisk pace1 for we were a trifle behind time4 ,from the moment that we settled in our saddles1 until we saw the tails of the 8beauties0 in full wag at the entrance to ,capt4 ,davis's demesne1 that girl never for an instant removed her left hand from her thigh--7pardon plain speaking2 it was neither on her hip nor her knee that she placed it when we started71 the fingers pointing in the direction of the up-pommel1 causing1 of course1 the elbow to be shot out entirely from the side1 the joint turning outwards in singularly ugly fashion4 ,should any of my readers have a desire to picture to themselves this position1 with more clearness than words--or lack of them--have enabled me to depict it1 they have only to seat themselves for a moment upon a make-believe horse1 and adopt the pose which ,i have just described4 ,i wish they would do it2 it would be an excellent future warning4 ,as ,i had a tolerably close acquaintance with the young lady--who had1 ,i was aware1 been taught by a really first-rate master--,i ventured upon asking her whether the peculiarity on which she seemed to pride herself had met with his approval8 8,oh1 dear1 no60 she replied4 8,old ,prosey liked me to put both hands to the bridle1 or if only one1 the left2 but ,i like this style myself2 it's so chic60 ,i was not her teacher1 nor did she inquire my opinion1--in fact she would in all probability have dubbed me 8,old ,prosey0 also1 had ,i offered one2 so ,i wisely kept silent--and no doubt my companion believed that ,i was admiring her original attitude very much1 for she rather intensified it as we proceeded1 and took care to canter in advance of me1 whenever we came to a patch of grass by the roadside1 as though to give me full opportunity for feasting my eyes upon her figure4 ,ah me6 ,how often have ,i seen the same thing since that well-remembered day2 seen it--been sorry for it--and yet smiled to myself because of the vanity and the folly4 ,would that we all--each one of us--could 8see ourselves as others see us60 but1 unfortunately1 we never can4 ,to return1 however1 to the subject-matter in hand4 ,should it happen that you are chiefly resident in the country1 or that you enjoy the luxury of complete immunity from city life for even a portion of the year1 defer riding until that time of times comes round1 and then teach yourself1 by simply following a trustworthy code of instructions laid down by some reliable authority4 ,this may sound as though ,i had1 after all1 but little real faith in riding-masters4 ,it is certainly not so meant4 ,i would not for a passing moment cast the smallest slur upon a painstaking and often much-maligned body of men1 many of whom are capable of bringing a pupil forward in an almost marvellous manner1 by the excellence of their method1 and that ready observance of so-called 8trifles10 in other words1 a quick eye1 and rapid detection of anything that is amiss1 which are the riding-master's most valuable attributes4 ,nevertheless1 despite the good opinion in which ,i hold many instructors of the art1 ,i am a very strong believer in the efficacy of self-help1 and just as a novice at skating will1 in spite of many sore falls and painful bruises1 acquire skill if left to himself1 long in advance of his brother-learner who is trusting to somebody to bring him along 7being pretty certain to come down with a run whenever that 8somebody0 considers it expedient to let go71 so1 in like manner1 ,i shall be ready to back my pupil1 although ,i may never have seen her1 to hold her position across country1 in the park1 by lane1 street1 or roadway1 against the city demoiselle1 who in a fashionable school has been taught to ride upon a carpet of tan1 and who would be as much at sea in a crowded thoroughfare1 or endeavouring to cross an intricate hunting-country1 as an inexperienced vocalist would be if called upon to interpret the difficulties of ,wagner or ,bach4 ,let me here especially impress upon you that1 if you value your prospects as a future good rider1 you should not suffer anything to induce you to accept the services as instructor of ,john the coachman1 or ,james the groom4 ,it is lamentable to see the manner in which parents and guardians of the present day give up the teaching of their charges to this class of persons1 not one of whom has any more idea of how a lady ought to manage a horse1 than of instructing her in the etiquette of the dinner-table1 or the intricacies of the valse4 ,on the evils of the system1 ,i need not now enlarge2 they ought to be apparent to even the most obtuse2 suffice it to say1 that fathers and mothers who permit their daughters to be taught by studgrooms ought not to wonder when these personages impart another and different style of knowledge to the pupils whom they have been unwisely privileged to instruct4 ,to provide yourself with a suitable horse will be the first thing necessary4 ,it is a cruel injustice to a pupil for a master to expect her to learn upon any chance animal that may happen to come in her way4 ,never attempt such a thing4 ,respect your rights1 and exercise your privilege by selecting an appropriate mount4 ,if it is not within your power to do so at the time1 put off your practice until it is4 ,i cannot sufficiently urge upon you the importance of this advice4 ,it is the very direst mistake for a beginner to attempt to learn upon an indifferent animal4 ,bear in mind that first impressions are never forgotten1 that you will take all your future ideas of riding from the sensations which you derive from your elementary practice of the art1 and1 believe me1 if you make your opening venture upon the back of a happy-go-lucky beast1 one who is sometimes well-conducted1 but oftener not1 or who shies1 or goes upon his shoulders1 or indulges in cross-legged movements1 or throws up his head1 or bores 7which is a still more objectionable habit71 or if you are called upon to gain your first experience upon a rough trotter1 or a loose galloper1 who1 to use a stable term1 goes 8slummucking0 all over the place1 you will care but little for riding during the remainder of your life4 ,the discomforts which such things entail will dwell unpleasantly in your memory1 and in fact create an ineffaceable impression2 so much so1 that even if1 later on1 you happen to be suitably mounted1 a long time will have to elapse before those early impressions can be eradicated1 or induced to fade even partially away1 and a still longer one will go by before you can acquire that confidence which is one of the first and chiefest necessities of a good and easy rider4 ,while on this subject1 ,i may say that a timid horsewoman will never be a successful one4 ,she may just as well give up the pursuit at once1 for her rides will always be a punishment to her4 ,with some1 timidity is a natural weakness which cannot be got over1 but with the majority it is the result of early impressions--an uncomfortable1 unfading recollection of having learnt upon an unsuitable mount4 ,to illustrate what ,i say3 most children are fond of driving1 because they have never associated the pastime with other than pleasurable sensations4 ,neither risk nor discomfort is1 as a rule1 connected with the simple carriage exercise to which so many young persons are from babyhood accustomed2 but1 give a child his first experience of it by driving him in an open phaeton1 behind a shying1 kicking1 or backing horse--one that winds up a long list of vagaries by spilling the vehicle and its occupants into an unpleasant dyke1 and if that child does not carry his primary impressions through many a long course of after drives1 ,i am a less sapient observer of human nature than ,i am generally accredited with being4 ,a lady's horse1 to be suitable1 should be perfect in temper and training4 ,beauty may be dispensed with1 decided acquisition though it undoubtedly is1 but disposition and education may not4 ,they are absolute necessities which cannot be done without1 although a really skilled horsewoman may1 without undue risk1 ride any animal that is fit for a man to ride1 provided he be not fidgetty in mounting1 or a decidedly hard-mouthed puller3 two points with which ,i shall have to deal by-and-by4 ,illustration3 ,,an 8,,original0 ,,attitude4 ,,chapter ,,iv4 ,,selecting ,a ,,mount4 ,the purchase of a saddle horse requires a grave amount of consideration1 especially as ignorant persons are apt to think that 8anything will do for a beginner40 ,every second person to whom you make known your requirement will be ready to put you in the way of securing 8the nicest little horse in the world40 ,gentlemen friends from every quarter will have something cut and dried for you to invest in2 amateur dealers will persecute you2 professionals will harry your life out2 ,john1 the coachman1 will make himself odious by recommending some highly undesirable animal and stolidly determining to see no virtue in any other4 ,you won't know at first what his object can possibly be1 but by-and-by you will find out that he and the owner of the property have come to an agreement concerning a certain little 8tip0 to be made over to ,john1 in the event of his inducing you to become the possessor of the decided acquisition in horseflesh on which his own affections are set2 and then1 when you decline to be victimised1 ,john will assume a stony appearance1 and obstinately refuse to be interested in any other purchase4 ,you should be slow to select a horse1 with a view to buying him1 unless you can command the aid of a competent and disinterested judge4 ,do not take the onus upon yourself1 for ,i grieve to say there is not any species of trade in which there is so much dishonesty and such a terrible amount of deception4 ,if1 however1 you should happen to be thrown altogether upon your own resources1 act thus 7or get some one to do it for you73 ,go to the most respectable of the trade2 it is your best safeguard4 ,in former times1 men like ,scott and ,anderson were so far above suspicion that the veriest tyro was safe in their hands4 ,there are others of the present day of whom the same may be said4 ,find out one of them1 tell him to what price you can go1 and see the best that he can give you for it4 ,if he happens to have what pleases you in price and appearance1 get the animal examined by a reliable veterinary surgeon1 and ask for a trial4 ,buy nothing without it4 ,if refused1 rest assured that something is amiss4 ,dealers and grooms1 even the honestest of them1 have ways of their own for pulling horses together1 and making them step up and show themselves3 ay1 and for covering their defects1 too1 of which ladies1 as a rule1 know nothing at all4 ,therefore1 when you fix upon an animal1 get him ridden by a friend on whose judgment you can rely1--not in a hurried manner1 in the dealer's yard1 but for an hour or so upon the road--and also for a turn upon grass4 ,a correct opinion can then1 but not otherwise1 be formed concerning his paces1 and the amount of training and discipline to which he has been subjected4 ,a lady's horse should1 as ,i have said1 possess perfect manners4 ,if he romps with his head1 pulls heavily against the hand1 leans weightily upon the bit1 crosses his legs1 goes clumsily upon his shoulders1 or1 in short1 renders his rider in any way uncomfortable or unsafe1 he is as unsuitable for you as though he were addicted to some actual vice4 ,to be brief1 he is not fitted for his office4 ,if1 on the contrary1 he can be ridden upon grass with a common snaffle and a single rein--not pulling1 and going well up to his bridle--the making of his mouth has at least been properly attended to2 he is fit to be a lady's horse4 ,i do not consider that any animal is so who requires a curb2 but the subject of bitting is of too great importance to be merely touched upon here4 ,i shall give some practical advice about it in a future chapter4 ,in the event of your purchasing a horse from a friend1 adopt precisely the same rules as though buying him from a dealer1 unless the animal be one with whom you are perfectly well acquainted4 ,in such a case his price will be the only question2 but if there is nothing amiss with him1 and your friend is a person of honesty and good sense1 he will freely grant you both a trial and an opinion1 and will be rather pleased than otherwise that you should demand them1 as the responsibility of the sale will then be lifted from his shoulders4 ,in selecting a horse1 discard anything that is too large4 ,a lady who is not a welter-weight does not require a weight-carrier1 nor does she look well upon one either4 ,see that he has good fore-legs1 and has not any tendency to being what is termed 8over at the knees10 for if he has an inclination that way he will be very likely to come down1 and a sure-footed horse is positively essential to the comfort and safety of a lady rider4 ,bent knees denote a weakness of the muscles and tendons of the back of the leg1 and are therefore to be reckoned as fatal to a roadster1 although1 strange to say1 they are not thought nearly so objectionable in a racer1 his price being in some instances not very materially lessened by them4 ,this is owing to the fact that in the gallop they do not tell against an animal1 while in the trot they do1 very materially4 8,diamond10 who was1 some years ago1 the winner of many important races1 was so marred in appearance by this defect1 that when standing still he always looked ready to topple over upon his knees2 yet sportsmen know what a brilliant cross-country performer he was1 and what a price ,joe ,anderson--dear old man6 still living1 and hearty1 though deaf as any post--gave for him after his win at ,la ,marche4 ,i have not the objection that most persons have to a hollow-backed horse1 especially when designed to carry a lady's saddle4 ,it is infinitely preferable to anything approaching a roach-back1 and animals distinguished by it are1 strange to say1 generally possessed of a variety of excellent points--extreme good temper and docility being among the most prominent4 ,an unduly marked sinking of the spine is certainly not to be desired1 but an animal who has what grooms term 8a touch of a dip10 need not on any account be rejected for it4 ,a wise purchaser will always make a careful examination of the angles of the lips4 ,a decided hardness about them1 although an unfavourable symptom1 need not condemn the animal2 it may have been occasioned by abuse of the bit1 or by the use of an improper one4 ,a cicatrix on the mouth is a defect1 as showing that the true skin has been removed from its place1 and if a decided induration1 or anything like a lump can be felt in the vicinity of it1 evidence is afforded that the animal is a puller4 ,he ought not to be purchased for a lady's use4 ,illustration3 ,a ,,natural ,,and ,,an ,,upright ,,pastern4 ,a good foot is an indispensable adjunct4 ,i am not in favour of over long1 or excessively sloping pasterns1 although they are preferable to those that are either too much shortened1 or unduly upright4 ,where the latter defect exists1 it indicates1 in my opinion1 a thickening and rigidity of the flexor muscles1 and produces an unsafe method of planting the feet1 particularly in walking4 ,a light1 supple pliant pastern is a great beauty4 ,i have often watched a thoroughbred racer trotting over turf4 ,the fetlock actually tips the ground1 or seems to do so1 at every step1 and if elasticity and slenderness of this portion of a horse's anatomy were to be regarded as indications of weakness1 very few finely-bred animals would ever pass the post at all4 ,illustration3 ,,hoofs4 ,strong high hoofs1 with broad1 firm1 well-shaped heels1 are most desirable2 though ,i know that in saying this ,i am challenging a large array of contrary opinions4 ,i have heard many persons found their liking for low hoofs on the ground that an excess of horny substance checks expansion1 and pinches the internal substance4 ,this is1 with all due respect1 a fallacy4 ,the hoof cannot press upon or injure the internal portion of the foot1 any more than a well-developed skull can bruise or hamper the healthy brain which it has been created to protect4 ,i cannot believe in the excellence of short1 straight hoofs1 with narrow heels1 nor can ,i forego my opinion1 although once or twice ,i have had to fight for it1 that the best bred and safest horses have their feet standing close together1 with the toes pointing forwards1 in preference to a tendency to point either outwardly or in4 ,the leg should be straight and firm1 the knee-joint flat and broad1 the shin hard1 the forearm lengthy1 and the limbs large and well-developed where they emerge from1 or rather join1 the trunk4 ,the thorax should be wide2 a narrow one is invariably accompanied by low withers 7a great defect71 and by upright shoulders1 which is another4 ,as it is1 moreover1 sacred to the purposes of respiration and circulation1 its proper dimensions should be regarded as an all-important point4 ,a nice horse1 in colour1 for a lady to ride is a dark chestnut or bay4 ,browns and blacks are generally serviceable also1 but greys and roans are objectionable1 owing to the hairs coming off upon the habit4 ,about fifteen-two is a good height for a horse which is to carry a rider of average proportions4 ,he should have well-set sloping shoulders--oblique pasterns--clean1 shapely legs--firm feet--and long1 easy1 swinging action1 which is vastly better and more comfortable than that chin-knocking motion which lovers of what is showy run after and affect4 ,the lady's horse should carry his head handsomely1 being neither a star-gazer nor a borer1 and his back should be somewhat longer than might be thought altogether desirable in a horse intended for a man to ride1 in order to give ample room for the side-saddle4 ,he should have a moderately high forehand1 be firm and flexible in all his movements1 and be at least #bj lb4 above the weight he is meant to carry2 by which ,i mean that if you are1 say1 #h st41 or from that to #i st41 and that your saddle and appurtenances 7including your riding gear7 weigh #b st4 extra1 or a trifle over1 you should select for your use an animal well up to #ac st4 or thereabouts4 ,to overweight a horse is both cruel and unwise1 especially when a lady is the aggressor--which sounds strange1 as female equestrians generally ride with tolerably light hands1 and rarely stop out for any great length of time together1 except on particular occasions4 ,nevertheless1 their position on horseback1 sitting far back and in a side attitude1 entails a good deal of additional fatigue upon an animal2 nor has the lady's horse the advantage 7a great one7 which pertains to that of a man--namely1 being eased now and again by the rider standing in the stirrups when galloping1 or jumping off for a moment or two when opportunity offers4 ,illustration ,i have always thought it a pity that ladies do not select their saddle horses with a view to their being somewhat in keeping with their own style of appearance4 ,it would be an immense advantage if they did4 ,a slender1 willowy figure will always look best on a light-limbed animal--one of spirit and breeding1 full of quality1 and as nearly as possible thoroughbred--whereas a rider of more matronly build should select an animal of medium height1 with broad1 strong back1 powerful quarters1 big1 healthy hocks1 and stoutly-built forelegs4 ,she will look infinitely better on him1 and be more safely carried1 than if mounted upon a slender weed4 ,so much for appearance4 ,now a brief word about other matters4 ,do not buy a horse that is not a good walker1 however perfect he may seem to be in other respects4 ,i have always attached great importance to an animal's walking powers4 ,it is a pace more generally adopted than any other when out for a pleasure ride1 and if you really want to enjoy this last-named recreation1 have nothing to do with an indifferent walker1 though he be offered you for a song4 ,about four and a half miles an hour is a good walking pace--excellent1 indeed1 when leaving stable4 ,the horse that accomplishes it will generally walk at the rate of five miles an hour when coming home4 ,a good walker will neither stumble1 drop1 shuffle1 nor break4 ,everybody knows what the first and third mentioned of these defects signify4 8,dropping0 is a most uncomfortable fault3 a sort of inclination to duck downwards in front1 or indeed more generally with the hinder part of the body4 ,few young horses that are not overweighted are apt to do it1 and when they do1 it is a sign of weakness of the muscles2 they are unsafe to ride4 8,breaking0 is an inclination to get into a canter1 or trot1 and is one of the symptoms of defective training4 ,i like to see a horse walk steadily down hill1 with head well up1 and feet firmly planted4 ,it is an excellent test4 8,brushing0 is a dangerous drawback1 and so is 8cutting40 ,the first means striking one ankle against the other3 the second is hitting the shoe against the other leg--a practice which involves considerable wounding and bleeding4 ,fast trotters frequently do it--therefore1 if selecting one1 look out for its signs4 ,a horse that cuts or brushes with the fore-legs is thoroughly unfit for saddle use3 he may come down like a shot at any moment4 ,the training of a lady's horse should render him steady in every respect3 perfectly quiet to mount1 light mouthed1 and ready to obey the smallest touch of the rein1 without showing skittishness4 ,an animal that bounces about when his mouth is felt1 or whilst waiting to be mounted1 is anything but a treasure to possess4 ,he should not be a puller1 though ridden in any description of bridle--nor should his action when trotting be rough or jerky4 ,if this latter be not looked to1 his rider will constantly suffer from undue fatigue4 ,that a lady's horse should be sound and healthy is nothing short of a necessity--nor ought he to have any glaring defects1 or blemishes1 visible about his person--although a single one1 if it be trifling--the result1 say1 of a former wound1 blister1 or scar--need not cause him to be rejected2 in fact1 it often happens that some excellent animals can be had quite cheap at the end of a hard hunting season1 because they have got a little bit knocked about1 although in many cases it does not tell against them in the smallest degree4 ,very many persons--,irish at all events--will remember the beautiful 8,adonis0 who created so marked a sensation in the parade of prize-takers before the ,lord-,lieutenant at one of the last of the ,dublin ,horse ,shows1 that was held in the grounds of the ,royal ,dublin ,society in ,kildare ,street4 ,he had a conspicuous blemish on the right side of his chest1 the result of a car-shaft that had been driven through his body only five months previous to the show2 yet his patching up had been almost perfect1 and he commanded an excellent price1 though nothing at all to be compared with the sums ,i had been offered for him before the accident occurred4 ,this carries out what ,i have said respecting the chances of being sometimes able to secure a good animal1 even a prize-winner1 at a comparatively low figure1 owing to some outward blemish1 which1 although slightly disfiguring1 is not in any way prejudicial to the health1 action1 or general appearance of the intended purchase--or to his real value1 when considered from a 8useful purpose0 point of view4 ,illustration ,,chapter ,v4 ,,the ,,lady',s ,,dress ,,on ,,horseback4 ,i think ,i shall make this a chapter upon ,dress4 ,not that the subject ought1 perhaps1 rightfully to come in just here1 without first introducing some more details about the horse--but ,i know it to be a popular one with ladies1 and it will make a pleasing variety from drier matter1 which can be made to hold over very well until by-and-by4 ,in the days of ,gottfried and the fair ,maid of ,ghent1 ladies rode upon long-tailed palfreys1 attired in embroidered robes of velvet or brocade4 ,a century later we find them wearing cloth manufactured into riding gear1 but fashioned so extraordinarily as to set us marvelling how on earth they ever bore the weight1 or kept their skirt-tails even moderately clean4 ,so far down as the first half of the present century trailing habits were worn1 and about that period we find many allusions to the absurd custom1 which would seem to convey something like admiration of it4 ,for example1 ,charlotte ,bront1 describing the return of a riding-party in #8,jane ,eyre1' says1 8,her purple riding-habit almost swept the ground20 a very questionable grace1 in my opinion1 and a highly dangerous one4 ,even in the present day our risible faculties are sometimes excited by the sight of some countrified equestrian1 clad in the old-fashioned attire of our mothers' or grandmothers' epoch--skirt six feet long1 and quite four yards in width2 bodice with long basque1 neck completely open1 displaying a huge expanse of shirt1 finished off below the chin with a red bow1 or a blue one1 or a green1 as the case may be2 sleeves of enormous dimensions1 both wide and long1 and braiding enough to set up a regiment of ,hussars4 ,there was a girl in the park last season who wore a habit such as ,i have described1 with the addition of soiled white kid gloves1 and an extraordinarily tall hat1 with a very narrow straight leaf1 and evidently much too large to fit her head1 for it went bobbing over her eyes at every step of her ungainly steed4 ,thousands of laughing glances were directed towards her1 but she never minded1 and only seemed pleased2 possibly she thought they were signs of admiration--and her pleasant1 healthy face was aglow with delighted satisfaction4 ,what a pity1 ,i thought1 that she had not the benefit of that inestimable looking-glass1 a friend's eye4 ,somebody ought to have told her what an exhibition she was1 yet evidently nobody did2 so ready are we to ridicule others1 without offering help4 ,a learner's first costume may be as primitive as her knowledge of the art--yet certain particulars concerning it ought not to be overlooked1 and while considering them ,i shall adopt my former unceremonious mode of address1 and speak as friend to friend4 ,to begin1 then1 with your head4 ,leave your hair floating1 perfectly loose--untrammelled by so much as a ribbon4 ,the object of this is that you may not have any temptation to remove your hands from the position in which the master has placed them1 or anything to divert your mind from the subject with which it is engaged4 ,were you to take your riding lessons with hair plaited neatly up in a coil1 you would probably become conscious1 after a round or two of jolting1 that a tail was sticking uncomfortably out at one side1 while a cold hair-pin would perhaps make you shudder by sliding down your back4 ,then1 if your hand was not immediately lifted to rectify it1 the tail would rapidly increase in length and volume1 and a perfect rain of hair-pins would begin to descend upon your shoulders4 ,this is precisely what a riding-master dreads and detests--for fingers and attention are alike employed to rectify the damage1 which cannot be done in a hurry1 but takes a long time1--and so discomfort reigns paramount until the lesson is over4 ,always1 while a learner1 ride with your hair unbound1 and wear a soft hat or cap upon your head1 fastened securely with an elastic beneath the chin4 ,this latter does not look pretty1 but that need not matter very much2 there will not be many to see it1 and even were it otherwise1 the sensible among them would applaud your foresight1 and commend you for providing against the discomforts attendant on a hat that would go rolling off with every motion of the horse you were riding4 ,your jacket should be more than easy-fitting3 it should be loose--allowing the figure full play1 and giving special liberty to the arms1 which should never be hampered in any way4 ,the shape of it need not trouble you2 beauty and fashion can be dispensed with till by-and-by4 ,your skirt should be wide and short2 the make of it will not matter2--as in the case of the jacket1 let 8cut0 give place to comfort4 ,do not wear a hard stiff collar1 or anything that would irritate or distract your mind4 ,never wear petticoats on horseback1 even from the first4 ,to do so is a grave mistake4 ,i advocate the purchase of proper riding trousers1 to be worn from the very beginning1 and they1 of course1 obviate the necessity for any such garment4 ,i have heard persons speak in favour of flannel combinations1 made to fit quite loose1 and must confess that1 having never tried them1 ,i am not in a position to condemn1 but my prejudices are certainly not in favour of them4 ,if not fitted with elastic below the knees1 they would most assuredly ruck up and make their wearer miserable2 and if so supplied1 the legs of them would turn round and round until the backs were almost twisted to the front1 a state of things terribly uncomfortable1 and one that could not be remedied without getting off4 ,if1 however1 there is a decided predilection in favour of these extremely undesirable garments1 the twisting process may in great measure be obviated by attaching a piece of good firm elastic1 long enough to pass under the sole of the foot1 to each side of the leg of the combinations4 ,this answers the purpose of a man's trouser strap1 but must1 if adopted by a lady1 be worn under the boot4 ,it is1 ,i must say1 surprising to me that the combination1 or knickerbocker garment1 should ever have received the notice of juvenile riders1 inasmuch as it leaves the leg1 from the knee down1 entirely uncovered1 save by the stocking1 except when long boots are worn2 and we all know that the limbs of a learner are far more tender and liable to abrasion than are those which have become saddle-hardened and inured to rubs4 ,boots should be well-fitting1 broad-soled1 and made without buttons1 bows1 or anything that could possibly catch in the stirrup1 or require disentanglement when about to dismount4 ,high heels should never be worn4 ,gloves are of little consequence1 provided that they are soft and large4 ,of the two ,i like to see beginners ride without them1 except when the weather is cold4 ,a good strong woollen or cloth pair will then be found preferable to any kind of leather4 ,a whip you will not require1 therefore ,i need not speak of it2 neither will you have any need of a spur4 99 99 99 99 99 ,having thus disposed of your requirements as a learner1 we come to consider your more advanced costume1 and ,i shall find need to speak of every requisite for park1 road1 and country riding--reserving the hunting outfit for the last4 ,if you are a moderate rider1 three hats will be sufficient for you2 a silk one1 which ,i prefer low-crowned2 a jerry1 or melon-shaped2 and a soft felt4 ,these should be all of the finest quality2 in fact1 ,i may here take occasion to warn you against cheap or indifferent articles of riding apparel2 they are1 in all instances1 by far the dearest in the end4 ,for my own part ,i really look with horror upon low-priced articles of clothing--not from any snobbishness1 far from it1 but because ,i have always found them wear so badly1 look so unsightly after short service1 and adapt themselves so indifferently to the wearer1 that a perfect abhorrence of all so-called 8bargains0 has been the not unnatural result4 ,you should have at least two riding-habits--one of heavy1 the other of light material4 ,wolmershausen and ,co41 of ,curzon-street1 ,mayfair1 are constantly showing a variety of beautiful stuffs1 suitable for all places1 in town and country1 and for all weathers likewise4 ,they are the introducers of the famous 8,curzon ,red10 in reality a dark claret-colour of most charming hue1 fine texture1 and durable quality1 being perfectly impervious to the effects of rain or sun4 ,i am frequently asked for advice respecting the newest fashion in the cut of riding habits--the form or shape of the bodice1 and so forth4 ,the very best ,i can give is to go to a good maker1 and leave the matter entirely in his hands1 not hindering him by the setting forth of any ideas of your own4 ,if he be a master tailor he will know his business1 and will not relish interference4 ,should you1 however1 be called upon to give directions to a provincial or country workman of doubtful capacity1 send for a good pattern of a skirt1 and then get your tailor to cut it out in coarse1 rough calico1 and to tack it lightly together4 ,finally1 let him adjust it to your shape when on horseback1 making quite certain that the fit of it shall be perfect before attempting to cut it out in cloth4 ,by this simple process you and he will be spared much disappointment1 and you will be saved unnecessary expense4 ,a well-cut habit-skirt should fit without wrinkle or fold2 it should be barely long enough to cover the left foot2 there should not be a particle of superfluous cloth about it2 the end of the hem should form a line as nearly as possible horizontal2 and the circumference inside the hem should certainly not exceed two and a-half yards1 even for the most matronly rider4 ,i adhere to the belief that no habit-skirt can be properly adjusted unless the maker of it can have the advantage of adapting it to the figure of the intended wearer while she sits on horseback4 ,all fashionable tailors have model or block horses1 on which they mount their customers1 and by no other plan can a perfect fit be secured4 ,it must be borne in mind that the better shaped a habit-skirt is for riding the more unsightly it looks when seen on a standing figure1 or when held in the hand2 in fact1 it is then a seemingly hideous and 8all wrong0 thing1 full of irregularities1 and apparently without form and void--whereas1 when viewed in the saddle1 it adapts itself to the figure of the wearer1 and falls into perfectly correct and shapely lines4 ,all modern habit-bodices are made entirely without perceptible basque1 having merely the coat-tail at the back4 ,some are made to open at the throat1 and these look smart with a white or pale buff scarf tie4 ,others1 again1 are slightly opened at the waist1 or very much so at the breast1 displaying fancy waistcoats of various kinds and patterns1 some of them quite startling in colour and design4 ,the fashion is1 in my opinion1 not one to follow4 ,the nicest shaped bodice for a lady is one made closely buttoned up1 almost to the throat1 showing merely a small linen collar above the braid or neck-band1 with the addition of a neat tie of no conspicuous colour4 ,the bodice itself should be entirely free from ornament of any sort whatever4 ,i think it a good plan1 although some tailors reject it1 to have two large strong hooks attached to the back of the bodice1 with eyes of corresponding size affixed in proper position to the band of the skirt4 ,when these are fastened there can be no danger of getting 8out of gear40 ,bodices which open much at the throat are very apt to give colds and coughs to the wearers of them4 ,there is an old saying that pride feels no pain1 and certainly ladies who fancy their own appearance in this particular style of garment are unfortunately only too apt to forget1 or overlook1 its tendency to admit the chill blasts and treacherous breezes which frequently make havoc with the most delicate portion of the frame4 ,nobody could condemn the practice of muffling up the throat more heartily than ,i do myself1 but to leave the chest exposed to harsh wintry winds--as ,i frequently see done--with only a trifle of silk or muslin to serve as a protector1 seems to me to be positively suicidal4 ,i therefore recommend that when open bodices are worn in chilly weather1 a fold of chamois1 or warm soft flannel1 should be placed across the chest4 ,a habit-bodice should fit closely1 without crease or wrinkle1 but ought not to be by any means tight2 if it be so1 all comfort in riding will be destroyed4 ,i am confidently of opinion that half the ladies who canter their horses in the park and never attempt to trot them1 only adopt the fashion because they themselves are too tightly laced to effect the rise in the saddle4 ,this system of compression is a great mistake4 ,if ladies could only be induced to believe it1 it certainly adds nothing to their charms1 for ,nature will not allow herself to be put out of sight1 and the figure that is crushed in at the centre by unduly tightened corsets must bulge out above or below them--sometimes both--in a manner that is by no means pleasant to contemplate4 ,putting aside1 therefore1 all questions connected with hygienic principles1 the fashion of squeezing the waist is not one to be recommended4 ,i believe that a great many ladies who are not by any means naturally stout or clumsy1 are made to appear so by wearing cheap and ill-fitting corsets2 while1 on the other hand1 figures that are inclined to embonpoint can1 with the assistance of a judicious and capable stay-maker1 be invested with an appearance of grace and slimness that is not by nature their own4 ,to expect a habit-cutter to fit a bodice over a seven-and-sixpenny corset1 with two long bones1 bald and unsoftened1 sticking up at the top of the back1 hip-pieces too wide1 and front steels long and obtrusive1 is as great a piece of injustice as to expect an artist to paint a picture with broken brushes1 or a cook to furnish a banquet without the proper materials4 ,i cannot refrain from dwelling a little upon this subject1 because it seems to me that ladies are very often--without meaning it1 perhaps--a trifle unjust1 not to say tyrannical1 blaming their tailors1 and even speaking against them in influential quarters1 for faults in fitting1 which are in reality entirely attributable to their own obstinacy 7combined1 perhaps1 with a little bit of parsimony71 in neglecting the advice given them3 namely1 to purchase well-made corsets from an artist in that particular branch of industry4 ,to lay a good foundation is at all times1 howsoever applied1 an excellent rule1 and the corset is the foundation on which the habit-bodice must1 as it were1 be built4 ,your figure may be ever so charming in all its outlines and details1 but if that which helps to mould it is in reality only calculated to disfigure1 the effect cannot be otherwise than unsatisfactory and bad4 ,habit-sleeves ought not to be too long4 ,to end within two inches of the hand is the correct thing1 the space to be filled up by a spotless linen cuff4 ,ample room should be given at the elbows1 and at the setting-in of the sleeves1--otherwise there will be discomfort1 and a continual tendency to run up4 ,the system of shotting habits at the hem has happily entirely gone out4 ,according to the present rule of skirt cutting1 it certainly is not required1 but for fair equestrians who are unduly nervous about exposing even the smallest portion of understanding1 a good plan is to have a band of broad elastic affixed to the inside of the skirt1 in such a position as to enable the toe of the right foot to be thrust through it1 while a similar band does duty for the left4 ,these appliances cannot be properly arranged by even the most skilful tailor1 unless the wearer of the habit is ready to seat herself on horseback1 or on a block horse1 for his benefit and assistance4 ,the necessity for this is obvious1 as the precise position of the bands1 or loops1 must be regulated by the rider's length of limb1 otherwise they may be altogether wrongly placed1 and1 when used1 have only the unsatisfactory effect of dragging the skirt completely out of form4 ,some authorities have censured me for advocating this plan at any cost1 declaring it to be highly dangerous in case of a fall4 ,i should like to know how it is so1 seeing that it does not involve the possibility of dragging1 or place a lady in any sort of peril4 ,the theory is about as sensible as others of the kind1 which ignorant persons--or men who attempt to write for ladies--not unfrequently lay down4 ,for riders who are1 nevertheless1 apprehensive of danger from this source1 reassurance may be found by using ,nicoll's patent safety-band for the right foot opening with a spring--so that1 in the event of a fall1 the rider is not kept in a cramped position upon the ground1 but can at once make an effort to regain her feet1 without trouble to herself or damage to her garments4 ,ladies who ride much in the country1 especially in summer weather1 will derive comfort from the possession of a gingham habit1 or one of very lightest dust-coloured summer cloth4 ,i have had one of the latter myself1 and it wore splendidly--bearing a couple of washings into the bargain when disfigured by dust on which a shower of rain had fallen4 ,i would have it borne in mind1 however1 that cheap though the material may be1 it must be tailor-made1 otherwise it will not be fit to wear4 ,,chapter ,,vi4 ,,the ,,lady',s ,,dress ,,on ,,horseback 7continued74 ,no amateur manufacture can possibly look well on horseback4 ,the effect is like that which is produced when men play cricket or tennis in home-made flannels1 or go to fancy balls1 or private theatricals in costumes manufactured by their wives4 ,please do not imagine that nobody ever does such things4 ,to think so would be indeed a fallacy--but the effect is not a bit more ludicrous than that of amateur tailoring1 especially when a back view of the latter is obtained4 ,illustration3 ,,amateur ,,manufacture4 ,riding trousers come next for mention4 ,many ladies prefer them to breeches1 and when worn1 they should be made of chamois1 with cloth to match the habit extending from the foot to about midway between the knee and the hip4 ,chamois1 if of good quality1 is soft1 elastic1 serviceable1 and most pleasant for wear1 and side buttons are preferable to an opening in front4 ,small1 firm1 well-adjusted straps should be affixed to the ends of the legs1 to prevent the possibility of rucking up--an indescribably uncomfortable sensation4 ,these straps may be made of leather1 though many prefer elastic4 ,i do not think it matters much which of the two is used for ordinary riding1 but if the latter1 it should be quite an inch in breadth1 and should have a slit worked in it1 button-hole fashion1 at each end 7leaving a good piece of the stuff beyond the slit71 and by this means be made to fasten to two buttons1 stitched very firmly1 one on either side of the hem of the leg--on the inside1 of course4 ,by adopting this arrangement the straps can be readily changed--a great advantage1 for elastic soon gets worn out2 and if you are a wise and methodical manager you will have a second pair of straps always ready at hand1 to provide for unexpected contingencies4 ,no lady who rides much can possibly do without at least two pairs of riding-trousers3 a pair for each habit being in fact the correct thing4 ,i think it will be a boon for ladies to know that ,messrs4 ,tautz have introduced an acceptable novelty in ladies' riding and hunting breeches1 a really beautiful and durable article made of deer-skin--soft as velvet1 and elastic as a glove4 ,perfection in fit is secured through the medium of a lady 8fitter10 who is specially relegated to the department1 and it is a point in favour of these breeches that they can be worn quite as readily and comfortably with leggings or gaiters as with the more sporting 8tops40 ,the reference to these latter re-introduces the subject of boots3 one on which ,i have already lightly touched4 ,never wear them tight--adopt the very plainest fashion--and let the soles be moderately thick4 ,if you prefer ,wellingtons--which many do--have your trousers cut away at the instep and buttoned close at the ankle1 with a small strap to pass under the foot when in its stocking2 or have the boots drawn over the trousers1 la militaire1 so that you can get into both at the same time4 ,captain ,horace ,hayes pointed out to me the utility of this plan1 and ,i have found it answer excellently for myself--but it is not every lady who can be brought to see the wisdom of wearing boots large enough to admit of it4 ,if a spur be required1 select a ,sewarrow2 but ,i am against the indiscriminate use of such an appliance1 and always maintain that if a lady is riding a properly broken horse she can have no possible need of a spur for ordinary road or park riding4 ,when hunting1 it is1 in my opinion1 an absolutely necessary adjunct1 as also when training young or vicious horses--but such employment is altogether distinct from quiet1 everyday exercise1 and requires1 in fact1 an entirely different equipment1 of which the spur forms only a part4 ,stockings for riding should always1 even in summer1 be of a heavier and warmer description than those worn when walking1 or in the house4 ,i would have you remember1 also1 that to garter them will have a tendency to make your feet cold--a thing by no means pleasant or desirable1--therefore use suspenders to keep them up4 ,corsets have already been discussed4 ,never1 if at all inclined to stoutness1 use what is called a riding-belt1 or stay2 in other words1 an abbreviated and thoroughly unsatisfying contrivance1 neither high enough nor sufficiently strong to serve as a support for the figure4 ,it is only excessively slight and naturally erect women who can at all indulge in the wearing of such flimsy articles4 ,web drawers of very light texture1 such as are worn by men1 will be found agreeable for wear1 and being so close-fitting ,i have never found them move1 or cause any discomfort4 ,chemises should be made barely long enough to meet the saddle1 or if worn a shade longer they should be fashioned in the form of trunks1 extending about midway down the thighs4 ,nothing that can possibly ruck up should ever be worn4 ,i like to see chemises made in the form of a man's shirt1 so far as neck1 breast1 and sleeves are concerned--but collars and cuffs should be movable1 and all appliances complete for rendering an immediate change of these articles a matter of no difficulty whatever4 ,ladies who do not adopt the shirt-like form of chemise frequently complain of the difficulty of keeping their cuffs in right position4 ,the best way to do this is to attach a little loop of single-cord round elastic to the inside of the habit-sleeve1 and place a small firm button on the back of the cuff1 around which the elastic can be fastened with perfectly satisfactory results4 ,pins should never be employed for any purpose1 except about the head4 ,this sounds strange1 but ,i shall come to it by-and-by4 ,ribbons ought not to be used as ties1 especially gaudy ones--nor ought anything coloured 7including veils and flowers7 ever be worn by a lady rider who desires to lay claim to the possession of even ordinary good taste4 ,in this ,i am strongly opposed to the opinions of 8,vielle ,moustache0 and other well-known authorities2 but every man1 and of course every woman1 has a full and just right to his and her own views upon all such matters1 and when we put them in print for the benefit of others1 it is with the object of directing and advising by the reasonableness of them1 rather than of coercing by their weight or power4 ,gloves should be of doeskin--or strong1 fine quality leather4 ,they should be double-stitched in every part1 have at least two buttons1 and be amply large1 in order to allow full play for the fingers and the muscles of the hand1 as likewise to admit of circulation going freely forward--for extremities soon become chilled if cramped up in coverings in which they cannot be easily and freely moved about4 ,i do not like white gloves1 or yet black2 a nice dark shade of tan looks well--and some black stitching on the backs is a decided improvement4 ,no ornaments ought to be worn when riding4 ,a small stud should fasten the collar3 never a brooch2 ear-rings and bangles should be left at home2 a watch-chain should not be seen crossing the breast of a habit-bodice1 nor should a handkerchief ever be worn protruding from the front of the bosom4 ,this latter custom is simply an abomination1 which no rider of good taste would ever dream of adopting4 ,some1 ,i know1 regard it as chic3 a principle that makes them also keep their elbows out from their sides--but with the vagaries of such persons ,i have happily little to do1 and certainly have very little sympathy4 ,veils should be of black net1 cut just deep enough to cover the tip of the nose1 without reaching below the nostrils1 and they ought to be sufficiently long to twist into the form of a knot at the back of the hat1 where they should be secured with two short steel pins4 ,those which have round shiny black heads are the best1 being easily seized upon1 even by gloved fingers1 when the hand is put back for the purpose of removing them4 ,you will observe that ,i have said the veil should be twisted1 not actually knotted1 at the back of the leaf of the hat--for when it is the latter1 there is always difficulty in undoing it1 and frequently the hat itself has to come off before the veil can be successfully got rid of4 ,dust-veils1 of grey or black gauze1 are extremely useful in the country1 but ought not to be worn in town--nor should any description of white veil ever be seen on a lady's riding-hat1 even though she be exercising in the wilds of ,connemara1 or in a district as lonely as the deserts of the ,east4 ,whips are of many sorts and patterns4 ,select the plainest among those of good description1 and on no account carry one that has a tassel appended4 ,never use a hunting-crop except when going out with hounds1 and do not despise a neat little switch if riding in the heart of the country4 ,i think ,i have but one more point to notice before concluding this portion of my subject4 ,be certain that your hair is always most securely put up before setting out to ride2 unless1 indeed1 you are a juvenile1 and wear it loose4 ,make sure also that your hat is so well fastened that it cannot1 by any possibility1 come off1 either by the influence of a high wind1 or the sudden action of your horse4 ,a good deal must1 of course1 depend upon the manner in which you arrange your coiffure4 ,if your locks are abundant--sufficient to make into a stout coil at the back of your head--an elastic loop to pass under it will be found an advantage4 ,should your hair1 however1 happen to be light-coloured1 this will look badly1 and ,i therefore recommend a plan which ,i have myself found very effectual4 ,procure two steel pins such as ,i have recommended for veil-fasteners--only much longer2 pass them through the leaf of the hat1 about three inches apart2 then weave them securely in and out1 in a transverse direction1 through the roll or plait of your hair1 keeping the points of them turned well outward4 ,no danger can possibly accrue from this system of pinning1 if properly performed1 even though you may be unfortunate enough to fall upon your head any number of times in the day4 ,for girls who wear their hair flowing free1 ,i cannot recommend any really perfectly safe method of securing a hat1 except by an elastic passed beneath the chin4 ,it is not a pretty way1 certainly1 but juveniles need not care much about that4 ,you will find a warm winter jacket a great comfort in chilly weather4 ,it ought to be tailor-made1 and lined with satin1 to ensure its being easily slipped on and off over the habit bodice4 ,a little braiding will be a great set-off to this1 and a trimming of any good dark fur will also enhance its appearance4 ,i like astracan myself4 ,the ,empress of ,austria1 when hunting in ,cheshire in #ahha1 wore a lovely over-jacket of dark blue cloth1 trimmed with a deep bordering of astracan1 with collar and cuffs of the same becoming fur4 ,large frog buttons1 with double loops of twisted braid1 extended down the front4 ,the corners were rounded1 and the shoulders ever so slightly raised at the setting in4 ,when she took it off one day at luncheon time1 ,i saw that it was lined with very glossy purple satin1 through which ran a tiny yellow stripe4 ,nothing could have been prettier or more becoming4 ,a rain-proof cape1 or jacket1 will be likewise essential4 ,if you get the former1 attach an elastic the circumference of your waist to the inside of it at the extreme back--hem the ends of this1 and stitch a hook on one and an eye on the other1 to enable them to fasten in front4 ,this will prevent the wind from getting underneath the cape1 and you can ride quite comfortably1 even in squally weather1 by bringing the ends of the elastic over the fronts of the cape before securing them around your waist4 ,if you ride much in winter time1 when wet days are of frequent occurrence1 you will find a couple of pairs of celluloid cuffs1 with collars to match1 extremely useful4 ,they are universally known1 and are now very cheap4 ,all india-rubber houses keep them1 and they can be had1 ,i believe1 in every size4 ,being impervious to wet1 they are an improvement upon even the best starched linen 7which they strongly resemble in appearance71 seeing that the latter gets limp and wretched-looking after even a trifling shower4 ,i think ,i have now entered into all particulars respecting your ordinary riding gear4 ,that for hunting will occupy a chapter later on4 ,bear in mind that the more plainly you are dressed1 the quieter your appearance1 and the less obtrusive your style1 the more ladylike you will appear1 and consequently the more to be commended and admired4 ,it is only horsebreakers and women of inferior social standing who seek to attract attention by conspicuous action and costume4 ,a lady shows best that she is one by neither doing nor wearing anything that is in the smallest degree calculated to provoke remark4 ,i have really often thought that the reason why many ladies look so much better in their riding-habits than in ordinary walking attire1 is that there is so much less opportunity1 when so dressed1 for wearing what is unbecoming1 or for conforming to silly fashions which only serve to distort and destroy all the beauties of the human form divine4 ,on horseback we are spared the unsightlinesses of dress improvers1 high heels1 and high shoulders6 ,the natural outline of the figure is revealed to us1 and with it we can find but little fault4 8,god made man in ,his own image10 said a country preacher to whom ,i listened a short time since1 8but woman makes an image of herself60 ,,chapter ,,vii4 ,,bitting4 ,having now provided yourself with a suitable mount for road and park purposes1 and likewise a supply of riding apparel sufficient to answer all purposes until you come to hunt1 it will be necessary for you to turn your attention to the interesting subjects of bitting1 saddling1 and general turning out4 ,these things ought of necessity to precede the actual riding--for you certainly cannot mount your steed until he has been saddled and bridled1 and to know how to accomplish this yourself is in the highest degree important4 ,in the present day1 when equestrianism is not only a popular amusement but amounts almost to a craze1 it is astonishing to find the amount of ignorance that prevails among riders upon subjects with which they ought to be at least tolerably well acquainted1 before laying claim to the terms 8horsemen0 and 8horsewomen40 ,in no department that ,i can think of1 or name1 is this lamentable want of knowledge so clearly displayed as in the important one of bitting4 ,that ladies are not1 as a rule1 very conversant with the subject is scarcely to be wondered at1 for most lady-riders give no thought to anything on earth save the pleasure of the motion1 and the fit of their habits and gloves4 ,they have undergone a certain description of superficial training1 which just enables them to know how to sit1 and how to hold the reins between their fingers1 but the real pleasure of being thoroughly en rapport with their mount--knowing what bit he will go best in1 and feeling conscious that he is not enduring torture from being wrongly bridled or saddled--are things altogether denied them4 ,it is precisely the same principle on which ladies execute showy pieces on the piano1 without at the same time having the smallest knowledge of the theory of music1 or any idea of why it is that pressure upon the pedals is capable of altering the sound4 ,it is a sorry fact1 but a certain one1 that nine-tenths of the ladies who ride in the ,row--pulling equally1 as they often do1 upon both reins--would stare at you in helpless amazement1 or blush 8celestial rosy red10 if asked to describe the difference in action between the curb bit and the snaffle4 ,they do not know4 ,nobody has ever told them1 because it has never occurred to them to ask4 ,they are simply aware that there are two leathers1 attached by some unknown means to the horse's head1 and that they are supposed to hold these nicely between their fingers1 and look as charming as they can2 but what the leathers are for1 or why there are two of them1 or yet1 why some other ladies of their acquaintance ride with a single rein while they have been given a double one1 are things of which they have not the very faintest notion4 ,lip-straps1 cheek-pieces1 throat-lashes1 ports1 cannons1 c41 terms with which even moderately skilled horsewomen are familiar--have never been so much as heard of1 or even inquired about4 ,the existence of this species of ignorance among lady-riders is not hearsay4 ,i speak from practical knowledge1 having proved it upon many different occasions4 8,pooh1 nonsense2 what do ,i care about your old leathers60 laughed a merry-hearted ,cork girl to whom ,i was once striving to explain some necessary matters2 8,i just hold on1 and let the beast carry me--and what more on earth do ,i want80 ,and away she went1 helter-skelter1 after the hounds1 as she spoke--holding on1 true enough1 to both reins1 with a good firm grip2 and the beast did carry her1 to some purpose too1 up to a big drain--and finding his mouth unfairly dealt with in the taking-off1 landed her deftly into it1 and ungallantly galloped away4 ,with men--those who ride1 ,i mean--ignorance concerning bitting ought never to exist1 yet ,i have been fairly astounded at finding out how very little many of them know about the matter4 ,an officer1 who was considered a good man to hounds1 and who owned a couple of racers to boot1 looked actually quite puzzled when it was observed to him one day that he was riding his hunter in a very severe bit 7a saw-mouth bridoon1 attached to a snaffle71 and said1 8,by ,george1 ,i don't know4 ,i suppose my confounded servant put some queer thing or another on him1 for the beggar won't go a yard60 ,he had actually mounted his horse and set out for a day's hunting without so much as casting a glance at the animal's head4 ,nor was his by any means an isolated case4 ,now a practical word or two about some of the bridles most generally in use--beginning with the common1 smooth-jointed snaffle1 which has ever been my favourite bit4 ,this1 when sufficiently wide and large1 forms an absolutely perfect bridle1 and its action is extremely simple1 restraining the horse by pressure on the bars of the mouth when his head is carried more or less perpendicularly1 and on the corners when the head is lifted or lowered4 ,owing to the centre of the mouthpiece being jointed1 there is very little pressure on the tongue1 which is one of the many points in favour of this admirable bridle4 ,illustration3 ,,common ,,snaffle4 ,the common snaffle must not in any wise be confounded with the ringed-snaffle which has a noseband attached to the inner rings1 kept in place by pieces of leather stitched round them and brought under the ends of the cheeks4 ,it may be made to act severely by drawing one pair of reins tight and sharp1 thus causing all the pressure to concentrate upon the horse's nose--and is then called a ,newmarket snaffle4 ,i append sketches of a common jointed snaffle1 the easiest and nicest bit that a thoroughly-trained horse can possibly go in1 and also a double-ringed one1 such as ,i have just described4 ,the latter is frequently used by men when breaking young horses in ,irish hunting-fields1 and is very useful when servants have to be entrusted with the handling of animals1 for1 severe though it may be made1 it cannot spoil a horse's mouth so easily as can any description of curb4 ,illustration3 ,,ringed ,,snaffle4 ,there is not among the whole range of bits any so mild or suitable to a learner as the common snaffle4 ,captain ,horace ,hayes1 writing to me on the subject1 says3 8,the more imperfect the rider1 the greater the necessity for using a snaffle bridle2 but this10 he adds1 8goes without saying4 ,persons are at times found to express such mad ideas about horses and bitting that to reply to them is only to encourage their folly40 ,a big smooth bridoon 7with or without horns71 and a solid ,portmouth bit and curb1 will be found a capital hunting bridle4 ,it has always been a favourite with me for horses that do not want to get their tongues over the bit1 and where this objectionable habit does not exist1 the common-jointed snaffle or ,pelham will be found very nice also4 ,in using it1 however1 you must see that the headstall is long enough for the pressure to lie on the bars of the horse's mouth4 ,this should always be looked to by the rider4 ,if it has a tendency to crumple the lips at the corners1 it is wrong1 and partakes of the nature of a gag4 ,illustration3 ,,jointed ,,pelham4 ,the ,pelham bridle finds many advocates3 ,major ,whyte ,melville liked it1 for instance1--and for showing off paces 7if this alone be desired71 ,i approve of the ,hanoverian ,pelham1 but not particularly for anything else4 ,the ,newmarket snaffle is a capital bit for pullers1 and the ,american snaffle with india-rubber mouthpiece is a pleasant bridle1 largely used in the ,states for trotting purposes4 ,the ,segundo1 formerly a great favourite1 is a very powerful controller--while the ,melton mouth-bit is deservedly a prime favourite with many riders4 ,the ,liverpool is greatly used for harness1 and seems to have quite superseded the old ,buxton1 the bottom bar of which made it uncomfortably liable to catch on the pole-end or shaft4 ,illustration3 ,,segundo4 ,illustration3 ,,melton ,,bit ,,and ,,bridoon4 ,i dislike seeing a gag employed1 and consider it altogether unnecessary1 except for a buck-jumper1 or an animal who determinately 8bores0 his head in a downward position2 nor am ,i at all in favour of the twisted snaffle1 which is a very severe bit1 and does not answer any purpose1 so far as ,i have ever been able to make out1 that the chain-snaffle cannot be made to fulfil2 for if severity be required1 it can be obtained by twisting the chain before putting it into the horse's mouth4 ,i hate to see it1 however1 and never would permit its use in my own stables1 except in the case of some animal that was known to be of an unusually fractious1 or1 ,i might say1 evil temper4 ,severity in bitting is1 in my opinion1 very rarely necessary2 and taking into account the cruelty of it1 ,i dislike it excessively1 and always cry it down4 ,illustration3 ,,liverpool4--,,for ,,harness ,,only4 ,illustration3 ,,cambridge ,,bit4 ,i saw a man in ,cheshire1 when the ,empress of ,austria was hunting there1 riding in a terrible bridle4 ,he had a strong1 wiry rope-bit attached to the horns of an ordinary snaffle--and it must have been frightfully severe1 for the horse's mouth was bleeding at both corners4 ,i remarked to the ,kaiserin that it was no wonder she was anxious to get away from that part of the country1 if her sensitive eyes were often thus shocked4 ,she looked at the man--at the horse--at the man again--and then said one word--8,,brute60 ,it was certainly expressive1 and concise1--and she spoke it in right sound ,english too1 which ,i thought a very good thing4 ,the ordinary term 8bit and bridoon0 means simply a curb and a snaffle4 ,the latter has been already explained4 ,the common curb is merely a mouthpiece attached to two cheeks1 and is curved in the centre1 forming what is called a 8port10 while a chain is attached to the cheeks in such a way that when the curb-reins are drawn tight1 the chain presses upon the chin of the horse1 and so restrains him4 ,there is much variety in the shape of curbs1 a ,chifney being the strongest1 and therefore the most capable of misuse in unpractised hands4 ,a really good double bridle for ordinary riding is a ,dwyer curb 7which has very short cheeks71 and a common smooth snaffle4 ,the ,cambridge bit is also very generally esteemed4 ,for hunting purposes1 ,i like the snaffle bridle to have half horns only1 as being less likely to be drawn in a scurry through the horse's mouth1 taking the curb along with it4 ,i have seen this happen once or twice1 with very unpleasant results4 ,illustration3 ,,half-,,horned ,,hunting ,,snaffle4 ,to say that an animal is 8hard-mouthed0 is a very general expression2 but the notion that he is so constantly arises from his being improperly bitted4 ,something or another is thrust into his mouth that does not go near fitting it1 and as a consequence has no more effect in either checking or guiding him than if it were tied to his tail4 ,when a horse is badly bitted1 and controlled at the same time by incompetent hands1 the double evil is almost too great to be endured2 but when a proper bit is applied1 there is far less suffering and inconvenience on the part of the animal1 even though subjected to the hands of a very unlearned master4 ,timid riders ought to know1 and remember1 that as a horse is governed by his mouth--just as a ship is by her rudder--it will be wise to devote especial attention to that quarter1 in order to avert the danger that may otherwise ensue4 ,a skilful and experienced hand at the bridle will always prove the best means of success1 and ensure the greatest amount of safety2 but1 where this does not exist1 the natural or acquired defect may in great measure be counterbalanced by the application of a suitable bit4 ,persons have positively laughed at me when ,i have spoken of having a horse's mouth measured--and yet there are three interior measurements which ought to be carefully made before fitting an animal with a bit3 these are1 the width of the mouth1 taking the measurement from the chin-groove--the exact width of the channel in which the tongue rests--and the height of the bars of the mouth1 by which ,i mean from the surface of them to the undermost point of the chin-groove4 ,if a bit with a port is to be used1 the horse's tongue ought also to be measured4 ,it often happens that from improper bitting horses acquire an ugly trick of working their tongues over the mouthpiece4 ,i had two that did it1 but cured them by riding them for awhile with a snaffle only1 and then carefully fitting them as described with suitable bits4 ,correct bitting will ensure complete control1 or ought to do so1 without inflicting pain4 ,anything that involves suffering ought to be discarded--although ,i do not wish it to be understood that ,i object to such pain in bitting as will compel an unbroken horse to drop his head to the correct position1 or yield to the hands that are training him4 ,remember1 however1 that a curb unduly tightened1 or a bit that is too severe1 will often make a horse poke out his chin--and you must not then drag at him1 but rather give him ease4 ,when an animal has a bit forced into his mouth that he feels will not suit him1 he tries to tell his master so by all the means that lie within his power4 ,he exhibits restlessness when the bridle is put on3 gapes1 mouths1 flings his head about1 and carries it 7when urged into motion7 either on one side1 or unduly high or low4 ,there is by nature very little so called 8vice0 in horses4 ,comparatively few of them are born unruly1 but many are made so by improper treatment on the part of those in whose charge they are at times unfortunately placed4 ,there should be one established law in bitting3 never use any bridle that your horse after a trial will not face4 ,were this advice attended to there would be fewer accidents1 and far fewer unsightly exhibitions of danger and discomfort than we are at present accustomed to see4 ,a well-placed bit will just clear the tusks in a horse's mouth1 and in that of a mare will lie one-inch above the corner teeth4 ,a considerate rider will always look to these things himself before mounting2 will see1 for instance1 that the throat-lash is not drawn too tight1 and that the pressure of the bit lies exactly on the bars of the mouth4 ,these bars are formed much like the tibia1 or human shin-bone1 the minor edge being sharper and more salient than the outer1 where it rounds off4 ,their shape varies in different horses4 ,in hard-mouthed animals they are round1 low1 and furnished abundantly with fleshy substance2 in a tender mouth they are very lean and sharp2 and in what may be styled a good mouth1 they are moderately so1 without exhibiting too great an inclination to either of the first-named conditions4 ,i like to see a good wide mouthpiece used2 it is a vast deal better to have it too wide than too narrow1 and ,i give you the advice in case you do not go on the principle of measurements1 which some ridicule4 ,let your mouthpiece be at all events not less than five inches inside 7and even this will be found narrow for many horses71 with cheeks rather short1 and set outwardly4 ,if a port is used it will be much better to have it opening laterally1 from two to two and a-half inches4 ,the unsightly habit of lolling out the tongue arises from the pressure to which it is1 or has been1 subjected1 by the whimsical shapes of many of the mouthpieces in general use1 the ports of which1 instead of being fashioned according to the form of the tongue and mouth1 are so constructed that the first-named is either pinched severely in the hollow1 or pressed between the cannons of the mouthpiece and the bars of the mouth4 ,the horse1 then1 in order to relieve himself from the torture1 either hangs out his tongue1 or draws it up above the mouthpiece3 an action which compels him to open his mouth in an unsightly manner4 ,this latter defect is likewise frequently attributable to the extreme height of the ports of some mouthpieces2 these act1 most improperly1 on the palate1 and when the reins are pulled1 cause such excessive agony that the sufferer gapes1 in order to ease his pain4 ,illustration3 ,,mouth ,,of ,,tortured ,,horse4 ,it is a common error to suppose that the power of the bit lies in the mouthpiece1 according to its form1 and that a high port 7one that bears upon the palate7 affords control over the animal thus bitted4 ,the real power lies in the branches1 according to their proportions1 and not by any means in the size or shape of the port1 which latter ought to have the effect of an axis gravitating on the bars of the mouth1 in order that by its influence the branches may act on these only1 and not on either the palate or the tongue4 ,illustration3 ,,anti-,,rearing ,,bit4 ,no lady's horse worth calling one will ever require a rearing-bit1 but such things are useful on occasions1 and a gentleman told me some time ago that he obviated an uncomfortable habit which one of his horses had contracted1 of throwing up his head1 by using a round ring bit with reins attached1 in place of a snaffle4 ,i have never tried it myself1 therefore cannot vouch for the general efficacy of the experiment2 but it may be very good4 ,men do not mean to be cruel to horses when bitting them improperly1 but they are so nevertheless--to a terrible degree4 ,an animal shows signs of uneasiness1 and it is at once set down to 8temper10 and punished accordingly4 ,temper may at times no doubt have something to do with intractability1 but so it has--very often--with ourselves1 and what better means can be adopted to calm the irritability of man or his slave than patience1 kindness1 and an entire absence of all desire to fight8 ,i do not much care for nosebands2 they seem to me to interfere with the proper action of the bridle1 by preventing the headstall from going forward1 and also the cheek of the bit4 ,the only really useful noseband is one that is detached from the bridle-cheeks and has a separate crown-strap4 ,this1 when worn low on the nose1 is effective in preventing a horse opening his mouth widely1 and thus displacing the bit from the bars4 ,martingales ,i simply abhor1 for hunting purposes1 although ,i have heard some good authorities advocate the use of the standing martingale1 even when crossing country4 ,i think it is only allowable in case of a confirmed 8star-gazer10 who goes at his fences with his head in the air1 instead of looking straight before him when he jumps4 ,a running martingale might be found useful with some horses for park or road riding1 inasmuch as it can be made effectual for keeping the head of a flippant or unsteady goer properly in place4 ,when made use of for this purpose it should be adjusted in such a way as to allow the pull of the reins to be directly in line with the top of the withers1 and should be lengthened for a horse who holds his head already sufficiently low4 ,i have seen ,irish horsebreakers in the country improvise a martingale1 by putting the reins underneath the horse's neck1 and then passing them through two rings1 kept together by a strap4 ,it answered pretty well for rough riding1 but ,i cannot recommend the innovation4 ,martingales of all sorts and descriptions are1 as a rule1 undesirable1 except when the rings attached to the reins of them are so small that they cannot by any possibility slip over those of the bit1 and this will necessitate the stitching of the reins--for buckles will not do4 ,stops will otherwise be essential3 made of leather1 for safety4 ,i cannot help believing that bitting is generally much too severely carried out4 ,the most cruel curbs are used by ignorant persons1 whereas there are really very few horses who cannot be done much more with by dropping the curb rein altogether1 and riding on the snaffle only4 ,ladies pull and work their horses' mouths1 and then wonder that the horses pull them in return4 ,it is a great mistake4 ,hundreds of animals are made thoroughly unruly by undue use of the curb1 and so much evil have ,i seen accrue from it1 that ,i strongly recommend all young riders to try riding with the snaffle only1 and to keep the curb rein hanging loosely over the little finger1 so that it may in an instant be taken up if necessity demands1 which ,i am confident1 however1 will not very often be the case4 ,some time ago ,i rode a mare for a friend who was very desirous of ascertaining whether the animal was a fit one to carry a lady with safety4 ,i don't believe she meant to imperil my safety in any way1 in order to secure her own4 ,i simply offered to try the mare1 and the proposal was accepted4 ,terrible things had been said of the animal's want of training1 evil temper1 and so forth1 and the groom who brought her to me was evidently extremely nervous4 ,he told me1 the very first thing1 that the mare had never in her life done any saddle work1 except with 8a desperately wild young gentleman10 who had bitted her severely1 and yet found her most difficult to manage4 ,therein lay the secret1 ,i thought to myself2 but ,i said nothing1 and the maligned quadruped and ,i started on our trial1 the groom most earnestly imploring me to keep a firm hold of the curb4 ,i found that she hung desperately upon her bridle1 kept her head between her knees with a strong1 determined1 heavy pull--a dead one1 in fact--upon the bit1 and went along with a rough1 jerky action1 which had me very soon tired out4 ,the ,editor of the ,sporting and ,dramatic ,news had volunteered to accompany me1 in order to see the trial1 and when we got into the ,row and set our horses going1 the brute nearly dragged my arms out in her canter4 ,the tug she had upon the bridle was quite terrific1 and1 evidently prepared for a fight1 she laid back her ears and shook her wicked head angrily4 ,i rode her from ,palace ,gate to the ,corner in this manner--not pulling one ounce against her1 and yielding very slightly to her in her stride4 ,by the time we turned she had given up fighting1 and ,i was enabled for the first time to speak to my companion4 ,i then dropped the curb1 and rode her entirely upon the snaffle4 ,the effect was magical2 she at once lifted her head1 ceased pulling altogether1 and went along in a pleasant1 joyous canter--going well up to her bridle1 but not attempting any liberties whatever4 ,in less than an hour's time ,i was riding her with one hand1 petting and making much of her with the other--an attention which1 as a pleasing novelty1 she evidently much appreciated4 ,finding her slightly intractable during the ride homeward1 ,i once more lightly took up the curb4 ,it maddened her in a moment4 ,she turned wildly round1 twisted about with a rotatory motion most bewildering and unpleasant1 ran me against a cart1 and behaved altogether so outrageously that it required my very utmost skill1 confidence1 and temper to restore her equanimity1 and steer her safely to our destination4 ,on dismounting ,i observed to the groom who had come to fetch her1 that considering the amount of excitement through which she had passed1 it was wonderful that she had not sweated4 ,his answer was that she was always fed upon cooked food 7a pet theory of mine1 to which ,i shall devote a chapter by-and-by71 and added that the horse which he himself was riding--a remarkably fine four-year-old--derived its chief sustenance from boiled barley4 ,i shall now close my chapter upon bitting4 ,that it has been a horribly dry one ,i cannot hope to find contradicted1 but ,i felt that its instructions ought to come in just where ,i have introduced them1 and they will be better understood1 no doubt1 when the pupil shall have learned thoroughly how to ride4 ,no lady's education can be called anything like complete 7with regard to equine matters7 until she perfectly understands the principles of bitting1 and can1 moreover1 saddle and bridle her own horses without the aid of a groom4 ,i shall give instructions concerning these matters in another chapter4 ,,chapter ,,viii4 ,,saddling4 ,the choice of a lady's side-saddle is a most important matter1 and ought not to be treated in any other light2 yet with multitudes of equestrians it seems to be regarded as almost a thing of nought4 8,look out for a second-hand saddle for me1 there's a dear60 writes a country lady to a town friend2 8,i am actually going to ride60 ,and away goes the town lady on a search through alley and slum1 and comes home the triumphant purchaser of an awful instrument1 which gives a sore back to the bearer of it in no time at all1 and is then sent to be stuffed1 coming back to its owner all the worse for the process1 owing to the fact that the stuffing has1 in the first instance1 been entirely over done4 ,articles of this description never give any satisfaction1 and would be dear if purchased at half-a-crown4 ,economise as you will in other directions--put up with cheap hats1 habits1 boots1 and gloves1 if you cannot really afford any better1--for1 odious though they be1 they can prove injurious to yourself alone1--but let your saddle be of the best4 ,go to a first-class maker2 get measured as accurately as a man does for a pair of hunting breeches--tell him that you need the best materials and very best workmanship--and if he knows his art he will require no further directions4 ,it is almost superfluous to repeat that a well-made side-saddle should be level-seated1 and should have no perceptible dip1 or sinking1 from front to cantle4 ,it ought to be amply long for the rider1 and the points of the tree should fit close to the horse's sides behind the shoulder-blades4 ,i object to stitching1 on either near or off side1 as being unworkmanlike2 but an unpractised rider may have the seat of her saddle covered with buckskin1 which will afford her a more secure grip than she can obtain from the ordinary slippery leather4 ,the gullet-plate should either be dispensed with altogether 7as mentioned in a former chapter71 or be sufficiently arched to prevent its pressing on the horse's withers4 ,i prefer the former plan1 and have found it answer admirably4 ,the up-pommel should be barely high enough to afford a secure catch for the right leg4 ,when higher than this it sticks up like a horn beneath the habit1 and is extremely disfiguring4 ,the leaping-head should be movable4 ,i do not mean that it should merely turn round and round1 or bend downwards with a hinge1 but it ought to be capable of being placed higher or lower1 according as the rider may desire4 ,this can be accomplished by having two1 or even three1 holes made for it within varied distances of one another3 a plan which will be found of especial benefit in cases where a saddle is purchased with a view to more than one lady making use of it--and a tired rider will frequently find it a great boon4 ,of course1 in such case1 the leaping-head must be a screw one1 a thing to which ,i know many ladies object on the ground that it gets out of order4 ,it really ought not to do so1--nor does it1 except when entrusted altogether to a groom1 who keeps unscrewing it every day as if for mere pastime4 ,it should not be touched at all1 except when necessary for cleaning purposes1 or to lubricate it with a little oil1 and it will be well then to do it yourself1 unless your servant happens to be an exceptionally good and trustworthy one1 or that you are too grand in your ideas to put your hand to anything in the shape of work4 ,i hope1 however1 that ,i am not writing for any such silly person4 ,you should never be above looking after everything connected with your own riding gear4 ,it will not lessen your dignity one whit3 rather the contrary--for your servants will then see that you are not a simpleton1 and will respect you accordingly4 ,the lady who shudders at a duster1 and wonders where puddings grow1 is in reality not an atom more to be despised than is the foolish-minded equestrian who thinks it is inelegant to know anything about the conduct or management of her own stable4 ,i like to see a woman able and willing to put her hand to everything that comes in her way1 without feeling in the least lowered by it4 ,one of the most perfectly ladylike women whom ,i have ever met1 on one occasion groomed and fed her own hunter1 when the stableman who had charge of him was found tipsy1 on her return one wintry evening from a long day with the hounds2 and she did it1 too1 before ever removing her habit4 ,sense and humanity combined4 ,i may add1 before passing to another portion of my subject1 that where a screw-pommel is used it will be found a wise plan to have it made with the thread of the screw reversed2 by which ,i mean that the pommel should turn from left to right1 in place of the ordinary way4 ,by this arrangement the left knee pressing against it serves to fix it all the more firmly1 instead of1 as is usual1 misplacing it4 ,i am often asked what ought to be the weight of a side-saddle1 and what the size4 ,much must of course depend upon the dimensions of the rider4 ,about eighteen pounds is1 or ought to be1 the average weight of an ordinary saddle1 although my own were much lighter4 ,i do not1 however1 see that there is very much to be gained by riding in too light a saddle4 ,a few pounds one way or the other can make little difference 7except in racing7 to a good horse1 and light saddles are sometimes apt to give sore backs4 ,with regard to size1 ,i consider that a lady of moderate height--say five feet three1 or thereabouts--ought not to purchase a saddle less than nineteen inches long4 ,any good maker will1 however1 give the proper proportions4 ,the stirrup-leather of a lady's saddle is generally attached to it by an iron ring1 but ,i greatly prefer the spring-bar attachment1 same as is used with men's saddles4 ,many ladies say that it is apt1 with pressure1 to come away1 and if this be the case1 a greater objection could scarcely be urged against it1 but1 for my own part1 ,i have never found it do so4 ,peat ,co41 of ,piccadilly1 have brought out and patented a really first-class article in this line1 namely1 ,born's saddle-bar1 a contrivance which instantly releases the foot in case of a rider being either thrown or dragged4 ,i can confidently recommend it4 ,a very simple way1 which some like1 is to have the stirrup stitched to a single leather1 which is then passed through a ring1 and drawn downwards to within an inch or two of the end of the flap4 ,it is next passed round the horse's belly1 and buckled to a single tongue on the other side4 ,this keeps the flaps of the saddle close1 and the rider is enabled by it to shorten or lengthen her stirrup from the off side--an advantage not to be overlooked4 ,girths are of various kinds4 ,some are in favour of the elastic webbing2 others like the ,fitzwilliam1 which is a very excellent kind1 and thoroughly to be depended on for general work4 ,for myself1 ,i strongly advocate the plaited girths1 made of either hide1 horsehair1 or cord4 ,being open-work they admit plenty of air1 and are calculated to prevent chafing4 ,i do not1 as a rule1 care for saddle-cloths1 but no doubt they preserve the inside of a saddle very much4 ,if used at all they ought to be very thin4 ,to save a sore back1 a sheepskin is best ,a leather saddle-cloth will keep pliant if in constant use1 but if laid by for a while it should be moistened with a little oil4 ,cod-liver will be found the most efficient for the purpose4 ,i am not in favour of any of the so-called safety stirrups4 ,nicholl's patent is the best of them2 but ,i cannot help regarding them all as danger-traps1 having twice nearly lost my life through using them4 ,i therefore strongly recommend all lady riders to adopt a perfectly plain stirrup1 such as is used by men1 only of course smaller4 ,a neat little racing stirrup served me faithfully for years1 and ,i cannot advocate any other4 ,safety stirrups are perpetually getting out of order1 and my experience of even the best of them is that they are liable to catch the foot and confine it in a dangerous manner1 which the plain stirrup never does4 ,to ride with a slipper1 even for a very young beginner1 is strongly to be condemned4 ,to allow children to use it is simply to train them to ride from it--thus sowing the seeds of a most pernicious practice4 ,it feels so snug and comfortable under the foot that there is an irresistible desire to rest and dwell upon it3 an evil of which ,i shall hereafter have occasion to speak4 ,having now said all that ,i consider useful concerning saddles and bridles1 ,i think it will be expedient to give a few instructions about putting them on2 for1 as ,i have already said1 a lady or gentleman who cannot do this without the aid of a servant has yet 7no matter how accomplished in every other way7 something very important to learn4 ,to bridle a horse1 go quietly up to him1 holding the headstall in your hand4 ,make much of him for a moment or two before putting it on3 not at all because you think that he is going to fight against it--no lady's horse would be guilty of doing such a thing--but because it is a nice and right habit1 and one to be put in practice upon every reasonable occasion4 ,the way in which unthinking grooms drag poor horses' heads about1 and force heavy bits into their quiet1 unresisting mouths1 is enough to make a humane heart feel grieved and angry together4 ,gentleness is1 however1 a woman's attribute1 and the kindness with which most women usually regard animals is one of their most loveable traits4 ,when the headstall has been nicely fitted1 take a glance over it1 and note that the forehead-band is loose enough1 and that the throat-lash will admit at least two of your fingers between it and the skin4 ,fit the snaffle-rein next1 by the buckles1 and see that it falls about half an inch below the angle of the mouth4 ,if you are in the habit of riding with a curb1 adjust it very carefully1 observing the rule laid down in my chapter on bitting1 of resting the mouth-piece on the bars of the mouth1 just above the chin-groove4 ,i know it occasionally happens that some irregularity about the teeth renders this a difficult thing to do1 and where such is the case the bit must of course be slightly moved1 but it ought to be placed only just as much above the obstacle as will be necessary to clear it4 ,you must next hook the curb1 taking the off side first1 and leaving a link in reserve4 ,then come to the near side1 and leave it length enough to afford two links--making sure also that it lies quite flat on the chin-groove1 and has not the smallest tendency to rise upwards at the draw of the reins4 ,ascertain above all things that the chain is sufficiently slack1 and that it does not inconvenience the horse4 ,a good test will be for you to insert the first and second fingers of your left hand between it and the animal's chin3 slipping them in1 so that the palm of your hand shall go beneath the under lip of the horse1 and the back portion of your two fingers be exposed to the pressure of the chain2 then draw the reins quietly with your right hand1 and if you feel an unpleasant pinching1 slacken the chain a link1 and try again until you have it right4 ,i said in my last chapter that the action of the mouth-piece on the bars of the mouth was entirely controlled by the branches1 which also regulate that of the curb-chain1 both on chin and bars4 ,the pressure which it effects on these constrains the horse to obey the will of his rider4 ,now1 when the curb-chain is left to hang in too loose a fashion1 the pressure cannot be effected at all1 and the branches go backwards1 because they meet with no resistance from the curb-chain3 and thus the action of the cannons on the bars of the mouth is altogether defeated4 ,saddling comes next to be spoken about4 ,place the saddle clear of the play of the shoulders1 if meant for hunting2 when the adjustment is for ordinary riding1 an inch or two further back will do4 ,it is a common error to place the saddle out of position1 in order to make it appear as if the horse bridled better1 or had a finer shoulder than he really has2 but it is a very wrong thing to practice constantly1 and can only deceive the most inexperienced judge's eye4 ,if you want a horse to go particularly fast for a short distance1 you may adjust the saddle so that it shall be as far forward as possible without interfering with his action3 as the chief office of the hinder part of an animal is to propel weight1 while that of the fore part is to bear it up4 ,when the saddle has been nicely placed1 take up the first girth1 and then the hinder one1 drawing both well back from the horse's elbows1 so that they shall neither chafe nor inconvenience him in his action4 ,do not girth him up too tightly at first1 especially if he has been recently fed2 nor must you on the other hand leave him too much space for the air to make way through1 taking into account that some horses are terrible rogues1 and will actually swell themselves out ever so much when they feel the girths tightening upon them1 which shows that they are more sensible than many who ride them1 inasmuch as they object to being too tightly laced4 ,i had an arrant rogue once1 who used to present the appearance of a drowned pup whenever ,i came to girth him up1 and would gradually collapse inward1 like an indiarubber ball with a hole in it1 whenever he thought he had me sufficiently gammoned4 ,that horse's face would have won a fortune for him as a type of injured innocence when ,i let him see one day in a practical manner that ,i was up to his tricks2 but we continued excellent chums1 nevertheless1 and as it was to a male friend ,i subsequently sold him 7who would1 of course1 clap a leg each side of him1 and so distribute the weight71 ,i said nothing about his little dodges1 but laughed to myself when1 a few days later1 ,i saw the dear old man 7his owner7 riding his wily purchase in the ,row1 with girths so slack that he could have put both feet into them1 stirrups and all1 without much inconvenience1 and my cunning friend trotting demurely along under him1 with the most lamb-like countenance in the world4 ,it is almost unnecessary to say that while tight girthing is for every reason to be avoided1 it will not do at all to leave the girths of a lady's saddle too loose4 ,when they are so1 the uneven distribution of weight which a side position necessarily entails will be sure to draw the saddle on one side1 or perhaps even cause it to turn3 in which case the consequences will be both dangerous and unpleasant4 ,i think it an excellent plan to lead a horse about by the bridle for a minute or two after girthing1 and then try again whether he is tight enough1 by inserting a hand between the girths and the belly1 and seeing whether they need any further looking after4 ,i must not omit to say that if you are using a saddle-cloth or sheepskin1 you should1 before finally girthing up1 draw the front part of it well forward on the withers1 in order that the gullet-plate of the saddle 7if that article happens to be made with one7 may not press upon them4 ,the last thing for you to do before mounting will be to pass your forefinger under the girths at each side of the horse's body1 and smooth away any wrinkles that the action of girthing may have caused in his skin4 ,it will not be amiss here to say that many ladies have asked me for an opinion concerning the advisability of riding occasionally on the left or off side of the horse4 ,i cannot see any objection whatever to it for ordinary riding1 although ,i cannot advocate it for hunting2 and where young girls find it expedient to ride a good deal1 ,i should be apt to recommend it highly1 as a means of preventing their growing awry4 ,the saddle necessary for it is a somewhat awkward-looking article to those unaccustomed to view such things1 but it may be satisfactory to know that the ,princess of ,wales rarely uses any other kind4 ,illustration3 ,,learner1 ,,on ,,off-,,side4 ,,chapter ,,ix4 ,,learning ,,to ,,ride4 ,,how ,,to ,,sit--,,to ,,walk--,,to ,,canter--,,and ,,to ,,trot4 ,being now provided with a fully-caparisoned mount1 it is time that you should begin in good earnest to learn to ride2 therefore to this pleasant task we will apply ourselves1 reserving the interesting subjects of shoeing1 feeding1 stabling1 c41 for future consideration4 ,to mount well must first be studied1 and practised3 the latter assiduously1 no matter how great the drudgery may be4 ,it is certainly disheartening to a learner to feel that one of the most trying portions of her equine education is after all the only one that involves a very serious drawback1 namely1 that of requiring assistance that cannot well be done without2 yet1 so it is--and the difficulty is one which must be considered and met4 ,a lady may saddle and bridle her own horse1 may give him the finishing touches herself1 and canter away1 independently1 when once she is on his back--but to get there she must1 as a rule1 seek for assistance from some source or another1 and animated sources 7by which ,i mean men7 are generally painfully inefficient4 ,it certainly is what is expressively termed 8hard lines0 on a practised equestrian to be made an exhibition of at door or covert-side by some inexpert individual1 who either sends her clean over the saddle by the superfluous energy of his action1 or leaves her to hang fire midway while he stoops to pick up his hat1 which he manages to lose through stupidly poking his head forward at the moment at which she is making her spring4 ,i know exactly what it is1 and the mortification that it entails4 ,many of us are1 unfortunately1 familiar with the feeling that we have done precisely the right thing ourselves1 but that some officious and horribly incompetent assistant--or would-be such--has frustrated our efforts1 and left us a laughing-stock in the centre of a crowd4 ,it is just like going up to a piano in full possession of all the difficulties that may mark the song selected to be sung1 and being compelled to undergo the torments inflicted by a bad accompanist1 who handicaps the singer by his own utter unfitness for his task4 ,half the people present are not able to discern whether it is the voice or the piano that is at fault2 they only know that the performance is a failure1 and speak of it afterwards as such4 ,so it is with mounting for a ride4 ,say that there are a hundred persons present at a lawn meet1 and you emerge from the house to mount your horse1 with the result that you are kept struggling for an awful moment or two betwixt the ground and the saddle by some blushing booby who has offered to put you up1 and who will neither do so properly nor suffer you to jump quite down4 ,at least two-thirds of the onlookers will be ready to say the fault is yours4 ,my advice1 therefore1 is1 never leave yourself open to an unpleasantness of this description2 select your assistant cavalier1 just as you have a right to accept or reject a partner for a dance--and if nobody in whom you have confidence happens to be present1 have recourse to the groom's assistance1 if you are quite certain that he knows how to render it1 and1 if not1 lead your horse to a low wall1 should such a thing be near enough1 or take him1 at all events1 out of sight of the crowd1 and utilise any sort of stepping-stone to reach his back1 rather than incur the ridicule or unjust remarks of the more fortunate among your sex4 ,it is1 of course1 in some cases1 quite possible for a lady to let down her stirrup and mount by it1 unassisted--drawing it up again to the required length when seated on her saddle4 ,to little girls riding ponies ,i have already recommended this plan2 but for grown equestrians it is far more frequently impracticable than otherwise4 ,a lady rider may be of diminutive stature1 and may yet be called upon to mount a very tall horse2 or her stirrup may not be an easily movable one 7say1 for instance1 that she is accepting a ride upon a borrowed mount1 with trappings entirely unlike her own71 or her habit-bodice1 despite all warnings1 may not be loose enough about the waist to enable her to make the long stretch up to the pommel which unassisted mounting always requires4 ,therefore1 writers who say that a lady can at all times be entirely independent of extraneous assistance prove to a certainty that they have not studied the subject4 ,the orthodox method of mounting is as follows3 ,take the reins and whip in your right hand and lay the fingers of it firmly upon the top of the up-pommel--grasping it1 in fact2 then1 with your left hand1 gather your skirt away from your left foot1 and place this latter in the hand of your assistant1 bending your knee as you do so4 ,when you feel that his palm is firmly supporting the sole of your foot1 take your left hand from your habit-skirt and place it on his left shoulder--he being in a slightly stooping position at the time4 ,then give him the signal3 any pre-arranged word will do--8,ready60 8,go ahead60 8,now60 or1 in short1 anything you may choose to fix4 ,as you say the word1 straighten your knee1 and make a slight spring upward1 your cavalier at the same instant raising himself to an erect position1 without letting his hand drop in the very smallest degree4 ,by this arrangement you will reach your saddle with comfort and expertness4 ,it will1 as already mentioned1 require some patient practice1 for1 like many other accomplishments1 it looks wonderfully simple and easy--until you come to try it4 ,in the event of having to mount by a wall1 a big stone1 a horse-bucket1 or other article--any one of which you may be glad at some time or another to make use of on emergency--steady yourself well upon your stepping-stone1 whatever it may be1 gather the reins in your left hand1 laying it firmly upon the up-pommel or on the horse's mane1 place your foot in the stirrup1 taking care that it is well freed from the habit-skirt1 then seize the cantle firmly with your right hand1 and jump into the saddle4 ,if your skirt is properly cut1 you will have no difficulty in arranging it comfortably over your right knee when the latter has been placed in position1 and you should then lift yourself slightly1 and smooth the seat of the skirt from right to left with your left hand1 first transferring the reins and whip to your right1 in order to enable you to do so4 ,you should be extremely careful1 if wearing a spur1 to keep your left heel well away from the horse's side when mounting3 otherwise1 the consequences may be very disastrous4 ,i once saw a lady thrown heavily upon her face by a sudden start of her horse1 through her spur having struck him in the flank just as she reached the saddle1 before she had time to secure the support of the pommels4 ,be cautious1 also1 not to touch your horse1 when mounting1 with your whip4 ,if you do so he will assuredly start1 and may give you an ugly fall4 ,it is for this reason that ,i advocate the custom of ladies when mounting retaining the whip in their right hand and placing it1 together with the reins1 on the up-pommel of the saddle1 in place of1 as many do1 handing it to their assistant cavalier4 ,a man1 when he gets a lady's whip to hold1 naturally tucks it away under his arm1 where a nervous horse keeps looking askance at it1 and is often rendered fidgetty by seeing it1 even when it does not actually touch him--although it very often does4 ,i append two sketches1 one showing the correct position of the hand with whip and reins upon the pommel when just about to mount1 the other demonstrating the precise attitude in which a lady ought to seat herself upon the saddle4 ,if properly placed1 and sitting erect and even1 your seat ought to be as secure as that of a man1 or even more so1 although you may have to depend 7which no doubt you will7 upon the girths for safety1 and also to submit to the disadvantage of not having a leg on each side of your horse to guide him or urge him to his paces4 ,a clever rider will1 however1 make her whip-handle serve her in great measure for this4 ,illustration3 ,,mounting4 ,be careful1 when seated1 to keep the toe of the right foot from pointing outward1 and the left heel from going back--and look right between your horse's ears1 to ensure sitting straight4 ,illustration3 ,,seated4 ,when you have once obtained a correct idea of position1 you should seek to acquire what is termed 8a good seat0--in other words1 an easy confidence1 which will add grace to your pose4 ,i am now surmising that you are teaching yourself--say1 in a large field1 or private school--and that you have not anybody with you1 save1 perhaps1 some male friend or relative1 who may be capable of assisting you if required--without1 however1 being able to instruct4 ,i cannot for a moment advise you to go out alone for the purpose of learning1 no matter how high-couraged you may be4 ,always enlist the services of a suitable companion1 or attendant1 but remember that if the latter is a servant--even though his service may be of many years' standing--you are not on any account to permit him to give you so much as the very smallest hint on any subject connected with equitation4 ,coachmen know nothing at all about riding2 and grooms1 as a rule1 very little3 a fact that is every day testified by their heavy hands and awkward gait on horseback4 ,laying all this aside1 however1 there can be no doubt that whatever hints servants may be capable of imparting to boy pupils1 they are the very worst possible instructors for girls1 while pretending very often to be the best4 ,i attribute one-half the faults in style which shock our eyes in park1 street1 and hunting-field1 to the pernicious teachings of 8,john the groom02 therefore1 the moment that such persons attempt to open their lips to you1 except when spoken to1 shut them up at once1 in a manner which 7without any rudeness7 will show that you desire them to keep silent except when addressed4 ,as soon as you are secure upon your saddle1 and have learned to feel at home there1 get your horse walked about with the reins looped over his neck4 ,do not touch them at all at first1 or trouble yourself about carrying a whip1 but rather devote your energies and attention to acquiring an even balance1 and learning the proper grip of the pommels--without which you never can ride well4 ,do not lean heavily upon the stirrup1 or force yourself to undue muscular action2 nor will it be in all cases wise to thrust the left foot 8home10 as it is called1--better ride from the ball of it4 ,further reference to this point will be found in the concluding chapter4 ,ascertain before starting that your stirrup-leather is precisely the right length1 in order that you may not be induced to lean to the left side owing to its being too long1 or have your knee uncomfortably thrust up on account of its shortness4 ,you should sit erect and square1 with chest forward and shoulders well back1 yet without any appearance of stiffness or rigidity of position4 ,be as firm as a rock below the waist1 but light and flexible as a reed above it4 ,on these two rules all the beauty1 and indeed the safety1 of equestrianism depend4 ,you must practice hard to attain a good1 steady seat1 for it will not come to you by magic4 ,on the contrary1 you will find yourself at one moment sitting as stiff as a poker1 with your chin thrust forward in the air--and then1 when you catch yourself thus1 and strive to rectify it by assuming a sudden limpness1 you will discover that your lower limbs have grown limp also1 in sympathy with the rest of your body1 and are hanging so loosely that a touch will send you out of the saddle4 ,again1 you will discover that the toe of your right foot has a dreadful tendency to turn outward from the ankle1 while that of the left turns down1 and shows the sole of your boot to those in the rear of you4 ,all these things will be seemingly against you for a long time after you have begun to have your horse led about3 a process which must be done first by hand and then with a leading-stick1 while you sit perfectly erect1 with your arms crossed upon your bosom1 or your hands lying easily 7fingers laid together7 in your lap1 just below the waist4 ,avoid1 above all things1 sitting too much to the left2 it will not only induce you to lean too hard upon the stirrup1 a thing which you ought not to do at all1 but will be pretty certain to give your horse a tender back from the very beginning4 ,when you find that you can sit quite straight and steady while your mount carries you at a walking pace1 you may have him led by a lunging-rein1 and cantered slowly in a circle to the right1 or in a figure of #h4 ,never on any account grip the pommels1 or clutch at the mane1 no matter how frightened you may be4 ,a little start will not upset you1 nor will a sudden playful movement have the power to send you off1 provided that you are sitting 8square10 with your right leg well pressed over the up-pommel1 and your left against the leaping-head1 while your whole attention is given to your seat1 and to nothing else whatever4 ,this is the true secret of learning to ride from balance1 and once it is yours1 nothing can unseat you1 so long as your mount remains upon his legs4 ,cantering is not a difficult motion by any means4 ,when attempting it your attendant should make your horse lead with the off fore-leg1 although1 should it be your intention to ride occasionally on the left side of the saddle1 you must accustom him to lead now and again with the near4 ,sit well back1 and when your mount moves in a circle1 lean just sufficiently to the right to enable you to see his feet4 ,when you are at home in the canter you must commence to practice the trot1 which will be to you the beginning of sorrows4 ,do not at first make any effort at rising in your saddle1 but sit very close1 and prepare to bear the unpleasantness of the bumping--for it must be borne for awhile--until you have become accustomed to the motion4 ,as you will of course have your hair flowing loosely1 and a wide easy-fitting jacket on1 you will suffer fewer discomforts than if differently apparelled4 ,to rise in the saddle1 you must keep the left heel well down1 and move the leg as little as possible4 ,to sway it like a pendulum will not help you one bit4 ,keep your hands perfectly steady--your arms to your sides--your left foot slightly pressing the stirrup as the horse throws out his near fore leg1 while you lift yourself very slightly at the precise instant that his other leg is advanced4 ,it will take you a long while to accomplish this4 ,over and over again you will sigh with disappointment1 and say involuntarily1 8,i cannot do it60 ,but you can1 and will in time1 if you will only persevere4 ,few things that are worth learning can be acquired in a hurry2 a young robust girl1 with plenty of courage and go about her1 will often learn how to 8stick on0 in an incredibly short space of time--but will look supremely ridiculous notwithstanding1 both then and later2 to acquire the niceties of riding1 however1 and become an adept at them1 is a degree of perfection to which comparatively few ladies ever attain4 ,the accomplishment of rising and falling nicely in the saddle1 in time to the trot of the horse1 can only be acquired by constant practice2 ,i do not believe that the fact of having a master riding alongside of you1 and saying 8one1 two10 8one1 two10 until you are half demented1 will ever teach it1 although steady perseverance on your own part may1 and will4 ,illustration3 8,,the ,,right ,,and ,,the ,,wrong ,,of ,,it40 page #ajc4 ,there are three things that ,i want you particularly to avoid4 ,first1 an ugly churning movement1 which is hideous to look at and distressing to the horse2 second1 a disposition to ride with your elbows extended1 or your left hand on hip or thigh1 or placed at the back of your waist2 and third1 a habit of stooping forward in the trot and hanging over to the near side1 a fault which is extremely usual with lady riders4 ,i give an illustration of this unsightly position1 by way of warning2 supplemented by one of a figure seated correctly upon the saddle1 while her horse is trotting at the rate of eight or nine miles an hour4 ,as soon as you are perfectly mistress of the art of riding gracefully from balance1 and can walk1 canter1 and trot1 both fast and slowly1 without any assistance save that which your grip of the pommels and slight help from the stirrup combine to afford you1 the latter adjunct may be discarded altogether for awhile1 and you may ride for an hour or so every day without it4 ,you will not take very long to practice this2 indeed1 the only inconvenience arising from it1 at all worth considering1 will be a certain tired feeling in the left leg1 as though the limb wanted dreadfully to have something to support it--but1 believe me1 a very few days of steady practice will enable you to dispense with stirrup aid altogether1 and not to feel at all incommoded by doing so4 ,in a week's time at furthest you will be able to ride quite as easily without the stirrup as with it--and surely1 even were it to involve a month's hard labour1 the result would prove ample remuneration4 ,if you mean to be a huntress1 there will assuredly be days when your hardly-earned accomplishment will stand you in good stead1 for never yet was there a straight-going lady who did not at some time or another break a stirrup leather1 or lose one1 or find herself in some way or another deprived1 through accident1 of the support to which so many horsewomen unfortunately trust4 ,it often happens1 too1 that the misfortune occurs at a provokingly long distance from home1 and miles away1 perhaps1 from any place where repairs can be executed2 therefore1 the advantage 7in this respect alone7 of learning to ride without a stirrup must be at once apparent3 to say nothing of the great benefits derivable from having taught yourself complete independence of any support from it--a thing which always ensures an erect and perfect seat4 ,illustration3 ,,faults ,,in ,,style4 ,,chapter ,x4 ,,reins1 ,,voice1 ,,and ,,whip4 ,when you have decided to your own satisfaction that you are mistress of the art of riding from balance--can trot and canter in circles1 and in a figure of #h1 without reins or stirrup1 with waist pliant and nicely hollowed1 and shoulders well thrown back--you may1 with advantage1 take up the reins and learn the uses of them4 ,learners1 to whom ,i have endeavoured to expound this theory of teaching1 have asked me once or twice whether there was not some less difficult way by which they might be taught2 and ,i have no doubt that many among my lady readers are longing to ask me the same question4 ,certainly there is2 in fact there are several ways which will be found very much less difficult than the one that ,i am striving to teach4 ,hosts of riding-masters will engage to perfect you 7or very nearly so7 in six lessons--will put you on a horse1 give you a stirrup and a stout pair of reins1 and adjure you volubly to 8hold on10 taking very little further trouble about you2 and if you are a plucky1 intelligent girl you will hold on1 and will canter and trot too1 in a sort of way1 within the specified time1--and your instructor will take your money with a smile1 and allow you to go out into the park and make a show of yourself1 until some really kind disinterested friend warns you that things are entirely wrong1 and persuades you to go and unlearn all that has already been taught you4 ,there are just two ways of doing everything in this world--the right and the wrong1 and the latter is always1 unfortunately1 very much the easier of the two1 although so much the more unsatisfying in the end4 ,i am quite willing to acknowledge that some very nice horsewomen have learned all that they know of riding without ever having gone through one-half the labour which ,i have set forth as necessary2 but those four little words1 8all that they know10 contain the whole meaning of the matter4 ,i am willing to allow1 also1 that there are prodigies in the world--at riding as at everything else--who can look nice1 and go straight1 and seemingly do nothing amiss1 and who yet have never been taught to ride at all2 but these are uncommon creatures1 quite beyond the study of books on horsemanship1 or on anything else4 ,they form1 in fact1 the exceptions to the rule1 that ladies who have learned to ride in the ordinary way and from ordinary teachers1 do not ride well1 or correctly2 and that even in cases where their appearance on horseback is fairly satisfactory1 and their park riding quite as good as many others1 the efforts made by them at cross-country riding are miserable1 and dangerous to a degree4 ,balance-riders can alone negotiate a difficult country with safety4 ,hundreds of ladies get serious falls every season over the difficult doubles of our trying ,ward country and the ragged fences of old ,kildare1 which they would never get had they in the first instance been properly taught4 ,therefore1 being desirous1 as ,i truly am1 that all my lady readers shall excel at an art which is so well worth studying1 ,i have laid down the best practical directions for their instruction1 in the hope that they may accept and profit by them2 and ,i promise fearlessly that by so doing they will be in the first flight when others are on the roadside1 and in the saddle when those who trust for safety to rein and stirrup are exploring the slimy depths of some uncomfortable ditch4 ,illustration3 ,,wall ,,jumping4 page #ajh4 ,having now arrived at the question of holding the reins1 we shall consider their uses and abuses from a common-sense point of view4 ,you are not to regard them in any degree as a means of preserving your own equilibrium--this ,i have already taught you4 ,to ride from a horse's head is one of the gravest faults of which an equestrian can be guilty2 nor must you depend altogether upon the bridle for the management of your mount1 this is a very general error1 and one that ,i want you strictly to avoid4 ,horses are controlled by three things3 the reins1 the voice1 and the legs--and a lady rider must make her whip-handle serve her for the management and guidance of her mount on the off side1 where a man has the advantage of having his right leg to assist him in the office4 ,of this more anon1 for ,i mean to touch lightly upon the three controlling powers4 ,first1 the reins4 ,teachers of the haute cole style of riding may possibly have told you wonders about military horsemanship1 and how the movements of an animal may be regulated by certain subtle touches of the thumb or little finger4 ,i must candidly say that ,i don't believe a word of their efficacy for general-purpose riding4 ,i do not think that a learner could ever be brought to understand such theories from printed rules1 or to profit by them if understood4 ,put a girl1 for instance1 on a high-mettled hunter1 loop the reins over the fingers of her left hand only--as fashionable riding-masters do in schools--give her the whip1 pointed upwards 7another general symptom of defective teaching7 in her right hand1 and then send her out1 not over the smooth grass fields and through the convenient gates of beautiful ,leicestershire1 where1 a few years ago1 a whole day's hunting might be had without having to jump a single fence1 but away over the rugged plough and trying ridge-and-furrow which take the wind out of our ,irish hunters4 ,the high stone walls of ,galway hunting-fields are excellent tests of skill2 so also are the five-barred gates of ,meath and ,carlow1 and the yawning chasms--sixteen feet wide and twenty deep--at which we in this hapless yet lovely old country have to steady our horses when coming up1 and support them when over1 or else lie gasping at the bottom1 with broken ribs and damaged noses1 and dreadful saddle-pommels making havoc with our frames at every struggle of our engulfed and terrified steeds4 ,send1 ,i say1 a haute cole rider out over ,irish hunting-grounds1 and see what good she can accomplish with the little finger of her left hand6 ,such teaching is a mere tirade of ornamental nonsense1 for which1 ,i believe1 no pupil would in the end feel at all obliged4 ,illustration3 ,,reins3 ,,two ,,hands4 ,i approve of taking the reins in both hands from the very beginning4 ,it is a sensible method3 one which all colt-breakers adopt1 and they are not bad judges of such matters4 ,ladies1 however1 rarely adopt the practice2 it is not allowed in many of the most approved schools--but1 in my opinion1 8,put both hands to your bridle0 is excellent premonitory advice4 ,begin by riding with a bridoon1 or snaffle rein1 only4 ,let your fingers lie above it--not underneath1--the thumbs pointing toward one another1 at a distance of about three or four inches apart1 the off leather resting between the third and little fingers of the right hand1 while the slack of the near passes between the first finger and the thumb4 ,the illustration will show you what ,i mean1 and demonstrate how by this rule both hands have equal command upon the bridle4 ,illustration3 ,,shortening ,,reins4 ,illustration3 ,,at ,a ,,fence4 ,to shorten your reins quickly3 let go the slack of the off one with the left hand1 and slip it forward on the near leather1 until you have judged 7rapidly1 of course7 of the correct length2 then take the off one between the thumb and forefinger of the left hand1 and you establish a cross-rein1 the right hand quitting its hold instantly1 and taking up its original position4 ,i append an illustration of my meaning1 and strongly advise a little practice of it1 which can be readily managed even in the house1 by utilising tape or ribbon reins attached to the back of a chair4 ,the method thus described is an admirable one for shortening a single bridle when coming up1 say1 to a fence at which a horse may require some holding2 and ,i likewise append a little sketch of how the bridle ought to hang1 and the hands be held1 when going over4 ,when you want to ride leisurely1 in park or on road1 with the reins in one hand only--a thing at times not at all to be deprecated--draw the near rein between the third and little fingers of your left hand1 and bring it out between the first and thumb1 while the off one is made to cross it in the palm of the hand1 thus3-- ,illustration3 ,,reins ,,in ,,one ,,hand--,,first ,,position4 ,then turn the hand with the knuckles upward1 as here represented1 ,illustration3 ,,reins ,,in ,,one ,,hand--,,second ,,position4 and a correct position will be ensured4 ,you should avoid working the fingers about when riding1 as doing so is very apt to shift the bit in the horse's mouth4 ,your hand may go back and forth with a 8give-and-take0 movement1 but not from side to side on any account4 ,illustration3 ,,reins ,,firmly ,,in ,,both ,,hands4 ,the best method of riding with double reins can1 ,i think1 be most effectually shown by illustration4 ,this represents the reins held firmly1 though not tightly1 in both hands2 while that on the next page shows an easy style of going--one that is nice to adopt when proceeding at a walking pace4 ,when trotting1 the reins may be dropped by the right hand1 which should then be lowered to the level of the saddle--the whip pointing downwards4 ,if you wish to ride with one rein only1 though with a double bridle1 hold the snaffle rein in your left hand in the manner already described1 and loop the curb over your little finger1 in order that it may be readily taken up when required4 ,illustration3 ,,walking ,,pace4 ,i may here say that1 despite the directions which ,i have taken pains to give on the subject of holding reins ,i adhere to the belief that so long as they are held flat and smooth1 there need not really be any fixed rule about the handling of them4 ,if elbows1 shoulders1 and wrists are in proper position1 it matters comparatively little how fingers may be held--and beginners are1 as a rule1 a great deal too much worried and puzzled about a matter which generally simplifies itself according as a knowledge of more important things is acquired4 ,at the same time1 there is with this1 as with everything else1 a right and a wrong side to the subject2 and in order to avoid the wrong1 it will perhaps be as well to adopt the orthodox right method from the very beginning4 ,there is1 however1 nothing at all wrong in occasionally moving the reins about and changing them from one hand to the other4 ,all good riders do it1 and it is vastly better than adopting the stiff1 set style which would-be fine riders sometimes affect3 namely1 placing the hands in one position when setting out1 and scarcely ever altering them from it4 ,a good horsewoman will sedulously avoid everything that is stiff or ungraceful1 and will move about in her saddle with as much pliant ease as though seated at home in an easy chair4 ,the unsightly rigidity observable about the figures and demeanour of some lady-riders--especially those whose 8teaching0 has been too finely drawn--is certainly not a thing to be copied or admired4 ,having now discussed the subject of reins1 we come to consider the 8,voice0 as a means of controlling and managing the horse4 ,i have always considered the effect and power of the voice as second only in usefulness to those of the bridle4 ,horses are intelligent and sensitive beyond what most persons can be induced to think or believe4 ,i know to a certainty that they not only listen to1 and are influenced by1 every sound that issues from their riders' lips1 but absolutely gather his meaning and desires from the various inflexions of his voice4 ,i know that they love their masters and mistresses1 and look to them for teaching1 just as dependent children ask you what it is that you wish them to do4 ,there is something inexpressibly beautiful in this loving intelligence on the part of animals--this sympathy between horse and rider1 which1 in a former chapter1 ,i strove to say something about4 ,horses are in reality the very noblest of ,god's created things--excepting1 of course1 man as he ought to be4 ,they have1 so far as their endowments permit1 all the attributes that go to make the human character lovable and good1 supplemented by a rare fidelity1 such as is unhappily seldom met with among those who are fashioned in the ,creator's own image4 ,i have read1 and been told a great deal1 about horses that were 8obstinate brutes10 and 8wicked devils10 and 8outrageous beasts10 and everything else that was hateful and bad--and have listened with a bursting and indignant heart to accounts of thrashings1 and starvings1 and spurrings1 and mouth-burnings1 and other wickednesses1 which have made me feel how infinitely superior was the so-called brute creation to that which it is made to serve4 ,i confess that it has not been my lot to come across any specimens of this much-talked-of vicious sort1 excepting in one or two rare instances1 where ,i knew that vice had been engendered by bad and cruel treatment4 ,i have no doubt that horses1 like human beings1 are sometimes born with evil natures--sometimes1 but not very often4 ,i have not met with any of them1 and the few with whom ,i have ever had trouble have invariably been those whom wanton cruelty or rank injustice had in the first instance spoilt4 ,there are very few horses indeed--even the most unruly--that cannot be tamed1 or made amenable and obedient1 by the hands and voice of a kind and judicious trainer1 and for this sort of work women are especially fitted4 ,i mean1 of course1 women of courage and mind2 not such as would scream at sight of a spider1 or go into fits if a mouse chanced to cross the floor4 ,a woman's voice carries great power along with it1 and the touch of her light firm hands can effect things at which a man's would utterly fail4 ,gentleness goes ever in advance of force1 and leading is preferable to driving4 ,even if you have to scold1 or whip1 there is a way of doing both that is temperate and wise1 and that will never create ill-will between you and your horse4 ,fight an animal1 and he will fight you in return2 coax him by the gentleness of your action and the sound of your voice1 and he will be pretty certain to yield4 ,it is just the difference between 8lead0 and 8drive40 ,such1 at least1 has been my experience4 ,i saw a horse some time ago in the west of ,ireland1 caged like a wild beast1 and fed with a pitchfork through the bars of his door4 ,nobody would go near him1 he bore such a bad name1 and the appellation his groom bestowed upon him--8,a tattherin' divil60--was certainly more expressive than refined4 ,i offered to buy him2 his owner said ,i might have him for nothing2 but ,i gave what ,i thought fair1 and took the horse home4 ,the creature was wild from savage treatment4 ,he had known nothing but blows and threats1 and angry epithets3 things that he had learned to understand only too well1 and was1 seemingly ever expectant of1 and waiting for4 ,i taught him something different--and how8--by the simple power of my voice4 ,it is not a particularly musical one1 by any means1 except in the ears of animals1 but to one of these it has never yet uttered an angry word1--and the horse came to know it1 and to listen for it1 and to neigh at the sound of it1 and by-and-by we got to understand one another quite well1 and the great1 big1 foolish old head1 all defaced and disfigured as it was by hard knocks and bad usage1 used to rest lovingly upon my shoulder1 while ,i stroked the ears that in former days had so often been laid back in angry vindictiveness against a harsh and cruel task-master4 8,he'll take the nose off your face some day1 the treacherous brute60 an ex-attendant upon my new pet once said to me4 ,but1 needless to say1 it was a libel3 my nose is still intact4 ,the horse learned to love me1 and to caress and obey from that feeling4 ,i believe he would have died for me4 ,when ,i hunted him he jumped the biggest places at a word from my lips4 ,without whip1 curb1 or spur ,i rode him for many a day1 over the difficult ,ward country1 and he never once played me a shabby trick4 ,poor fellow6 ,he had not a particle of beauty about him2 indeed1 ,i think he was ridiculously ugly1 in all save prejudiced eyes2 but he had an honest heart1 one that would have broken rather than have grieved or disobeyed his owner2 and when ,i had to shoot him 7he broke his back1 leaping a drain with a friend to whom ,i had unfortunately lent him for a day's schooling71 he turned such an eye upon me as ,i cannot to this day think of without a lump in my throat that is very seldom there4 ,the voice1 as an instigator and soother1 is alike powerful with the horse1 if we only know how to use it2 and being so1 it is a pity that it should ever be employed for any other purpose than that which is good4 ,teach your horse from the beginning to know the sound of your voice--the various tones which signify approval1 warning1 encouragement1 and reproof--and by them you can teach him to obey you1 just as you can with the reins4 ,i do not altogether approve of speaking to strange horses when mounted upon them4 ,were ,i1 for instance1 to borrow a hunter for a day's outing1 ,i don't think ,i should be inclined to talk much to him2 ,i should fear that he might not understand me1 and that mischief might consequently ensue4 ,i have1 in fact1 seen men get tremendous falls in the hunting field through shouting at hired mounts1 just when they were rising at their fences--frightening the animals out of their wits by so doing1 and throwing them completely off their balance4 ,with your own horses1 however1 it ought to be quite a different thing4 ,you should so accustom them to the sound of your voice that1 no matter how it may be raised1 it shall have no startling effect upon them4 ,an intelligent animal will soon come to know and judge of your meaning by the tone in which you speak to him1 and will learn his own name1 too1 marvellously quickly1 if frequently called by it1 a thing that will be a great aid to you in training him4 ,he will very soon also comprehend the meaning of such terms1 as 8,trot10 8,canter10 8,stand10 8,walk10 and so forth1 and will ere long obey every mandate that comes directly and firmly from your lips4 8,hi1 over60 is1 for instance1 a capital incentive for making a horse fly his fences without hanging at them1--but you must never trade upon an animal's intelligence for the purpose of fooling him1 or showing off4 ,i once knew a man who boasted that by simply saying 8go60 he could make his mare jump fifteen feet of an ordinary field1 and he tried it twice or thrice for the benefit of unbelieving acquaintances2 but1 when next he took the animal out to hunt1 and raced her at a brook1 with the hitherto magic word screamed loudly in her ear1 it proved to be a very decided case of 8go10 and 8go in0 also1 for she just planted her toes on the brink of it1 and1 stopping short1 sent her over-confident rider head foremost into the water4 ,the use of the whip as a means of managing a horse is1 unfortunately1 too often entirely misunderstood3 to hurt1 frighten1 or coerce with it being seemingly the chief object with many riders4 ,allowing that all three may at times be necessary--as in the case of vicious horses1 for instance--ladies will very rarely find it to be the case1 their mounts being1 generally speaking1 of a gentle and docile type4 ,leaving1 therefore1 the abuses of the whip on one side1 its uses in the hands of a competent horsewoman are usually reduced to the part which it may be made to fill in helping her to guide her mount on the off side--just as a man's second leg assists him in doing--and1 in like manner1 to press him up to his work4 ,this can1 of course1 be best accomplished by the aid of a stout hunting-crop1 carried handle uppermost1 as a rule3 although there are times when to shift the position of the whip1 and press the heaviest part against the horse's flank1 will be found very effectual1 particularly when negotiating ugly trappy fences1 or turning sharp corners at a brisk trot4 ,for example1 when1 in the latter case1 the turn is to the right1 the rider's body should be bent slightly to the off side of her mount1 and her leg be pressed lightly but firmly against his flank on the near side4 ,this preserves an even balance1 and will often save a fast flippant trotter from coming right down4 ,when the turn is to the left1 the body should be inclined a little that way1 while the whip handle is judiciously pressed against the off side1 thus preventing the animal's quarters from swinging too suddenly round4 ,i may here take occasion to say that corners ought never to be turned without both hands being put to the bridle1 and a support given to both sides of the horse2 if to the right1 the leg the strongest--if to the left1 the whip4 ,when the pace is very quick1 and the turn is a decidedly sharp one1 the horse's hind legs will need to be brought under him all the quicker1 for which reason the body of the rider must sway well with his motion1 while the necessary support is1 at the same time1 given on either side4 ,i shall conclude my observations about the uses of the whip by saying--use it as little as you can to punish1 and as much as you can to aid4 ,above all things1 never take it up in anger1 nor for a moment forget that the creature on whom the stroke is about to fall is sensitive to its lightest touch1 and is fully capable of being ruled without severity4 ,the same remarks apply also to the spur--the abuses of which are even more general and lamentable than are those of the whip4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,horse ,,learned ,,to ,,love ,,me4 ,,chapter ,,xi4 ,,riding ,,on ,,the ,,road4 ,i have hitherto been surmising that your rides have been upon your own horse3 one specially purchased for you1 and perfectly trained for a lady's use4 ,if such a state of things could always be ensured1 equestrianism would be a safe and delightful pastime for the gentler sex--but1 unfortunately1 it cannot be so4 ,ladies who are much in the saddle are called upon often to ride a variety of horses1 and under such circumstances their position is an awkward one1 if unaccustomed to manage any save thoroughly-trained and well-mannered animals4 ,to have none other for one's own use is at all times advisable1 so far as it can be done1 but occasions may arise when you will have to prove your claim to a higher title than that of merely a 8nice0 or 8ladylike0 rider4 ,say1 for instance1 that you are stopping at a country house1 your invitation to which has not been extended to your horse1 or yet to your groom1 and that there are riding parties every day1 which you are invited to join1 your host sometimes supplying you with a mount1 and a neighbour occasionally offering to lend you one1 it is scarcely probable that1 having a different animal to carry you every time you go out1 you can hope to escape discovering the uncomfortable effects which pernicious training1 or subsequent injudicious handling1 invariably bring about4 ,to be prepared for these--not to be taken aback by them--to be ready to face every emergency1 and overcome every difficulty in the way of equitation--is the true meaning of the word 8horsewoman40 ,it shall be my office1 then1 in this chapter to endeavour to tell you as concisely as possible how to act 7in all cases of ordinary road-riding71 when called upon to control horses with whose ways you are not altogether familiar4 ,in the first place1 when your mount is led to the door1 be ready in time to go out and inspect him4 ,this you can readily do while the laggards of the party are preparing for their ride4 ,in using the term 8inspect10 ,i do not mean that you are to assume a confident1 boastful air1 or proceed to make an ostentatious examination1 as though nobody knew anything about horse business save yourself4 ,this would only make you appear ridiculous1 and be calculated to incur dislike4 ,you should go quietly to your horse's head1 and while affecting to be engaged in caressing him1 run a hasty eye over the following points3 that the saddle is quite clear of the play of the shoulders1 and yet not too far back2 that the girths are tight enough1 and the surcingle not too loose1 although decidedly easier than the girths2 that the headstall is sufficiently long1 and in every way easy-fitting--the curb-chain the correct length--the lip-strap on--the martingale 7if a standing one7 of easy length1 and if a running1 so arranged that the pull of the reins shall be in the proper place--namely1 at the top of the withers4 ,if you find nothing to correct1 you may account yourself fortunate2 if1 on the contrary1 you perceive that anything is amiss or out of place1 signify the same quietly to the groom1 and then go indoors1 or turn aside1 while he rectifies it4 ,there is something positively unkind in standing staring at a servant while he attends to matters which you have pointed out to him for correction4 ,ten to one1 if you do so1 he will grow confused beneath your scrutiny1 and will leave his task imperfectly accomplished4 ,consideration for others ought at all times to be a part of your religion4 ,give no unnecessary trouble2 do as much for yourself as you possibly can2 never speak harshly to even the humblest2 strive to put everybody at ease2 look away from an embarrassed person until he has recovered his composure2 and if you detect a failure or shortcoming in a servant's work1 tell him gently about it--quietly1 and without impatience--and it will probably be rectified very much sooner than if you scolded or stormed4 ,for my own part1 ,i have no liking for grooms at all1 and regard most of them as the veriest eye servers2 but ,i know there are times when they are unjustly blamed4 ,in this matter ,i once got a useful lesson at an ,english country house4 ,my horse was brought to the door without a lip-strap1 and with things in general so very indifferently turned out that1 being in a hurry1 ,i got provoked1 and began to say more than my custom usually was4 ,the groom1 whose eyes were cast down1 looked pitifully at me as he answered1 8,forgive me to-day1 ma'am1 please4 ,my little child died this morning60 ,and the great tears rolled down the poor fellow's cheeks1 and ,i felt grieved for having spoken impatiently to him when his heart was so sore4 ,it was a lesson not to be forgotten1 for there are times with ourselves when sickness or trouble prevents us from attending properly to our tasks2 and servants are liable to similar weaknesses4 ,it will be well1 when you are seated comfortably in your saddle and have felt your horse's mouth a little1 to inquire of your host 7should the animal belong to him7 whether or not he has any peculiarities1 or 8little tricks10 for which it may be as well you should be prepared4 ,you will be almost certain to hear 8,no10 for it is a strange coincidence that men are quite as infatuated about their equine possessions as women are about their children1 and will never on any account be induced to believe that such a thing as a fault can possibly exist in the nature or training of any of their stud4 ,at the same time1 it can be no harm to ask1 and then1 if the owner can be reluctantly brought to acknowledge that he 8wants a bit of rousing10 you may prepare yourself for the discomforts of riding a slug1 or1 if the animal is allowed to be 8a trifle skittish10 you can ask for an ounce or two of diachylon1 or the same quantity of birdlime1 to stick yourself well in the saddle6 ,joking apart1 it is really an unwise thing to be too foolhardy about riding strange horses4 ,the most courageous equestrian in the world ought not to fancy herself above asking1 in a pleasant off-hand way1 for some information concerning the character of her casual mount2 in fact1 the more accomplished the rider1 the more necessary it may be to do so1 for there are many owners of horses who know very little themselves about riding1 or of the perils attendant upon supplying ladies with unsuitable mounts--and the consequence is1 that if there happens to be in the stable a creature whom that ,irish groom1 already mentioned1 would call a 8tattherin' divil10 he is quietly told off on a hunting day1 or otherwise1 for the use of the lady or gentleman who may be esteemed the most capable of managing him4 ,a ,hungerton farmer--one of a big class--once volunteered to lend me a magnificent high-flyer to negotiate the big thorn fences with the ,quorn pack4 ,i was foolish enough to accept1 without asking anything about the animal1 except whether he could jump2 and when ,i tell you that between ,beeby and ,scraptoft he gave me two falls1 that he knocked down a boy on a pony1 and damaged a wrecker to the extent of a couple of sovereigns1 besides bringing me home without a hat1 and with my face well stuck over with thorns and a general need of surgical assistance all about me1 it will be readily imagined that the 8high-flyer0 was not exactly an eligible beast for a lady to ride4 ,but his owner only stood in the doorway laughing from ear to ear when he saw me1 and uttered a great 8guffaw0 on hearing the recital of his property's misdeeds4 8,glory be to ,christmas6 ,i thought you could ride anything60 was all that he said1 fairly doubled in two with merriment at the sight of my forlorn appearance1--and ,i answered crossly enough1 that had ,i been as wise when setting out as ,i was on returning1 ,i would have seen that the animal was differently bitted1 and have clothed myself in sackcloth--to say nothing of ashes--instead of in the best hunting-gear of which ,i was possessed4 8,well1 you never asked me a word about him10 his owner said1 still in a roar1 8or ,i'd have told you that he was a rum one when once he got going60 and as ,i had nothing to say in reply to this1 ,i took myself and my rags upstairs out of sight1 and spent the next day in bed1 with a leech to my eye1 and plasters all over my body4 ,to return to the subject of road-riding4 ,always strive to make your horse start from the door at a walk4 ,if he is properly trained he will step nicely out1 nodding his head as he goes2 but no matter how quiet he may appear1 it will not be well to leave him an entirely loose rein4 ,you should keep a light but firm hold upon the bridle1 so as to be ready at a second's warning to bring restraining pressure to bear upon his mouth4 ,if you want a horse to walk fast1 ride him with the snaffle only2 but when in the park1 or desirous of showing off1 you will best bring out his action by a light use of the curb4 ,if he is a very highly-mettled animal1 and anxious to get off on first setting out1 do not irritate him by keeping him back with too tight a rein4 ,allow him to trot away pretty freely at the beginning1 and after awhile he will be almost certain to settle down and walk collectedly for you with a slack bridle4 ,to hold a horse in1 and then whip or spur him to make him walk1 is but to turn his courage to vice4 ,my counsel is1 leave him his head1 and when he attempts to break--namely1 to get into a trot or canter--at a time when it is your wish that he should walk1 pull him gently up and make him begin again4 ,by adopting this method1 and preserving as strict a command over your own temper as over the reins1 you will soon teach almost any horse to walk correctly4 ,i believe that in no other pace can there be found such true experience of the meaning of 8light hands40 ,this admirable attribute--which1 it must be confessed1 is generally confined to women--signifies absolute control over an animal with scarcely any display of force--a sort of elastic touch1 by which accomplished riders convey their meaning to their mounts through the almost imperceptible action of the bit1 acted upon by the reins held lightly with the fingers4 ,this is a poor explanation1 but it will do to serve as a guide1 until experience shall have taught you far better than printed instructions ever can4 ,i would have you remember that although a very perfect walker may be permitted to go forward for a good space with a loose rein1 he should never1 if tired1 be allowed to do so1 for even one moment4 ,hold him with a firm1 even hand1 keeping a judicious watch upon the bridle1 and drawing his head rather downward and toward his chest4 ,by this means he will be constrained to bring his hind legs well and regularly under him4 ,young riders are often exceedingly incautious when taking beaten horses home after a hunt1 desiring to affect the seemingly careless seat and equally unstudied handling of the reins which are the prerogatives of finished horsewomen4 ,these1 having complete confidence in themselves1 can afford a certain show of nonchalance1 but it will not do for students to follow their 8carelessness10 until their own claim to both 8hands0 and 8seat0 shall have become perfectly ensured4 ,you must1 when walking1 keep your horse collected3 by which ,i mean that he is to be kept well on his haunches1 and prevented from crossing his legs4 ,let him pick his own steps if going over rutty or uneven ground2 move with him as he moves1 turn as he turns1 so as to be1 as it were1 a portion of him1 and1 when going round a corner1 do not pull his head any further in that direction than will just enable you to see his eye4 ,having thus considered the subject of instructing an imperfectly-broken horse to walk well upon the road--in such a manner as shall gain for him the reputation of being a good roadster1 or covert hack--we will now say a few words about trotting4 ,when you want an animal to change from a walk to a trot1 signify your wish to him by a light movement of the bridle in his mouth1 a pressure of your leg and whip-handle1 and an indication of your meaning by a slight rising in the stirrup4 ,when he begins to go1 keep him thoroughly well collected1 but not on any account too tightly reined in4 ,timid equestrians do themselves and their mounts great injustice by fancying that a tight grip of the bridle1 and consequent shortening of the horse's head1 is in any way calculated to ensure their safety4 ,it is exactly the contrary way4 ,allow somebody to rein back your own head and neck1 and then attempt to walk down an unknown staircase1 or go in and out among obstacles that you cannot see4 ,ten to one you will make a blunder1 and come down2 whereas1 had you been left your head1 your progress would in all probability have been perfectly easy and safe4 ,i hope ,i shall succeed in making my meaning distinctly understood in this matter1 because it really is a most important one4 ,i just want to illustrate the difference between permitting an animal to go all abroad 7or what ,tom ,cannon calls 8slummucking07--and reining him in so very tightly that he cannot see where he is expected to plant his feet4 ,on your complete knowledge of this essential subject1 one-half1 if not more1 of your success as a horsewoman must inevitably depend1 and in my anxiety that you should grasp the meaning of it1 ,i may1 perhaps1 be found fault with for referring to it too often1 or for speaking of it in too homely a fashion4 ,this is1 ,i am aware1 an age of false refinement3 one in which a writer has to grapple with extraordinary difficulties1 being stigmatised as 8coarse0 when he ventures to set forth home and useful truths1 and 8vulgar0 when he writes humorously or introduces a spice of fun4 ,now1 it is not my way to care in the least whether or not such terms are applied to me by outsiders 7my friends can judge for themselves7--but ,i would a good deal rather any day be a 8vulgar0 practical writer1 doing some good in my generation1 than a 8refined0 useless one1 and ,i think it necessary to make reference to the matter in this place1 because ,i have a great deal yet to say on subjects connected with the one on which ,i am writing1 and if ,i am to dress up my sentences in flowers and satin ribbons1 instead of suffering the plain meaning of them to appear1 ,i may go on writing for many months to come1 and yet fail to make myself properly understood in the end4 ,you must bear in mind that the trot is the horse's natural pace1 and that when not overpressed he will go further and with less fatigue to himself when regulated to it1 than at either a canter or gallop4 ,at the same time1 he must not on any account be urged beyond the limit of his powers1 for such a course is not only cruel1 but dangerous--inasmuch as an animal going a hard pace cannot1 if he makes a mistake1 recover his balance as rapidly as if proceeding at the even rate of eight1 or from that to ten miles an hour4 ,i consider the latter excellent going indeed2 too fast1 in fact1 unless the remainder of your party happen to be as well mounted as yourself--for nothing on earth is more indicative of bad taste than riding perpetually in front of those who are in company with you4 ,i am not1 as a rule1 at all in favour of allowing a horse to break from a trot to a canter1 or from one pace of any kind to another1 but there are times--when going long distances1 for instance--at which a humane rider will permit her mount to do so by way of rest and change1 rather than keep him perpetually going at precisely the same pace1 in order to gain for him the name of an exceptionally fine trotter4 ,your rise and fall in the saddle should be light1 graceful1 straight1 easy1 and accurately in time with the movements of your horse's forelegs4 ,by attending to this rule when riding on the road1 you will save yourself and your mount a great deal of unnecessary fatigue4 ,if you find1 when trotting1 that your horse is going in an uncomfortable1 one-sided manner1 giving now and again a strange sort of cow kick1 you may be confident that the saddle is hurting him4 ,in such a case dismount at once1 and if at all close to home1 put the bridle over your arm and lead him the rest of the journey4 ,should it happen1 however1 when you are a long distance away1 you must only take him very quietly indeed1 until you are near enough to walk the remainder of the way yourself4 ,it is on just such emergencies that the practice1 which ,i have so staunchly recommended1 of wearing comfortable easy-fitting boots1 comes most usefully in4 ,i have seen ladies remain seated upon the backs of most palpably suffering horses1 simply because they were absolutely incapable of walking even half a mile in the boots which they had donned for riding4 ,never allow your horse to get into a jog-trot when in company with a riding party1 or in the park--but remember that it is a most valuable pace at which to bring home a tired hunter4 ,a very light easy canter1 wherever the road is soft1 or where there is sufficient grass by the side of it to take the jar off his feet1 or else what is known as the 8jog10 will be the most humane way of getting him safely to his stable4 ,many lady riders imagine that cantering is a safer as well as a pleasanter pace at which to travel1 than trotting 7whether fast or slow7 can ever be4 ,this is really a great mistake2 trotting is the safest pace at which a horse can go1 provided that he is sound-footed4 ,i shall strive to explain the reason in a few words4 ,when cantering1 the off fore and off hind leg are advanced together1 leaving the others in the rear2 thus the diagonal legs of the two pairs are not set down simultaneously4 ,if you listen to a perfectly sound horse trotting on a road1 you will hear four even beats2 but in the canter it may be only two or three1 according as the animal's weight is adjusted4 ,when trotting he makes his diagonal legs serve him turn about1 so that when one pair is going forward1 the other is sustaining his weight in an equal1 or perfectly even manner2 not in a one-sided way1 as is the case in the canter4 ,a sound-footed horse1 trotting at a regular pace1 always has two diagonal supports under him1 and two coming to their assistance1 for which very reason fast trotting is a dangerous pace when a leg or foot happens to be unsound1 or when a slovenly motion is indulged in4 ,a horse trotting quickly should never be pulled up in a hurry4 ,you should bring him to a slow trot by shortening the reins1 and then to a walk by sitting down in the saddle1 and talking to him in a language that he will very readily learn to comprehend4 ,in reining a horse back1 you must keep in mind the fact that he cannot move at all if you drag him so suddenly backward that he gets both hind-legs under him together4 ,it is a revolting and heartrending sight to see the way in which draymen beat unfortunate horses about the breasts and bellies by way of punishment for not backing heavy loads far enough1 when1 in reality1 the wretched animals are in such position that they cannot by any possibility move their extended hind-legs4 ,i saw a cruel instance of this in ,liverpool a few months ago3 a carter savagely beating his horse1 a crowd of persons looking on1 and one or two among them abusing the man in no measured terms2 yet not one had the sense to tell him that if he would only lead the horse quietly forward1 even a step or two1 and then back him1 doing the same thing every time that he came to a stop1 the desired object would very soon be attained--which it was1 as soon as the proper method had been tried4 ,this is just the principle of reining back4 ,the horse must be collected1 and brought square on his legs every time that he resists1 and be again brought under the influence of the bridle1 for backing purposes1 when he has come to an even stand4 ,i fancy it will be almost superfluous to tell you to observe strictly the rules of the road--namely1 to keep to the left1 except when you have to pass anything going your way1 in which case you must get by on the right of it4 ,illustration ,,chapter ,,xii4 ,,paces1 ,,vices1 ,,and ,,faults4 ,cantering is a very nice pace for park or road riding1 when the ground is soft1 and not cut up by stones4 ,a trained horse will start from a walk to a canter at a very slight indication from his rider1 but surmising 7as in the last chapter7 that you have accepted the loan of a somewhat unmannerly or not sufficiently educated mount1 you must induce him to canter by collecting him well on his haunches 7from which the motion is in reality performed71 touching him with the whip on the off side1 and drawing his head gently round to the near until he makes a start4 ,when he does so1 balance yourself in time to his movement1 and use the bridle lightly1 with a very slight give-and-take motion of your hands4 ,do not allow him to get into a gallop2 but1 at the same time1 remember that it will be cruel to keep him cantering too long1 especially unless you permit him to change his leg1 for which purpose you must pull him quietly up1 and reverse the movement by which1 in the first instance1 you have urged him to go off4 ,a slow1 handsome canter1 collected and dignified1 looks extremely well no doubt in the park1 but it is terribly trying to a horse when kept up too long2 in fact1 a smart1 stirring gallop will not distress him nearly so much4 ,when cantering keep your knees firmly pressed against the pommels--sit close to the saddle1 like a part of your horse--and throw your shoulders well back4 ,the very nice pace called a hand-gallop may be indulged in by slackening the rein a little1 and encouraging your mount by voice or bridle to go a trifle faster4 ,the hand-gallop never distresses a horse1 even a broken-winded one2 it is a joyous1 exhilarating motion1 in which both steed and rider find pleasure4 ,conversation need not be stopped by it1 or even interrupted for a moment1 and it will be found a delightful pace at which to go to covert in the morning1 or to travel on to the next one1 when 8blank0 has been called at the first4 ,the hand-gallop is only pastime--mere play1 without any peril--but the gallop proper1 to which ,i now come to allude1 is a very serious business indeed for a young rider to take in hand4 ,if your horse is a trained one1 you have only to sit down close when he gallops1 and hold the reins firmly in both hands3 your seat secure1 your body as motionless as you can make it1 your elbows like hinges1 your hands low on the withers1 keeping your horse's head straight and steady1 while you give-and-take with his every stride1 and on no account1 or under any circumstances whatever1 keep a dead pull on his mouth4 ,i shall surmise1 however1 as before 7for the purpose of instructing you7 that your steed is not by any means perfect1 and that he will probably give you a good deal of trouble before you have quite done with him4 ,he will not be likely to have all the vices1 or even one-half of those for which ,i am about to prepare you1 but you will probably meet with them in one form or another at different periods of your career as a horsewoman3 therefore a few words about such matters will not1 ,i think1 be amiss4 ,if called upon to ride a puller1 get his head up1 and then drop your hands a little to him1 to see whether he will yield to your will4 ,if he fails to do so1 catch the reins short1 draw back your foot1 give him one good pull1 and then another3 in short1 a succession of them--but yield to him always between whiles1 and speak to him in a quiet1 soothing manner4 ,do not attempt to fight him1 or he may run away with you1 and that is nasty for a lady4 ,if you think that he has the bit between his teeth1 you may saw at it from side to side until you get him to release it4 ,boring is a very unpleasant vice1 if ,i may call it one4 ,few horses have it naturally1 and ,i attribute it in most cases to an undue use of the curb4 ,i have found that the best method of treating it is to take up the cheek-pieces of the headstall4 ,if a horse bores to one side 7a most unsightly habit71 attach the throat-latch to the ring of the snaffle-bridle by a small strap on the side opposite to that on which the head is bent4 ,this is generally effectual1 because it brings the mouthpiece to bear upon the gum4 ,a kicker is not a pleasant mount for a lady1 and the powers which some animals possess in this especial line are simply astonishing4 ,as a rule you will perceive1 either by the laying back of your horse's ears1 or a queer wriggle of his body1 that he is going to do something that will stamp him as a villain1 and if these indications are accompanied by a backward turning of a very whitened eye1 look out at once for your life6 ,many horses will1 however1 give no warning of any kind1 and they of course are the most dangerous sort4 ,thoroughbreds are quite dreadful in this particular4 ,they will kick when going a brisk gallop4 ,i have twice had my hat lashed by the tails of high kickers--and the most stunning fall ,i ever got in my life was through being caught napping by one of these volatile gentlemen1 who pretended to be going up to his bridle in the most collected manner possible 7when exercising one day in frosty weather1 in a wood71 and suddenly shot me off like an arrow from a bow6--so high1 too1 that to this day ,i am ready to swear ,i saw the tops of the bare elms1 while the force of my contact with the ground1 when at length ,i came down upon it1 gave me concussion of the spine1 from which ,i suffered for several succeeding months4 ,a horse that kicks must be ridden in a severe bit1 except in cases where it is only an ebullition of spirits4 ,where this is the case1 ride him hard1 and get it out of him2 when it amounts to an actual vice1 you must keep him partially in order by using a bit such as ,i seriously decry for other forms of misdemeanor1 and when he begins his unpleasant pranks get his head well up1 so that he can't force it between his knees1 and bend him round until you compel him to turn4 ,by doing this a few times he will probably leave off kicking4 ,to ride a kicker in the hunting-field is highly injudicious and unfair4 ,some excellent hunters1 however1 though not by any means confirmed kickers1 will lash out dangerously when riders are crowded together at a gap1 and this is about the very worst time at which a horse can possibly misconduct himself4 ,when riding one of this sort1 you must be content to pay the penalty of his vagaries by isolating yourself from the rest of the field--a disadvantage1 of course1 for all riders naturally make for the best places at which to get out2 and if1 in spite of this1 you are pressed upon by others1 you must put your hand to the back of your waist1 the fingers turning outwards1 and motion slightly with them1 in order that those in the rear of you may know that they are in peril4 ,buck-jumping is another most unpleasant vice1 although happily not a very common one in this country4 ,i have only come across one horse who possessed it4 ,he belonged to a ,meath farmer1 and ,i bought him for a song on account of his failing4 ,he got me off five times the first day that ,i attempted to ride him1 and so delighted was he with himself when he succeeded in gaining the odd number1 that he actually kept bucking about1 like a playful goat1 all around me--squealing and romping1 and flourishing his horrid heels at me--while ,i lay exhausted upon the ground1 too much bruised to be able to get up without help4 ,after this ,i put a gag-snaffle on him1 pulled the reins sharply when he attempted to get his head down1 and then1 when he lowered it in spite of me1 let the leathers slip through my fingers on to his neck1 leaned back as far as ever ,i could 7still1 however1 keeping hold of the reins71 and the moment ,i was able to get a pull at him1 turned him round and round from one side to the other1 until both he and ,i were pretty tired of the work4 ,all things considered1 ,i cannot conscientiously recommend a buck-jumper for a lady's use4 ,rearing is a very dangerous vice for a horsewoman to have to contend against1 owing to the side position which she occupies in the saddle4 ,if ever you are unlucky enough to have to mount a rearer1 do not touch him with a curb at all2 ride him on the snaffle only1 and when he attempts to rise up with you1 lean well forward and clutch his mane firmly with your hands1 holding the bridle very loosely all the while1 and touching him sharply with your heel4 ,do not on any account lay your whip upon him1 be it ever so lightly4 ,i myself have found the butt end of such an article1 brought down briskly between the ears of a rearer1 a very efficient mode of bringing him to his senses1--but please bear in mind that ,i do not either advocate or recommend it3 in fact1 rather than do so1 ,i should prefer to warn you against it1 for once1 when1 flushed with my own success1 ,i chanced to say something in favour of the system1 my temerity brought thirty-two letters down upon me 7most of them from horrified old gentlemen who declared that their daughters were practising on the carriage horses671 and the columns of more than one sporting paper were inundated for a month or two with an inane correspondence4 ,i have found a rearing bit most useful at times2 but1 if taken aback when riding without one1 it will be well to follow the practice of holding on to the mane with one hand1 say the left1 while with the right the reins are pulled in a downward direction1 bringing the horse's head round ever so little1 in order if possible to make him change his leg4 ,the fact is1 there are vicious rearers whom nothing will cure--cunning ones who know enough never to tumble back upon you1 and are sufficiently amenable in other ways to encourage the hope that something may be made of them--playful ones who transgress more from skittishness than vice--and timid ones who1 having suffered from too severe bitting1 throw themselves upward as soon as they feel the touch of the bridle upon their mouths4 ,an accomplished horsewoman will soon distinguish the differences which mark these various offenders1 and will act with coolness and judgment1 according as her training may point out to her4 ,i believe that to be perfectly cool on all occasions1 never to be flurried1 or taken unawares1 and above all things never to lose temper1 no matter how trying the circumstances1 will best ensure successful equestrianism1 both for men and women4 ,to expect to ride without encountering difficulties and worries1 as well as risks and dangers1 is only to look for something that cannot possibly be attained4 ,ride1 of course1 you may--if to sit calmly on a slug's back1 and walk him round a grass field1 or along a country road1 can be called riding--but the term1 in the sense in which ,i apply it1 means something very different indeed4 ,it is replete with dangers and anxieties of all sorts1 but surely it is worth them4 ,many a time1 when ,i have come in fagged1 heated1 and dirty1 after battling with a young beginner--or ragged and weary after a hard day's hunting through bush and briar1 it has been said to me1 8,surely the pleasure1 such as it is1 cannot repay you for the toil40 ,utter nonsense1 of course6 ,is any trouble1 or any loss1 for an instant remembered in the joyous burst of music with which hounds rattle their fox out of covert1 or the delight of feeling a hitherto intractable youngster bending at length submissively to one's will8 ,often and often now1 when sitting alone in my quiet study1 or watching the active pleasures from which ,i am wholly debarred1 ,i feel how truly ,i have 8had my day0--a most happy one--and how willingly ,i would go through the same sufferings1 if consequent upon the same joys4 ,tempora mutantur4 ,even so1 let it pass4 ,shying cannot properly be called a vice1 though many consider it one4 ,i think it generally proceeds from defective vision1 and where this is the case the animal may be led quietly up to the object of his aversion1 and shown that it is nothing very dreadful after all4 ,shying at a bicycle or road-engine is so extremely natural that the rider--so far from showing any anger against his mount--ought to soothe and quiet him by every means in his power4 ,a young1 fresh horse will shy at a bird1 a piece of paper--anything--but a clever equestrian should never be discomposed by such trifles4 ,a steady seat ought to be sufficient security against all possible disaster4 ,stumbling is a very unpleasant weakness1 though not a vice4 ,being too heavily shod is often a cause of it1 and this of course can be remedied2 but there is little chance of effecting any good when the fault proceeds from defective muscular action1 or from malformation of the feet4 ,neither can it be cured when it arises from the shoulders being too straight1 or the forelegs shaky4 ,a bad1 cramped trotter without any proper knee action1 is extremely likely to stumble and come down1 and all that a rider can possibly do with such a one is to keep him well collected--,i do not mean reined in1 but going properly up to his bridle--and to make him bring his hind legs under him1 at whatever pace he may be going4 ,i greatly dislike the habit1 common among ignorant riders and drivers1 of striking a horse when he stumbles3 it cannot then effect any good1 and is calculated to give him an unpleasant habit of prancing about whenever the mishap occurs4 ,disquietude in mounting is a very serious fault4 ,some horses plunge and dance in a highly dangerous manner--the result of nervousness1 or of having at some time or another been frightened by some mischance4 ,when this is the case the horse ought to be held for a moment or two by the snaffle rein only1 quite close to the cheek1 and be spoken to at the same time in a soothing manner4 ,he should never on any account be scolded1 and by-and-by1 when he quiets down a little1 the groom should stand at his head1 and hold the snaffle-reins firmly but lightly in both hands4 ,if you perceive that he 7the attendant7 is not thoroughly master of his business1 it will be yours to see that he does not by any movement bring the curb into action1 or pinch the horse's jaw4 ,running away is a desperate vice for a lady to have to grapple with1 and my own experiences of it warn me to put others on their guard4 ,if a horse is known to be a runaway1 never be induced to trust yourself upon his back4 ,he will do it again at some time or another1 even though his first offence may have almost passed out of mind1 and it will be better that you should give him a wide berth4 ,i must candidly say1 however1 that ,i would rather1 for my own safety1 ride ten practised runaways--what are called old hands at it--than one mad1 frightened horse that had lost his wits from some real cause of alarm4 ,the best advice that ,i can give in either case is this3 ,do not keep a dead pull upon the reins1 because that will not be a particle of use2 in fact1 by doing so you will only be supporting his head1 and giving him stamina to go faster4 ,try by a succession of strong jerks and pulls to prevent him getting fully into his stride1 for once he does so you may bid good-bye to any chance of stopping him until he has run himself clean out4 ,a horse that is not a confirmed runaway may be checked by sawing his mouth hard with the snaffle1 but my advice is1 do not try to stop him at all1 if you have fair going ground before you1 or that you can possibly breast him up any sort of incline4 ,in such case1 let him go--sit close down in your saddle--and when you feel him slacken1 take up your whip in earnest1 and give it him within an inch of his life4 ,this latter advice1 however1 only applies to 8rogues0--animals who habitually run away and endanger their riders4 ,to whip a really startled horse would be both cruel and unwise2 nor is it ever judicious to do so in cases where the going is not both fair and open in front of you4 ,if run away with in park or street1 you must endeavour to keep clear of trees and vehicles1 and strive to get your horse stopped as best you can4 ,happily1 such catastrophes do not very often occur4 ,i am against the theory that a rider ought in all instances to stick to a runaway horse4 ,as a rule it is better to do so1 but there are decidedly a few exceptions4 ,a pet idea of my own is to bring him down1 in whatever way it can best be done2 but ,i do not for a moment want to persuade others to do this4 ,one man's meat is another man's poison2 and on this principle a plan which is1 or has been1 successful in my own hands might prove a dangerous failure in another's4 ,i once stopped a maddened horse that had made away with me at ,melton1 by letting him have his head for about a furlong1 or something less1 and then giving him one stupendous tug with the reins4 ,the sudden jerk to his mouth caused him to cross his legs1 and he came down a 8thundering cropper10 giving me one1 of course1 also2 but riding1 as ,i always did1 in a plain racing stirrup1 without having my foot thrust 8home10 ,i got clear off1 and escaped without any more serious injury than a very severe shaking4 ,the sensation was not a nice one1 ,i confess1 and the peril was great2 but1 on the whole1 ,i should prefer it again to enacting ,mazeppa1 or something like it1 on the back of a wild steed1 who would probably not stop until he had landed his rider at that fatal bourne from whence no traveller returns4 ,,chapter ,,xiii4 ,a ,,lesson ,,in ,,leaping4 ,surmising that you are now as perfect as possible in park and road riding1 you must qualify yourself as a huntress by learning to jump every kind of obstacle that will be likely to come in your way4 ,indeed1 it is advisable for every rider1 even though destined to spend a lifetime without ever hearing the music of the hounds1 to acquire practice in leaping1 as a means of improving the seat and securing immunity from possible danger and inconvenience4 ,i mean to convey1 that to a lady equestrian who knows nothing of sitting over a jump1 a long ride in the country will be likely to prove somewhat embarrassing1 seeing that newly-cut ditches and small sheep-hurdles are frequently to be met with1 and where some members of the party jump them and others hang back1 the difference of opinion will not tell in favour of the laggards4 ,to be ready for all emergencies is the rule of good riding1 and even if country difficulties have not to be encountered1 there may be times--probably will be--when an animal will bounce suddenly forwards1 or bound into the air from very exuberance of spirits1 and if his rider has not learned to sit over a fence it will be ten to one against her keeping her position in the saddle4 ,an unprepared or untaught rider is always thrown forward by a horse's leap1 and the object to be gained by teaching is to be able to offer suitable resistance to this--and to do so1 no matter how sudden or unexpected the movement may be4 ,some excellent authorities assert that a lady's first leaping lessons ought always to be in a school4 ,i object to the word 8always0 in this instance1 and should like to substitute 8generally40 ,without in the very least depreciating the excellence of school teaching--for it sometimes is excellent1 though oftener the reverse--,i have nevertheless undertaken to teach 8riding without a master10 and with this object in view ,i shall offer a few hints upon the subject in a simple1 common-sense fashion1 which ,i hope may prove profitable to those who wish to learn4 ,i think it an excellent plan1 if in the country1 to begin by practising over fallen trees--or if a place can be found where two or three of these have been felled together and are lying at short distances from one another1 so much the better4 ,such a spot affords capital schooling-ground4 ,small ditches too1 and cuttings1 are very nice--and so are little streams that don't call for much exertion on the part of the rider to enable her to get over them4 ,if1 however1 your surroundings are not such as will admit of your practising over natural obstacles of an easy nature1 have one or two artificial ones erected1 in the shape of small hurdles1 interwoven with gorse or some such matter1 but strive to avoid taking your first leaps over a bar--a thing at which many horses are apt to go 8slovenly10 owing to the fact that they see the daylight underneath1 and have sense to know quite well that they are only being humbugged4 ,when you have acquired a certain amount of confidence over such trifling obstacles as ,i have mentioned1 it will be well for you to enlist the services of a good rider1 and ask him to pilot you over a few easy fences1 and to show you the way through a gap or two1 with perhaps a small ditch on the off or landing side4 ,you must avoid being too ambitious1 or over-confident1 if you happen1 fortunately1 to get on well at first4 ,the horse on which you practice should be a steady1 easy jumper1 neither too flippant nor at all apt to refuse1 and you should ride him without a spur1 until such time as you are qualified to take him into the hunting-field4 ,when going straight at a leap1 sit firmly in the centre of your saddle1 your head well up1 your eyes looking right between your horse's ears1 the snaffle reins in both hands1 with just a slight feeling upon your mount's mouth1 without any attempt at holding him back or clinging by the bridle to secure your own safety4 ,never on any account contract the habit of clutching short at the reins1 or at any part of the saddle1 in order to help you in preserving your balance--nor should you throw up your hands1 which must in all instances be kept low and steady4 ,when approaching a leap1 bend your body slightly backwards from the waist up1 at the same time keeping your seat firmly in the middle of the saddle1 that you may not be disconcerted by the action of the loin-muscles of the horse4 ,the degree to which this 8leaning back0 is to be carried must of course depend altogether upon the size and nature of the leap to be accomplished2 for example1 at a big-drop1 or down-jump1 a good rider will almost touch the horse's croup1 but you must never lose sight of the fact that it is the shoulders that are to be bent flexibly backwards 7returning to an upright position on landing71 and not any part of the body that lies below the waist4 ,the two great secrets of leaping are1 to sit like a centaur while your waist and shoulders adapt themselves pliantly to the movements of your horse--and never to interfere with his mouth4 ,plenty of headroom has always been my cry2 ,i believe that where it is attended to there is very rarely an accident4 ,horses1 even those that are not very highly trained1 are marvellously clever1 and will generally put their feet in the right places if allowed to see where they are to put them1 but a rider might just as well blindfold a horse at once--tie a thick bandage across his eyes--and then expect him to fence safely1 as draw the reins so tight when he is rising that even if not absolutely thrown down by the action1 he is prevented from seeing where he is expected to land4 ,a horse cannot possibly do his work well or generously when compelled to carry his rider with his mouth--nor can a rider derive the pleasure that he is seeking while sitting altogether wrongly in the saddle4 ,it is quite beautiful to see the way in which young horses fence when their mouths are not interfered with4 ,i have often taken a raw youngster out over a trappy country1 with only leading reins on him1 or long ropes1 and have jumped alongside of him over the little ditches1 transported with delight at the manner in which he gathered his haunches under him1 and the clever way in which1 on landing1 he planted his feet4 ,it is really charming to watch them1 and most sad to think and know that by-and-by1 when some professedly fine1 but in reality totally ignorant rider gets upon their backs1 every second fence or so will witness a cropper1 and the young1 fleet-limbed1 spirited creatures will be beaten1 and pulled at1 and called 8brutes10 and sworn at too1 as though it were not the clumsy hands at their mouths that were in reality bringing them to grief4 ,good hunters are1 times out of number1 thrown down by their riders4 ,a lady1 for instance1 borrows a mount for a day1 and hears from his owner 7who perhaps knows very little indeed about horsemanship7 that he's a 8capital goer1 but wants a little lifting at his fences40 ,i have heard that idiotic expression made use of hundreds1 nay1 thousands of times4 ,well1 out she goes2 the animal1 fresh and buoyant1 starts away at a nailing pace1 and when not interfered with goes skying over obstacles from which others are turning away1--but the half-frightened rider on his back has that word 8lifting0 imprinted upon her sensitive brain1 and the moment the horse takes off at the first big fence1 up go her hands with a sudden haul at the bridle1 and the animal1 surprised and thrown off his balance by the action1 lands unevenly1 if he lands at all1 and very likely gives her a severe fall4 ,illustration3 8,,hi1 ,,over6 ,,my ,,beauty40 page #aej4 ,there is not one on earth who is more against permitting any 8slummucking10 or romping1 or going 8abroad10 than ,i am myself2 to keep a horse well collected has always been my teaching2 leave him his head when coming up to a fence2 let him stretch his neck to see what it is2 keep a light1 very light1 feeling upon the snaffle when he makes his effort2 and1 as he lands1 but not till then1 give him a gentle support with both hands--especially if the jump is a very big one1 in order that he may not 8peck40 ,bear in mind1 however1 that if you attempt this support too soon--when he is in the air1 for instance1 or in fact until he needs it--you will undoubtedly throw him down4 ,practice will teach you all these things far better than anything else1 but a careful study of them should not on any account be despised4 ,horses do not as a rule like schooling4 ,i believe they abhor it2 there is not any kind of excitement about it--no emulation1 no company1 nothing1 in short1 to keep up the 8go10--therefore ,i maintain that more falls are to be had when practising in this way 7owing to the fact that animals will not jump so generously as when actually going the pace71 than are ever to be met with in the hunting-field4 ,still1 it must occasionally be done1 especially where young hunters are to be kept in practice--and ,i strongly advise you to undertake the doing of it yourself1 rather than entrust your favourites to a heavy-handed groom1 who will rattle the lives half out of them1 and cram them at their fences in a manner calculated to spoil them utterly for your own subsequent use4 ,never believe anybody who tells you that the best equestrians sit forward when their horses jump1 and backward when they land4 ,such is really not the case at all4 ,in some instances they may have begun by doing so--taught probably by a military riding-master to think it the proper thing--but one or two sounding knocks upon the nose or in the middle of the forehead1 received through inability to regulate the precise time for the two distinct movements1 have taught them to discard the theory as nonsensical1 which it most certainly is4 ,i believe a great deal in having confidence1 and in the power of imparting the same feeling to your horse2 also1 in keeping both him and yourself in perfect good temper4 ,ride him with judgment1 and he will soon learn to understand exactly what it is that you want of him4 ,never take him too fast at wide ditches1 or at fences that necessitate a rise2 in all such instances suffer him to measure his stride2--give him time--don't hustle him--7an unwise and horrid habit71 let him gather his hind legs well under him1 and on no account hold him hard on the curb4 ,remember1 likewise1 that you must always leave him sufficient length of rein to enable him to extend his neck4 ,i am against going over fast1 even at water1 unless the place is a formidably wide one4 ,i think that undue haste must prevent a horse from measuring his stride1 and that this is the reason why animals so frequently take-off too soon1 and consequently either over-jump themselves1 or land short4 ,they have done it with myself1 many times1 in the early days of my riding career2 there is scarcely a branch of the ,lara in which ,i have not been ducked1 and surely experientia docet4 ,moreover1 a horse cannot possibly last in anything like a fast run1 unless he is kept collected4 ,a sprawler very soon comes to the end of his tether1 while fair-and-easy goes far in the day4 ,this is particularly the case where ridge and furrow1 or marshy ground1 have to be traversed4 ,you should accustom your horse to do small places slowly2 blind fences and ugly trappy obstacles must be negotiated with deliberation1 for the very worst falls are got through hustling animals at such things as these4 ,you should never take your horse's attention for a moment from his work4 ,a bad rider comes 8fighting up0 to a fence3 spurring1 striking1 and jagging at his horse's mouth--and somehow the good riders are not sorry when the fretted animal jerks his tormentor off1 and gallops away without him4 ,a mind at ease and undisturbed is absolutely essential to a fencer2 to strike or spur him at a critical moment will probably throw him out of his stride1 and may be the means also of throwing the rider out of the saddle4 ,there are certain varieties of jumps which it will be well to consider in detail1 especially as beginners are apt to think that if they succeed with tolerable credit in getting over a few small cuttings in the country1 they are fully qualified to take foremost place in the ranks of fair ,dianas4 ,in timber-jumping1 to begin with1 you must remember that a horse quite fresh from his stable will naturally be able to accomplish much more than when half pumped out2 and as a fall over timber is much nastier for a lady than almost any other description of casualty1 ,i strongly advise you not to urge an animal that has jumped1 say1 four feet of timber with you at the first go off1 to do more than three1 or three and a-half1 at the second4 ,the reason is simply this3 to accomplish timber safely a horse must rise well at it2 this he cannot do if at all pumped out1 and the consequence is that he hits it with his knees1 or chest1 and gives himself and his rider a terrific fall4 ,there are fences that may be taken at a swing1 others that can be scrambled over1 and others again that must be negotiated deliberately1 requiring more coolness than courage to accomplish the doing of them safely--but timber must be got over in thoroughly hunter-like fashion1 or a terrific crash will be the result4 ,high stiff rails1 or gates1 have more perils for riders than any other obstacle that can be met with in the hunting-field1 not even excepting walls2 for many hunters will go collectedly and steadily at these latter1 when a four or five-barred gate1 with the daylight showing through and letting them see what is on the other side will be either refused1 or done in decidedly slovenly fashion1 in which case the latter state is infinitely worse than the first4 ,in taking an up-jump1 throw your head and shoulders well back1 so that you may escape being struck in the face1 and leave your horse unlimited headroom1 for the danger of a leap of this description is1 that the animal may not get his quarters sufficiently under him to land safely on his legs1 and may in consequence be in danger of going back3 in such case1 if he is in the slightest degree trammelled about the mouth1 he will be unable to stretch his neck or make the necessary struggle to recover himself4 ,many ladies have a horror of going over water1 the dread of immersion being no doubt the paramount cause of it2 but ,i have always thought that a good wide brook1 or a narrow branch of a river1 was about the safest of all obstacles to encounter4 ,in saying this1 ,i of course mean where the banks are sound1 for if either the taking-off or landing-ground happens to be marshy or rotten1 there is nothing more conducive to a ducking4 ,illustration3 ,,brook ,,jumping4 page #aee4 ,horses do not1 as a rule1 enjoy jumping water2 some blood ones don't object to it1 but most animals hate it1 and will refuse if they can1 especially where they have at any time had what is called 8a cold bath40 ,should you ever happen to be riding a horse who1 on seeing water1 gradually shortens his stride1 and 8shuts up0 as he approaches it1 do not try to get him over1 for you may be certain that he will not have it4 ,all very fine1 it may be1 to talk about not allowing yourself to be conquered1 but the strongest effort in the world won't make a horse jump water safely when he once refuses it1 and it will not be pleasant to stand cudgelling him upon the bank1 while he plants his toes in the sedges every time that you bring him back to it1 with an air as though he were saying1 8,you may keep me here till doomsday1 but over it ,i won't go1 unless you hire a skiff to carry me40 ,a good water-jumper1 going skimming along1 ought to clear eighteen or twenty feet3 even five-and-twenty not being over-much accounted of 7with ,irish horses1 at all events7 where the banks are sound2 yet1 as a rule1 a brimming brook of fourteen feet will generally stop at least half a large field4 ,there are two reasons for this3 firstly1 if the water is visible from a distance1 horses slacken1 and riders funk2 and secondly1 if it runs between banks1 they gallop up to look at it1 and then1 all is lost4 ,the better bred a horse is1 the better water-jumper he will assuredly be4 ,coarse-bred horses who are clever enough at ordinary fences1 will almost always go clumsily at water1 if they can be got to go at it at all2 the reason being that clean-bred horses are the only really good stayers1 and as deep or wide water is seldom met with at the beginning of a run1 they alone have the stamina to carry them safely over1 after galloping perhaps a stiff line of country for thirty minutes or so1 with scarcely any check4 ,when jumping water1 give your horse a very long rein1 and don't touch him with the curb4 ,steady him when coming up to it1 and again on landing1 in order that he may get safely away on the other side1 and not either peck or sprawl4 ,if you have to jump a thorn fence1 and that it is leaning towards you1 be sure there is something ugly on the other side1 and go at it with sufficient determination to give your horse the necessary impetus for a safe get-over4 ,if1 on the other hand1 the ditch is on the taking-off side1 and that the hedge leans away from you1 take him very steadily and deliberately--letting him see exactly what he has to do4 ,finally1 if the horse that you are riding happens to be old1 or what is called 8dickey10 namely1 shaky on the forelegs1 be careful about jumping him when the ground is hard4 ,this applies likewise to tender-footed animals4 ,i have ridden horses in ,february who travelled delightfully over soft slushy ground1 and fenced splendidly when up to their fetlocks in mud1--yet1 when ,march came round1 and lands were dry and hard1 they stood still and shivered at the sight of even an ordinary sheep-hurdle or small scoured drain4 ,to force a horse to jump1 under such circumstances is inhuman and unwise4 ,illustration3 ,,set ,,like ,a ,,centaur--,,plenty ,,of ,,headroom4 ,,chapter ,,xiv4 ,,managing ,,refusers4 ,riding refusers is unprofitable work for ladies1 yet nothing seems to be more general in every hunting-field4 ,i firmly believe that men ground their well-known objections to ladies hunting chiefly on this very thing1--nor is it altogether to be wondered at4 ,what1 for instance1 can be more annoying to a well-mounted straight-going hunter than to have a lady get in front of him at a fence--the only negotiable spot in it1 perhaps--and keep him and a number of others back1 though hounds are running in the next field1 while she whips1 and kicks1 and jags the mouth of a horse that is determined not to have it8 ,of course the rule in all such cases is that the rider of the refuser shall at once pull off and suffer the rest of the field to go by2 but ladies never seem to remember that it applies to them1 or ought at least to do so1 quite as much as to their brethren or pilots1 and so they resolutely hold the place1 dragging first with one rein and then the other1 and shouting 8,go on0 with great apparent bravery1 while the horse dances and sidles1 and shows every tooth in his head1 owing to the continued drag upon his mouth1 and disgusted horsemen turn away with very naughty expressions scarce checked upon their lips1 and gallop off to seek some other means of getting over4 ,i have seen this sort of thing scores of times1 and have felt angry and sorry about it together--angry at witnessing the punishment to the horse1 as well as at being kept back myself when ,i wanted to get forward1 and sorry for the ignorance1 and occasionally the temper1 which was the cause of it all4 ,most riders--ladies especially--seem to have a firmly-rooted conviction that horses only refuse from vice1 and consequently they form an idea that to whip it out of them will be the very best method of procedure that they can possibly adopt4 ,a more ignorant theory could not by any possibility be acted upon4 ,unskilled riders1 or those who are unpossessed of sufficient bodily strength to pull their horses well together when coming up to a fence 7so as to make the animals shorten their stride and collect themselves before reaching it71 will frequently meet with refusals2 whereas1 an accomplished horsewoman1 even though labouring under the disadvantage of being mounted upon a vastly inferior animal1 will be carried safely over1 without any attempt to baulk4 ,the truth is1 a horse that is ridden either wildly or carelessly at his fences will be almost certain to refuse them1 because he feels instinctively that he cannot take the jump with safety1 or knows perhaps that1 owing to the non-regulation of his speed1 he will be compelled to take-off too soon1 or not soon enough4 ,this is one reason for refusing4 ,horses do not like endangering themselves2 they are often more methodical1 more cool-headed--shall ,i say more sensible8--than their riders2 and where an animal feels that he cannot jump a place with safety to himself1 he will generally decline having anything to do with it at all4 ,there are1 of course1 some big1 bold1 fearless hearts--just as there are among riders--that will go for everything1 houses included1 should such happen to come in their way1 and give no thought at all to consequences2 but they are not always the best sort for ladies to ride4 ,something cool and collected will be found much better4 ,allowing1 then1 that timidity--or1 more properly speaking lack of confidence--is the primary cause of refusals1 we have to consider it in juxtaposition with another1 which will be far more difficult to deal with--namely1 obstinacy1 or sulk4 ,i know quite well that when readers arrive at this point they will at once want to be told how they are to distinguish between the two4 ,i did1 when ,i found that from time to time ,i had to contend against both evils4 ,well1 ,i am about to tell you all that ,i know of it4 ,when you are coming up to something which you know quite well your horse can easily accomplish1 and you nevertheless feel him give a sort of wriggle under you1 while at the same time he begins to stiffen himself and drop out of his stride1 you may know that he means roguery1 and consequently be prepared for his sticking his toes in the ground when he gets up to it1 and assuming a stony aspect1 as though he were indifferent to consequences1 and would be quite willing to stop there for a week1 or even a fortnight1 without grumbling1 provided that you were obliging enough to carry him his water and corn with tolerable regularity4 ,if1 on the contrary1 he gallops boldly up to the obstacle1 throws his head forward1 pulls it suddenly back1 shivers slightly1 and at once commences a retrograde movement1 while signs of sweating break out upon his skin1 you may be certain that he is refusing from timidity and not from vice4 ,he lacks confidence in his powers1 for some reason or another1 unknown perhaps to you1 but of which he himself is perfectly cognisant4 ,he may have weak hocks1 and be afraid to venture upon propelling himself1 for fear of falling short4 ,the hind quarters--hind legs1 in fact--are the real propellers1 the front ones being chiefly serviceable as supports3 and if a horse feels that he cannot depend upon himself behind1 he will naturally hesitate about rising to a leap4 ,watch1 for example1 a dog when recovering from a fit of sickness4 ,he may1 perhaps1 be very anxious to get upon some particular chair1 couch1 or window cushion1 which in the days of his robust health was a perfectly easy jump for him--yet now he is so weak on his hind legs that1 although a strong desire to take the leap is palpably present with him1 timidity nevertheless keeps him standing looking at it1 and moving uneasily about in front of it2 crouching at one instant as though prepared to make his spring1 and the next rising upwards with a sort of whine1 as though he gave it hopelessly up4 ,it is just because he is timid about propelling himself4 ,the goal cannot be reached by a mere extension of the body1 or by any action of the forelegs1 and the hinder ones are1 owing to their weakness1 absolutely unable to accomplish their natural work4 ,it is precisely so with the horse4 ,where hocks or hind-quarters are in a condition that deprives him of proper propelling power1 he will certainly hesitate about exercising or bringing them into muscular play2 nor can we rightfully offer him either chastisement or blame4 ,again1 an animal's hesitation about taking a jump may arise from a terror of experiencing painful concussion on landing4 ,corns will cause this1 so will splints1 or injured or tender ligaments of any description4 ,it is often the case that when a horse baulks at a fence his rider is able to remember that he jumped the preceding one only half generously1 and landed perhaps very gingerly after his effort4 ,where this is the case the animal should never be pressed4 ,to compel him to take a leap for which he shows unwillingness may entail a bad fall for both him and his rider3 the former being1 under all circumstances1 a good deal the more to be pitied4 ,when a horse refuses from timidity1 and you yet have reason to know that there is nothing whatever wrong with him1 take him back a bit from the fence1 and send him at it again1 sitting well down in your saddle1 and catching a determined hold of his head1 with the hands held low and the reins well apart4 ,speak encouragingly to him at the same time1 and press him up with your leg on the near side1 and the handle of your hunting-crop on the other2 but do not on any account cut or spur him1 unless you know him to be a rogue--in which case give him plenty of it1 in a wise and temperate way2 but never enter into a determined warfare with him unless you are absolutely certain that you can come off the victor4 ,my experience is that once a horse resolutely baulks1 with a fixed determination to continue to do so1 no man on earth--and certainly no woman--can by any possibility conquer him while on his back4 ,under such circumstances it will be better to strive to accomplish the desired purpose in some other way2 either get off1 if you are in a suitable place for it1 and that your reins and whip are long enough1 and by so doing make him have it1 or--which will be better--take him to another part of the same fence1 and don't begin by fighting him1 but rather leave it to his honour to carry you generously over1 and ten to one he will4 ,i greatly disapprove of punishing a horse severely at one spot2 it is highly calculated to give him a thorough hatred of jumping1 and to spoil his temper also in a way that may not easily be remedied4 ,moreover1 it is cowardly in the extreme1 for the battle is almost entirely one-sided4 ,were the dumb combatant able to whip and spur and swear in return1 the rider would have a very small chance of abusing him for any length of time together2 but it is because the creature is ignorant of his own strength and power that he submits himself a slave to man's too cruel rule4 ,now1 another hint or two before proceeding to a different subject4 ,horses will sometimes refuse through feeling themselves 8out of hand10 or being ridden timorously by inexperienced riders4 ,where this is likely to be the case1 such a bridle as a ,pelham1 for instance1 ought not to be employed1 but rather a good powerful double bridle1 the curb of which may be used when galloping1 and the pressure of it released for that of the snaffle when just coming up to a fence4 ,i have seen horses1 many times1 refuse through their riders having the horrid practice of throwing up the right arm just at the critical moment of rising3 by way1 ,i suppose1 of affecting a hard-riding air1 or perhaps of obtaining some imaginary balance of the body4 ,the habit is a most hateful one1 and frequently causes a horse to 8rush10 in cases where he is too bold to baulk or absolutely to refuse4 ,it is also extremely apt to make him swerve1 owing to the fact that the pressure is retained on one side of his mouth only1 in place of being preserved evenly upon both4 ,i may say in conclusion that that capital sportsman1 ,captain ,horace ,hayes1 once told me of somebody1 who1 by a very clever expedient1 cured a horse of refusing water-jumping4 ,the animal1 it appears1 used always to baulk at water1 and then1 when pressed1 jump right into the middle of it with a terrific splash4 ,one day a happy thought struck his owner1 and he at once proceeded to put it in practice4 ,an artificial water-jump was by his direction constructed upon his own lands1 and at the bottom of it1 quite sunk from view by weighting1 he placed a quantity of thorny bushes4 ,when the affair was satisfactorily completed1 he had the horse led quietly out1 got upon his back1 and rode him boldly at the obstacle4 ,the animal tried to stop as usual1 and ended 7as usual also7 by jumping slap into the middle2 but on this notable occasion1 he scrambled out with astonishing celerity1 and ever afterwards fairly flew every water-jump that he happened to come across4 ,the thorns1 easily picked out1 did him no harm in the world1 while the lesson was productive of an immensity of good4 ,illustration3 ,,meaning ,,roguery4 ,,chapter ,,xv4 ,,falling4 ,to be able to fall well is an art in itself--but it is one at which1 unfortunately1 very few ladies excel2 therefore1 not to fall at all will in their case be much better than to do so in even the most artistic fashion4 ,at the same time to dispense with falls must in a measure mean to dispense with riding also--that is1 with riding straight to hounds2 and as this latter enjoyment is1 to a keen sportswoman1 the very greatest pleasure that earth can possibly afford1 ,i cannot wish to see any of my readers deprived of it1 and have therefore determined to devote this chapter to the subject of various kinds of falls--the circumstances under which they generally happen1 the way to avoid meeting them1 and the best method of escaping being injured by them when they chance to occur4 ,to escape falls will to many ladies be the most interesting portion of my subject2 therefore1 we will consider it first4 ,to begin1 then3 you should decline riding any save the most perfect horses4 ,a rusher1 refuser1 runaway1 or anything else associated with the vices which have already been treated of1 should be at once put beyond the pale of your favour2 nothing short of positive perfection should ever tempt you to mount4 ,secondly1 you must never on any account be in a hurry1 nor allow others to hustle you4 ,though hounds may be in full cry within a field of you1 and only a single small fence dividing1 you must take your time1 deliberately1 and without flurry4 ,thirdly1 you must never under any circumstances make for the fastest route1 nor jump a big place to get on terms with the pack2 on the contrary1 you must let the hard-riding fraternity go by on all occasions1 and then1 warned by their mishaps1 calmly pick your own places1 and get through gaps and gates as best you can4 ,fourthly1 you must watch the very first signs of tiring that are visible in your horse1 and on perceiving them give in at once1 and either ride or rail him quietly home4 ,fifthly1 you must be decidedly wealthy1 to allow of your purchasing marvels that can never by any chance contrive to put a foot astray4 ,sixthly1 you must be a first-class judge of horseflesh1 to enable you to find out such unheard-of acquisitions3 and seventhly1 you must possess a calmness of temperament very rarely to be met with among horsewomen--coupled with a wisdom to which that of ,solomon1 or ,minerva1 was a mere bagatelle4 ,i fancy1 having got thus far1 that ,i hear some lady asking rather disconsolately why ,i thus jest about serious matters1 and whether it is really not possible1 except on the conditions ,i have named1 for an equestrian to ride to hounds without receiving falls1--and ,i at once answer that1 according to my ideas of straight riding1 it certainly is not4 ,whenever ,i hear a lady boast that she can ride two1 three1 or four days a week without ever getting a tumble1 ,i at once surmise that she must be a very mild goer indeed2 that she never rides hard except on exceptional days1 when a country with which she is perfectly familiar happens to be traversed1 and that the click of her horse's hoofs is heard far oftener upon the roads than is the thunder of them on the broad fields1 where bullfinch and yawning chasm offer difficulties with which the 8cautious ones0 do not care to meddle4 ,there is no denying the fact that if you mean to harden your heart and go straight1 not stopping to take mental measurements of any obstacle that you may chance to encounter1 falls will assuredly be your portion1 and probably a good many of them1 too2 for you must remember that no matter how perfect may be your skill in the saddle1 or how admirable the training of your steed1 such things cannot afford you complete immunity from danger1 so long as the hunting-field is flooded 7which it unfortunately is7 with ignorant horsemen1 mounted on all kinds of animals--rough-riders1 who care little about jostling and cannoning1 provided that they themselves succeed in getting foremost places--and children1 chiefly young boys1 whose parents indulge them with mounts 7no matter of what sort1 provided they have four legs to carry them7 during the long ,christmas vacation1 and who1 with the fearlessness of ignorance1 dash hither and thither1 without any regard whatever for their own safety1 much less for that of others4 ,one of the very worst falls ,i ever got in my life was caused by a schoolboy on a pony4 ,the little chap burst wildly through a hedge close to ,notley ,abbey1 where ,i happened to be waiting quietly1 in hopes that the fox might break that way--and1 cannoning right against me1 caught my horse on the quarters1 and turned him a complete somersault1 burying me beneath his weight4 ,fortunately there were not many out1 for it was a ,chilton day1 and the weather was very boisterous2 had things been otherwise ,i could not have escaped being ridden over1 for the game broke at the precise instant of my fall1 and the field1 such as it was1 came streaming right over the fatal fence4 ,on another occasion1 when down at the bottom of a deep drain1 a horsebreaker on a colossal mount tumbled crash on top of me1 and neither of us looked handsome when dragged out--nor for a good many days after4 ,it is1 therefore1 manifest that however valuable skill and good horseflesh may undoubtedly be1 we are largely dependent upon others for our safety1 or its reverse1 when we go to hunt1 and as ,carlyle's theory of 8mostly fools0 is never in any place so clearly set forth as in the hunting-field1 it will be well not to go thither with an over-confident feeling respecting our own powers1 but rather to adopt the pithy prayer of the old ,hobb's ,hill huntsman1 8,from all bad riders and wild horses1 good ,lord deliver us60 ,i would have you bear in mind that it will be a grand help to you upon all occasions to keep cool1 to avoid flurry and fuss1 and above all things to steer clear of 8funk10 which is as bad as panic1 or a trifle worse4 ,it is the least flurried riders who always come off the best1 in two senses of the word1--therefore1 while falls are not by any means to be made light of1 they should be taken as coolly as possible1 nor should demonstration of any sort ever be made over them4 ,i saw a lady get two falls one day with ,sir ,bache ,cunard's pack at ,holt ,wood1 and although her face was a sorry sight when turning homewards after the last one1 she made infinitely less fuss about it than did an irrepressible damsel who had merely scraped her cheek against a thorn-bush4 ,you should never jump off at once when a horse bungles1 but keep steady in the middle of your saddle and give him plenty of rein4 ,time enough for a man to show his quickness when his knee touches the ground1 and for a lady in a similar predicament the best course will be to sit still1 deal him out unlimited rope1 grip his mane firmly--leaving his mouth alone--and ten to one he will recover himself4 ,of course ,i am speaking now of the plan to be pursued in case of a slow fall3 one that is preceded by a scramble--in fact1 a 8bungle0 as ,i have chosen to call it4 ,when an animal comes down a weighty cropper1 there is seldom much time for reflection1 or choice of action either2 the great point then is to come off as best you can4 ,to roll clear of the horse is the secret in most heavy falls1 and this can only be done where the foot is absolutely free from the stirrup1 and the habit from the pommels of the saddle4 ,for this reason ,i again most strongly advocate the use of a plain racing-stirrup for ladies in the hunting-field1 as it has not any sort of machinery that can possibly get out of order1 and is therefore independent of the variable attentions bestowed upon such matters by unthinking grooms4 ,a good plain stirrup1 made large enough to release the foot1 even if thrust 8home10 is the safest and best in which an equestrian can ever ride4 ,i approve 7as already stated7 of the spring-bar attachment1 and think that every lady before setting out to hunt ought to see for herself that the spring is open4 ,i know that this theory is not a popular one among horsewomen1 as they think it is apt to entail the loss of a stirrup in a quick run2 but this is an error1 for the stirrup-leather will seldom or never come away if properly treated 7by which ,i mean not leant upon7--except in case of strong pressure being brought to bear upon it1 as1 for instance1 in the event of a fall4 ,an accomplished horsewoman will never ride from the stirrup1 but will use it merely as a support for the foot1 and will be altogether independent of it1 even if entirely taken away4 ,with untrained riders it is1 of course1 different1 and to their churning motion in the saddle1 and heavy hang upon the stirrup-leather1 one half the sore backs and other sufferings to which ladies' horses are liable1 are altogether attributable4 ,a habit-skirt1 if properly constructed1 cannot possibly catch upon the pommels when the wearer receives a fall4 ,i have already given suitable instructions concerning the cut of habits1 and would here take occasion to say that a marvellously improved plan1 introduced by ,thomas ,sons1 of ,south ,molton ,street1 has been lately shown me4 ,it consists of cutting the skirt with one seam less than usual1 and making it without any hem around the bottom4 ,of this latter ,i greatly approve4 ,it has frequently happened that a skirt1 when caught on the pommel1 has torn downwards as far as the hem1 and been there arrested1 owing to the resistance offered by the strength of the doubled cloth4 ,where the hem is done away with1 this danger ceases to exist1 and the skirt looks if anything better than those that are finished in the ordinary way4 ,i strongly recommend the innovation4 ,the most dangerous fall that a lady can get is one into a deep ditch1 or drain1 with her horse on top of her2 the least dangerous is when he comes down with her on the flat1 and gives her a chance to roll clear of him4 ,the best course to pursue in the first instance is to remain perfectly quiet1 provided the horse does so also1 until rescued4 ,if your head happens to get under water1 or that you are in any physical suffering entailed by the position in which you are placed1 it will of course be incumbent upon you to endeavour to extricate yourself from it1 but even in so awful a moment you should strive to remember that a prostrate horse will be far less likely to injure you than a struggling one1 and that if you begin to move1 or to pull his head about 7as ,i have seen some frightened ladies do71 he will probably make violent efforts to get upon his feet1 and may hurt you very severely before help arrives4 ,if the place is very deep1 and narrow at the bottom1 and that you are partially under the horse1 strive for your life to keep his head down1 in order that he may not attempt to rise1 and so trample you in his endeavours4 ,he cannot get up so long as you can prevent his lifting his head2 therefore1 if you can contrive to throw a leg across it1 or an arm1 or any other portion of your body1 do so1 but never drag at the rein when in such a position4 ,strive if possible1 however1 to retain a light hold of it1 in order that1 in the event of the animal managing to regain his feet without mischief1 he may not get altogether away from you4 ,coolness and courage will be the best companions upon so trying an occasion4 ,when a thoroughly practised horsewoman gets a fall of this description1 it is generally through riding a beaten horse at a place that is too big for his exhausted powers to carry him safely over--an error into which almost all enthusiastic riders are apt to be led2 or it may occur through the landing-ground being rotten1 or broken away4 ,when this latter is the case1 the horse's hind legs slip from beneath him1 and he hangs for a dreadful moment1 half-in1 half-out of the ravine1 beating a frantic tattoo with his fore-feet upon the brink1 while the hinder ones struggle to find something that may serve as an assistance against the otherwise inevitable going back4 ,a moment like this is supremely dreadful for both horse and rider4 ,the latter1 if a man1 may swing himself off in the twinkling of an eye1 and jump on to the bank1 keeping a hold of the bridle all the while1 and by it may assist his mount to regain terra firma when he is safely landed there himself2 ,i have seen it done by smart horsemen over and over again1--but no lady that ever entered a hunting-field can possibly do it without a hand being stretched from the bank to assist her4 ,i recall instances1 and think of them with horror1 of finding myself hanging over an abyss--for such it always seems to an excited fancy--watching my horse's forelegs striving to plant themselves1 feeling the struggling quarters seeking some help from below1 seeing the scarlet nostril laid level with the earth1 the eager neck outstretched1 the panting muscles brought strongly into play--hearing the anxious snort1 dealing out abundant rein1 and uttering words of encouragement in the vain hope that the horse may succeed in righting himself--conscious1 nevertheless1 that he is sinking lower and lower1 seeing then a friendly hand outstretched to assist me1 feeling the welcome grip of it1 clutching strongly at it as it drags me to the bank1 knowing that ,i have never let go the bridle during that terrible moment of suspense1 making use of it then to draw my brave horse to a place of safety1 looking down with a shudder into the chasm from which we have both escaped1 and finally1 with a laugh1 and a ,laus also1 jumping merrily into the saddle again1 and scurrying away in the hope of picking up the hounds4 ,but there came an instance of misadventure which ended less happily--when there was no strong hand to rescue or help--when the awful backward crash occurred only too surely1 and oblivion followed1 to be succeeded in time by a consciousness that for ever and ever the sight of happy hunting-fields1 and the sound of huntsman's horn and hounds' joyful opening-out were gone away1 to be known no more on earth4 ,such things are sad awakenings from sweet fitful dreams4 ,i pray that all my young readers may be spared them2 and with more than one fate to warn1 ,i urge that discretion may at all times usurp the place of valour or ambition1 and that no feat may be attempted which will be likely to involve dire1 if not fatal results4 ,better be a live dog than a dead lion2 and a few who are now disabled would rather have their bodies intact to-day1 than have ever known the uncertain pleasures that are attendant upon being ,kings and ,queens of an hour4 ,i do not say that it is so with myself4 ,a short life and a merry one is much more suited to my elastic temperament2 but there are others1 young1 beautiful women1 whose feet have only touched the threshold of life's loveliest and brightest doorway1 who are nevertheless looking back--with tears4 ,to resume1 however4 ,the second description of fall on which ,i have touched3 namely1 one on the flat1 is only dangerous according as the horse may or may not attempt to roll when down4 ,if he falls fairly on his knees and nose1 you may manage 7as ,i have explained7 to retain your seat in the saddle1 and may even assist him to get upon his legs2 many fine horsewomen do it3 but if you try the experiment you must not forget to sit well back1 not only in order to take the weight off his shoulders1 but to save yourself from getting knocked in the face4 ,if you watch the movements of a fallen animal1 you will perceive that at the instant that he steadies himself on his knees when rising1 he instinctively flings up his head1 a motion absolutely necessary for the restoration of his balance2 if at such a moment you happen to be leaning forward in the saddle1 you will be certain to receive severe punishment1 and perhaps be disabled for the remainder of the day4 ,if1 in falling1 the horse turns over upon his side1 you cannot do any better than strive to get clear of him2 but do not on any account let go the rein if you can possibly help it4 ,so long as you can keep hold of it you will not only prevent your mount from getting away over the country1 but will save yourself from possible contact with his heels1 for it stands to reason that he cannot have both his back and fore-quarters turned to you at one and the same time1 and if you have a hold of his head he certainly cannot twist himself round to kick at you4 ,i know quite well that there is an ignorant idea abroad relative to the danger of holding on to the bridle of a fallen horse4 8,let him go6 let him go60 shrieks the multitude1 when any mishap is witnessed2 and the poor1 unlearned1 frightened rider follows the foolish advice1 and away goes the steed1 with reins and stirrups flying--lashing out1 perhaps1 in his exuberance at finding himself free--and is perhaps not brought back until the wearied owner has had to relinquish all hope of catching up the hunt1 and been compelled also to walk some miles of the road homewards4 ,no1 never if you can help it1 relinquish your hold of the bridle when you and your horse are together making the acquaintance of mother earth1 but remember the rule1 8a long rein10 even when not upon his back4 ,should a horse peck with you1 a very nasty kind of fall1 ,i tell you candidly that you will be almost certain to come off over his head1 unless you are sitting glued to your saddle and very far back indeed2 but1 as this is a sort of tumble which does not often happen1 except when riding a deep drop1 or crossing something very wide1 you may prepare yourself for possible contingencies when going at the jump by allowing your body1 from the waist upwards1 to lie back almost to the croup1 while you deal out unlimited rein1 and keep your seat as firmly as any rock4 ,in this way you cannot possibly be pulled over the animal's head1 and by leaving him plenty of bridle you will still further stave off the probability of mischance4 ,when a horse falls with you into water1 stick to him if you possibly can1 and clutch firmly by his mane1 while leaving him the entire length of the bridle4 ,if you happen to come right off1 keep alongside of him as well as you are able1 retaining a light hold of the rein1 and assisting yourself by the saddle1 the stirrup1 or any other thing that may present itself1 provided it does not in any respect hamper his movements or interfere with his mouth4 ,i strongly advocate keeping the bridle in your hand if you can possibly manage it1 but you should not on any account make use of it as a means of support4 ,to do so will be to drag your horse's head under water1 a thing involving very serious results4 ,so long as you leave an animal abundant room to stretch his neck he will not drown1 even in the deepest river1 and if you keep a cool head1 and assist yourself by the saddle until you can lay hold of some side bushes1 or until assistance shall arrive1 neither will you1 however near it you may fancy yourself to be4 ,when a horse falls with you into a ditch and immediately regains his footing without unseating you1 do not allow him to essay getting out at the same spot at which he bungled1 for probably the bank may be rotten1 or broken away by the hoofs of other horses1 and may thus occasion him to go back again4 ,you should rather urge him forward a little distance1 in whichever direction his head is turned1 and as soon as your eye detects a sound spot in the bank1 collect him for his effort1 throw him the reins1 and sit well back while he struggles up the side4 ,i do not mean that you are to hang back1 this will only impede him1 but keep your head well away from him1 or his may strike you a blow that will take you a long time to forget4 ,do not neglect1 however1 in the event of walking a horse along a ditch which is skirted by thorn or hedge1 to look out for protruding brambles1 and push them aside with your hand as you go forward1 lest your face suffer4 ,on no account neglect this precaution4 ,the instructions given in the present chapter will be found especially applicable to ladies who are fond of cutting out a line of country for themselves1 or whose pilots may either have got lost in the fray1 or may not be sufficiently quick in turning to the rescue to prove of any immediate assistance in case of need4 ,in a forthcoming chapter on 8hunting10 ,i shall have something to say on each of these subjects4 ,illustration ,,chapter ,,xvi4 ,,hunting ,,outfit ,,considered4 ,it is time that we should now consider the additions and alterations which will be necessary for your wardrobe before it can be pronounced a complete one for a lady who intends to hunt4 ,a very great deal must1 of course1 depend upon whether you mean to be an inveterate huntress1 or only to enjoy the pleasures of an occasional day out4 ,following the hounds thrice a week1 and sometimes oftener1 ,i have found the following outfit sufficient3 two silk hats1 two jerry ditto1 and two soft felt2 two ,melton cloth riding habits2 one thoroughly rainproof ditto2 one ordinary cloth1 for mild days1 such as are to be met with even in winter time2 two pairs of hunting breeches2 six chemises2 six pairs of web drawers2 six web vests2 two corsets2 two pairs of ,wellingtons2 six pairs of fine wool stockings2 six pairs of silk ditto2 one ,latchford spur2 three pairs of strong leather gloves2 one hunting crop1 with long lash attached2 three net veils2 one celluloid collar1 with cuffs to match2 six linen collars and cuffs2 two woollen neck-mufflers2 two silk ditto2 one rainproof cape or jacket2 one warm1 lined jacket1 to fit over habit-bodice2 and one ,newmarket overcoat1 to wear when driving to and from covert4 ,it will be only necessary to notice a few of these articles in detail1 having already given advice concerning most of them4 ,to begin1 then1 with stockings4 ,wear woollen ones if you want to have your feet always dry and comfortable1 with a pair of silk drawn over4 ,nobody who has not tried this plan can possibly realise the warmth and comfort of it--especially when the outer stocking is of spun silk2 a material in itself almost as warm as wool4 ,if the sensation of wearing wool next the skin is objected to1 the silk may be worn underneath4 ,as a rule1 however1 it is only cheap wool stockings that 8tickle02 the finer kinds seldom do1 and ,i cannot recommend the 8cheap and nasty0 in any article of riding gear1 no matter how comparatively unimportant it may seem to be4 ,your breeches for hunting should be especially well-made2 large enough in the seat not to burst in case of a fall1 and long enough in the thigh not in any way to hamper the knees4 ,nothing save a garment of this description can be worn with top boots1 nor will anything else do so well for hunting1 or be half so comfortable4 ,they should be carried below the calf of the leg1 in order to check the tendency to work up1 and ought to have the last four or five inches made of silk1 or better still1 good serviceable satin1 by which ,i certainly do not mean the abomination known as cotton-back1 which in reality gives no wear at all4 ,this arrangement will prevent the top of the boot 7a ,wellington1 of course71 from being overcrowded or bulky1 and is in fact1 for many reasons1 a desirable one4 ,the legs of the breeches should button from the knee down--four buttons being ample to allow--and the fastening of the right leg should be on the inside1 while that of the left is on the outside1 in order to prevent rubs4 ,these breeches1 if made of cloth1 should be lined with chamois2 but ,i prefer deer-skin to any other kind4 ,with regard to securing perfection in the fit of them--a thing indispensable where comfort is desired--it will not be at all necessary to submit to a tailor's measurements4 ,very few ladies indeed would like to do so1 and it is pleasant to know that nothing of the kind is required4 ,application to any first-class house will bring back the necessary directions1 simply given1 for self-measurement1 and by paying attention to these and forwarding the precise particulars1 a perfect fit will be ensured4 ,in saying this1 ,i would draw attention to the words printed in italics1 for there is no other article of ladies' riding apparel which can be1 and so frequently is1 utterly and completely ruined by incompetent cutters4 ,i have heard ladies say that they made their own hunting-breeches and found them answer very well4 ,no doubt they may do so1 by ripping up an old tailor-made pair1 and proceeding to cut out exactly by them2 but that they can succeed in the first instance without a pattern to go by1 ,i cannot bring myself to believe1 any more than ,i can credit the expediency of home millinery and dressmaking1 except when attempted by unusually clever and competent hands4 ,i do not like riding trousers for hunting1 although many are wedded to a firm belief in them4 ,if adopted1 they must1 of absolute necessity1 be the exact colour of the habit1 must be made long enough to allow even fuller freedom to the knees than in ordinary riding1 and be fastened beneath the arch of the foot with a leather strap 7always leather for hunting purposes71 although elastic is in some respects not to be despised1 inasmuch as it yields easily with pressure1 and is consequently not altogether undesirable when the trousers have been made too short in the legs4 ,it very soon wears out1 however1 as stated in a former chapter1 requires constant renewing1 and is unpleasantly apt to give way when least expected to behave badly--very often on hunting days1 or when a long distance from home--and then good-bye to everything save extreme discomfort1 for the trouser-leg will assuredly ruck up1 and a good many lady riders--and1 indeed1 gentlemen also--have a disagreeable knowledge of what that means4 ,i now come to speak again of boots1 a subject on which ,i have already given some advice4 ,the so-called fashionable boot--an awful invention1 utterly misshapen1 with toe narrow and pointed1 and long heel protruding like a spike from almost the centre of the sole--must be altogether discarded4 ,it is to be hoped that this will not go hard with sensible girls1 or women4 ,nobody can ride with comfort who is not prepared to lay aside all cherished prejudices in favour of cramped feet1 hour-glass waists1 and gloves that are two sizes too small for the hands they are meant to protect4 ,i do not believe that anybody really admires a stuffed doll on horseback4 ,the elegance of the figure depends upon its flexibility1 and a supple foot is in its own way quite as much to be commended4 ,if the boots are too tight1 the feet will be cold2 nothing on earth conduces so largely to that oft-complained-of evil as wearing boots that are disproportionately small and close-fitting4 ,the foot should be able to move freely within its covering1 even though clad in the double stocking which ,i have so confidently recommended4 ,a broad sole1 wide toe1 and flat broad heel1 placed properly back1 as far as the natural heel1 are the requisites for a comfortable riding-boot4 ,i have already drawn attention to the fact that a considerable distance has sometimes to be walked in boots that have been made1 ostensibly1 for riding in alone4 ,for example1 a horse may get away from his rider after a fall1 and leave her to walk across several fields--over very rough ground perhaps--ay1 and to climb fences1 and get through rutty gaps too1 before arriving at a point at which he can be brought up for her to remount him2 while1 in addition to all this1 a gentle-hearted equestrian will often of her own accord like to get off1 when taking a tired horse home to his stable1 and will walk alongside of him with the bridle thrown over her arm1 a piece of humanity which eases her own limbs as well as his4 ,to have comfortable pliant boots1 and everything else proportionately easy-fitting1 will be found both healthy and wise4 ,in short1 a lady dressed for riding ought to be able when dressed to take down or put up her hair1 draw off her boots and put them on again1 and walk a mile or two with them on1 if required1 without feeling any desire whatever to remove them after the exercise4 ,this--if it will only be believed--can be accomplished without any unsightly clumsiness1 or necessity for making feet or figure look in the least degree larger than if tortured and compressed into unnatural proportions4 ,well-made clothing1 composed of pliant materials and properly put on1 will never impart an appearance of bulk1 even if worn sufficiently easy-fitting to be slipped on and off at a moment's notice2 while ill-cut garments1 unnaturally strained and tightened1 will make figure and extremities look absolutely larger than they really are4 ,who1 for instance1 that has ever seen a ,no4 #f glove stretched upon a hand that ought to take at least four sizes larger has ever been deceived into believing that there was not something painfully amiss8 ,straining seams1 fingers only half drawn on1 and ominous gaps1 yawning and wide1 where the first buttons ought to fasten1 attest the 8vanity of vanities0 against which we have been warned4 ,with boots and corsets it is just the same1--and yet1 despite the uncontrovertible evidence brought to bear upon the matter1 ladies still persist in destroying the symmetry of their appearance1 undermining their health1 and leaving themselves exposed to disparaging observations1 rather than give up the follies into which an undue desire to appear 8slim0 have by degrees drawn them4 ,after all1 when we come to consider the subject1 is it really worth while to undergo suffering and inconvenience in order that one or two persons may1 perhaps1 say1 8,that girl has small feet02 or 8,what a slender waist that lady has80 ,ten to one the utterers of such remarks never think a second time about them1 but turn away to make their comments upon the next person who chances to come in their path--and for this trifling gratification1 distress and pain are borne1 and the seeds of inward disease are in some instances suffered to take root4 ,if anything that ,i can say1 in this or future chapters1 shall have even a trifling influence in deterring my sisters from destroying the natural attributes which a wise ,creator has apportioned to them1 ,i shall deem myself happy in having written it1 and feel that my efforts have not been altogether in vain4 ,the ,newmarket coat1 for going to covert1 is1 ,i think1 the only article of which ,i have not now fully spoken4 ,the nicest of these are made of dark strong melton1 or beaver cloth--the latter wears splendidly--and are lined all through with good satin1 being well quilted about the bodice to keep out the cold4 ,some ladies affect the coachmen's garment1 a drab coat1 with double capes1 but ,i have a strong objection to it myself4 ,the collar should be made pretty deep1 so as to be capable of turning up about the neck in wet or chilly weather1 and the skirts should come quite down to the feet4 ,it is almost superfluous to say that an overcoat of this description should be cut so as to fit very easily over the habit1 nor need ,i add that the task of fitting should be entrusted to none save a really first-class tailor4 ,ladies have frequently inquired of me1 by letter and otherwise1 what ought to be the price of various articles of riding apparel4 ,indeed1 to judge by the number of communications which have from time to time reached me1 a great and stirring interest appears to be centred in the matter1 and the fact that ,i at times delay answering the multitude of writers who ask questions and beg for immediate replies is not really attributable to any discourtesy1 but is rather the result of over-work1 coupled with a sense of difficulty in detailing the average cost of a variety of articles which are manufactured in every quality--good1 bad1 and indifferent--the cheapest1 or lowest priced1 being in all cases the dearest in the end4 ,a thoroughly good article will look respectable to the very last bit1 while a cheap one can never be made to do so at all4 ,i can1 for my own part1 see no virtue in the so-called 8bargains0 in which many ladies are so curiously fond of investing4 ,i use the word 8curiously0 advisedly1 for to me it is most strange how sensible practical women1 who on most subjects have their wits well about them1 are nevertheless afflicted with a positive craze for bargain-hunting1 and are willing to bear any amount of pushing and trampling upon1 in slummy shops with 8,selling off0 emblazoned in large letters all over the windows1 for the very doubtful satisfaction of carrying home some three or four pairs of half-soiled gloves at one shilling per pair1 or a few yards of mildewed ribbon at something very much too dear for it4 ,the average cost of riding gear1 every article being of the best and finest description1 may be thus set down4 ,silk hats1 from #a #as4 each2 jerry ditto1 #ads42 soft felt1 #abs4 #f;d42 melton riding habits1 #ab #abs4 each2 rainproof ditto1 #aj #ajs42 ordinary cloth1 #aj #ajs42 summer cloth1 #h #hs42 gingham or holland1 #e #es42 riding breeches1 #d #ds4 per pair2 buckskin1 #f #fs4 to #h #hs42 trousers 7chamois lined71 from #b #bs4 to #c #cs4 ,chemises1 #hs4 each4 ,web drawers 7silk71 #a #ajs4 per pair2 7cotton71 #gs4 #f;d42 vests 7silk71 #a #as4 each2 7cotton71 #es4 ,corsets 7satin71 #d #ds42 sateen 7red71 #b #ajs42 sateen 7white71 #b #bs4 ,wellington boots1 #c #cs4 per pair4 ,wool stockings1 #cs4 #f;d42 pure silk1 ditto1 #afs42 spun silk1 #fs4 #f;d4 ,latchford spur 7plated71 #a #as42 japanned1 #is4 #f;d4 ,gloves1 #es4 #f;d4 per pair4 ,celluloid collar and cuffs1 #ds4 ,rainproof jacket1 #b #bs4 ,cape1 #a4 ,warm over-jacket1 with braiding1 #f #fs4 ,newmarket covert-coat1 from #aj to #ab4 ,it would be impossible to lay down any rule for the price of whips1 as much must necessarily depend upon the mounting2 but ,i have always thought that with them1 as with all other articles of riding apparel1 the plainer they are the better4 ,a good hunting-whip with long lash attached averages from #a #ajs4 upwards4 ,every article that ,i have named may be had at a very much lower price2 in fact for half 7or even less7 the ordinary cost that ,i have set down1 but the question of course remains1 8,are cheap things1 as a rule1 worth purchasing80 ,,chapter ,,xvii4 ,,economy ,,in ,,riding ,,dress4 ,to economise well is a great art1 and unfortunately very few persons understand it4 ,the public mind wavers as a rule between two views of the matter--excessive parsimony1 or continual hunting after cheap things4 ,when ,i say 8cheap10 ,i mean low-priced2 for brummagem articles1 no matter of what description1 are always the very reverse of cheap4 8,i have got such a bargain10 says one dear friend to another1 displaying some trumpery thing which would have been dear at half the price given for it2 and away goes the friend and invests in a similar treasure1 only to regret her want of wisdom when too late to retract4 ,the true secrets of economising are3 first never to buy anything that you do not absolutely require2 second1 to purchase every article of the very best description2 and third1 to take care of your things when you have got them4 ,these three rules will go far if attended to1 but1 like the ,siamese twins1 separate them and they will die4 ,a word1 then1 about each--taking them in rotation as named4 ,buy nothing that you do not want4 ,it is a general weakness with ladies to infringe this rule4 ,they are fond of shopping1 and shopmen know it1 and pander to the familiar infirmity--not only detaining them twice as long as is necessary at every counter1 but showing them an endless variety of articles1 by way of tempting them to buy4 ,the artifice succeeds only too often1 and the consequences are a lightened purse1 and an unnecessarily burdened wardrobe4 ,to have too large a stock of clothes is in every way a mistake4 ,they become old-fashioned before they are half worn out2 they encourage and engender moths2 they form a cumbrous baggage if compelled to move2 and they are a source of embarrassment and trouble if taken away with one on visits--seeing that in this age a lady rarely enjoys the luxury of a wardrobe in her bedroom1 except in her own house4 ,most of us consider such a commodity a necessity when at home1 but when we go visiting it is a luxury absolutely denied us4 ,i do not mean to say that there is not an imposing piece of furniture so styled in the sleeping apartment allotted to us2 there almost always is2 it looks quite magnificent1 generally1 with its shining panels and tempting mirrored centre--but1 alas1 it is a delusion and a snare6 ,we find that the doors are immovable3 they are locked2 the hostess has it filled with her own fineries1 and has either forgotten to remove them1 or has said to herself that it would be too great a trouble to do so3 the visitor can manage very well without it--has she not got her imperials1 and the bed-rail--and the drawers of the toilet-table to keep her brushes and things in1 and what more can she reasonably want8 ,to say that this is not the way in good houses is both foolish and untrue2 for it is so in the very best4 ,it may be the fault of my lady's maid1 or housekeeper--probably it is1 in many instances--but it is my lady's fault in a great measure also1 inasmuch as she has neither seen to the comforts of her guest1 nor made inquiries concerning them4 ,however this may be1 or with whomsoever the fault may lie1 the wardrobe is a sealed book1 into which we are not permitted to peer1 and so we cast our despairing eyes around us for some substitute1 and brighten as we perceive a tempting-looking chest of drawers2 but it likewise is a deception1 for it is found to contain articles of children's clothing folded away in the top receptacles1 while the lower ones have toilet linen in them1 and the big deep one at the bottom contains a bolster doubled in two1 like a huge sausage put away to keep4 ,this being the case1 we shake a dismal head1 and proceed to lay out our neat habit-skirts and other things on the bed-rail1 and on the backs of the chairs2 and by-and-by1 when we return to our room to dress for dinner1 we find that a remorseful hostess1 or a conscience-stricken maid1 has unlocked one of the mighty doors of the mysterious 8sealed book10 and has graciously crammed three or four satin gowns on to one of the back pegs1 leaving the front ones free to hold whatever we may be pleased to hang upon them4 ,sometimes even this small boon is not vouchsafed1 and we run the tether of our visit with only chair-backs to depend upon for hanging purposes1 and with the cheerful consciousness that all the maids in the establishment have tried on and admired themselves in every single article belonging to us for which we have been unable to find room in our trunks4 ,i once caught a smart abigail in an ,english house pirouetting before the cheval-glass1 dressed in my riding-breeches1 and grinning delightedly1 with a hand on each side of her waist4 ,by way of punishment1 ,i made her divest herself of the trifles in my presence1 and by so doing found that she had augmented the evil by making an entirely wrong use of one of my silk vests--while as an end to all bitterness1 she had actually fitted on my stockings and boots4 ,it being then an established fact that a superabundance of clothing is both an encumbrance and an extravagance which leads to waste1 ,i think ,i have succeeded in proving that the first on my list of theories--namely1 to buy nothing that is not absolutely required--is at least worthy of consideration4 ,of course1 there is no rule that has not an exception1 and there may be times--although they come but rarely--when there will be a perceptible advantage in purchasing clothing in advance3 for example1 when one is obliged to go for a lengthened period to some out-of-the-way place where things are absolutely not obtainable4 ,in such1 or similar cases1 the regulation practice may be broken through1 although even then it will be better1 if possible1 to secure the services of a friend who will purchase and send them out according as they are required4 ,the second point on which ,i have given advice--namely1 to buy none save the best articles--is one upon which ,i must resolutely hold by my opinion1 despite the fact that my expression of it in a sporting journal in which1 some time ago1 ,i quoted a list of probable prices1 called down upon me such a vortex of letters--some of inquiry1 others upon the extravagance of my ideas--that ,i fairly sat down under the shower in a state of bewilderment1 and felt that the only way in which ,i could reply to such a multitude1 or at all hope to satisfy them1 was to select the first opportunity of writing a disquisition on economy--the present venture being the result4 ,i have1 as stated1 been repeatedly and anxiously pressed to say what ,i thought the price of sundry articles of riding-gear ought to be1 and as the subject was a difficult one to propound1 have thought it best to give the amount usually paid for goods of first-class description1 leaving it1 of course1 to the intelligence of the reader to surmise 7even when not plainly stated7 that prices vary according to quality1 and acknowledging that it is quite possible for a lady to furnish herself with a complete hunting outfit at a very much lower scale of charges than that which ,i cited in my last4 ,it is just a question of how long she expects her things to wear1 and how well she expects them to look when the first gloss 7always an arrant deceiver7 has worn off them4 ,low-priced articles never stand the test2 they may look fairly well to the eye when first put on1 but time and weather place a stamp upon them with which the owner cannot but feel disappointed4 ,take a few examples4 ,it seems to many a great extravagance to give a seemingly high price for a riding-hat1 when at half the shops in town a fairly good-looking one can be bought for half the money4 ,quite true4 ,but place the two hats side by side together after a hard season's continual wear and tear1 and see whether the ,lincoln and ,bennet or ,madame ,white will not be bravely holding its own1 when the other is only fit for the dustman's cart4 ,in like manner1 you may purchase a riding habit for five guineas1--,i have seen them made to order scores of times at that price--but ,i have never yet seen one of such articles able to hold up its head after immersion in a muddy stream1 while very many of them could not even stand a heavy shower of rain without showing spots or 8cockles10 or both4 ,then1 again1 you can get a ,newmarket covert coat for #c--not at all a bad-looking one either--quite a jaunty article1 in fact2 a neat plaid if you like it1 and gorgeous big buttons if your fancy happens to turn that way1--but just think of the seams that are all machine-stitched1 ready to act shabbily by you at the most inconvenient moments1 and of the uncertain nature of the material1 which is dreadfully wont to wear 8tender0 in highly important places3 under the arms1 for instance1 and where the collar fastens in front2 and of the awful moments which you will have to endure1 tugging hard at it1 or getting somebody else to do so1 in order to work it off2 and think of the still more painful and embarrassing ordeal that awaits you in endeavouring to draw it over your habit-bodice1 to which it seems to cling as provokingly as though birdlime had been scattered over both1--all because it has not any nice1 smooth1 slippery satin lining to make it slide easily over the garment that it is meant to cover4 ,even if perchance your persuasions have induced the maker of the wonderful thing to augment its monetary value by the insertion of a satin lining in the bodice1 you perceive with horror1 after an incredibly short period of time1 that the silk facing has completely worn off it1 and that long stretches of discoloured cotton threads are intersecting the fabric in every inconvenient direction4 ,with boots and gloves it is just the same2 you can get them very cheap4 ,i have seen capital-looking boots in shop windows ticketed eight shillings per pair1 and gloves #as4 #f;d4 7always a ha'penny1 when it is not three farthings71 and ,i have no doubt that plenty of people buy them--they must do so1 or such things would not be so numerous2 but an important query remains behind3 namely1 how long can these articles be made to last--even such of them as look moderately decent at the first go-off8 ,there are1 however1 without doubt1 very many ways in which small economies may be justifiably practised1 with results by no means discreditable to the appearance of even the most dashing equestrian4 ,if1 then1 you want to appear at all times fairly well turned out1 and yet cannot command sufficient capital from your dress allowance to enable you to extend your custom to first-class houses1 you can take a 8tip0 or two from the following hints3-- ,look carefully over the columns of the various leading journals which contain an 8exchange and mart10 and you will be almost certain to see some advertisements of riding habits made by high-class makers and only worn a few times--occasionally never worn at all1 and only parted with because the owner has been compelled to give up riding1 or is going away4 ,if the size of the waist seems to suit you1 answer without delay1 and if1 when sent on approval1 you find that the cut and quality are good1 close at once with the bargain1 and get such alterations effected in the article as may happen to be required4 ,i have known one or two ladies with very moderate dress allowances who secured really excellent riding habits in this way1--but1 of course1 everything will depend upon the maker2 a high-class house rarely or never turns out an indifferent cloth1 and the cut is certain to be good4 ,again1 you may be able to borrow a pair of well-made riding trousers from some intimate lady friend1 and if you are smart and can make a couple of pairs for your own use by the pattern lent you1 it will be a great saving of expense4 ,breeches will be more difficult to accomplish successfully3 in fact1 ,i regard the cutting of them by amateurs as very nearly impossible1 so perhaps they had better not be attempted3 but1 with proper self-measurements and a good pattern before you1 ,i can see no reason why comfortable riding-trousers should not be creditably turned out4 ,when making these1 cut the linings for the different parts the exact size of the various pieces1 and take care to tack piece and lining together before running up the whole4 ,if this is not done you will experience great difficulty in adjusting the linings when the garment has been put together--indeed1 you will probably fail completely1 for it is a most difficult thing to do1 and the plan ,i have named is a very good one1 although the seams cannot 7when it is adopted7 look quite as neat on the inside as if a tailor had had the doing of the job4 ,if you want to avoid the trouble of arranging linings at all1 procure some strong soft chamois leather1 make your trousers of it1 and cover them from a short distance above the knee with cloth similar in colour to that of which your habit is composed4 ,use silk thread for seam-sewing--strong1 and of the best quality--and when putting on the buttons wind the thread round and round the stems after you have stitched them firmly to the garment1 so as to form a sort of artificial shank2 then fasten off very securely upon the wrong or inner side4 ,if your resources are extremely limited1 do not buy silk hats at all4 ,low-priced ones are mere delusions1 and it will be better for you to invest the amount usually given for second-rate articles--say from #abs4 to #aes4--in a good1 serviceable felt1 or billycock1 which will stand a large amount of ordinary knocking about4 ,by wearing riding trousers instead of breeches you can dispense with ,wellingtons1 and be content with ordinary boots2 anything that you can walk comfortably in will do1 but remember ,i do not believe that any woman has ever yet been able conscientiously to say that she walked 8comfortably10 or indeed otherwise than miserably1 in narrow-waisted1 high-heeled boots1 with toes an inch wide 7or something less7 at the tip4 ,a street or two may be traversed in such articles without actual pain1 or any perceptible show of inconvenience1 but a walk of five miles will probably necessitate the services of a chiropodist1 while half the distance will show a decidedly altered gait4 ,the third item of advice which ,i have given you1 namely to take good care of your things when you have them1 is one to which you will do well to take heed4 ,negligence concerning the guardianship of one's wearing apparel generally proceeds from one of two causes3 either from a natural carelessness of disposition1 which leads to all sorts of shiftless and untidy ways2 or to a foolish desire--if among wealthy or showy people--to affect an air of indifference concerning cost4 ,i have seen examples of both these dispositions2 a girl who just stepped out of her riding-gear1 and left it there behind her1 habit wet and muddy1 hat spotted with rain1 veil never folded1 boots flung anywhere1 whip and gloves in different corners1 sometimes in different rooms1 or on the hall table1 to be certainly missing when next wanted to be used3 a sort of girl who kept jam-pots in her press1 and matches in her work-box1 and who rooted for everything she wanted1 precisely as a dog does when burying a bone4 ,on the whole1 however1 ,i am not quite certain whether she is not preferable to one of the vainer sort1 who strides over sharp stones1 and plunges in and out of muddy pools when there is any distance to be walked1 rather than have it supposed that she is picking her way in order to save her boots2 who eats bread-and-butter without removing her gloves1 for reasons of a similar sort2 and who puts on a smile of unconcern when her hostess's lap-dog makes a meal off her whip-lash1 or mistakes the handle of it for a bone4 ,few things are more to be avoided than a studied carefulness about matters of costume--when others are by1--the practice1 for instance1 of tucking up a mantle rather than sitting upon it--of smoothing the back of the skirt before taking a seat--of guarding the hands from contact with any object that may possibly impart a soil to the gloves--and so forth1 all of which are signs of lack of breeding1 and are1 as a rule1 peculiar to persons unaccustomed to mix in society1--but the opposite extreme is quite as little to be admired4 ,the best bred are those who appear wholly unconscious of having anything on that is worth fussing about3 just as the best dressed are invariably those upon whose costume no onlooker would ever pass a remark4 ,to have a set place for everything is economy of both time and substance3 you will then know precisely where to look and where to find4 ,you should have neat trees made for your boots1 and insist upon the regular use of them being observed4 ,brush your riding-habit carefully yourself1 unless you have a maid who can be trusted to do it properly3 namely1 in a downward direction always1 and never from hand to hand4 ,should it be wet1 hang it in a cool1 dry place1 but not close to a fire--and place a stick across the skirt on the inside1 in order to aid the drying process4 ,do not attempt to brush off mud spots until the cloth is perfectly dry4 ,stretch your gloves upon block hands1 made the size and shape of your own1 and if they have been wet1 be all the more careful about doing so4 ,make a frequent inspection of the stitching of them1 and mend with a fine needle and silk any portions that may have given way1 or seem likely to do so4 ,look to the buttons also1 in order that you may not be inconvenienced at unexpected times4 ,if you wear a silk riding-hat1 never be induced to allow an iron to touch it1 except when wielded by a professional hand4 ,you can renew it yourself by wiping it very lightly with a sponge just dipped in warm water1 going carefully round and round1 always the one way4 ,when the hat is dry1 brush it gently with a very soft brush1 and finish with a silk handkerchief4 ,a black veil that has become discoloured by dust may be restored by dipping it a few times in cold water1 shaking the wet from it1 and stretching it neatly out upon a rail or line to dry4 ,it will not require any ironing if nicely picked out with the fingers4 ,another way is to put the veil1 when damp1 between two soft cloths--old lawn handkerchiefs will do--and pat it smoothly out with the hands1 leaving it then to dry without hanging4 ,your celluloid collar and cuffs will wash beautifully in your basin1 and will require no making-up1 beyond a light wiping with the towel on which you dry your hands4 ,the material is a marvellous invention1 introduced by our friends across the silver streak1 and is invaluable to equestrians in wet weather1 as it never becomes limp after rain3 a great improvement upon linen in this respect1 as in many others also4 ,to conclude my list of economies3 ,if you cannot afford the price of silk drawers and vests1 fine cotton ones in summer1 and merino in winter1 will make good substitutes2 but silk is not an extravagance in the long run--it wears so well and feels so delicious next the skin4 ,silk underclothing of all kinds is a great luxury1 and considering the benefits that arise from the use of it1 ,i question much whether ladies of even very moderate incomes will1 at the end of twelve months1 find themselves any the poorer for investing in it4 ,if silk stockings are thought too dear for wearing under or over cotton ones--and certainly they are an expensive item of dress--fine cotton ones will do very well2 but there are few ladies who do not possess a supply of silk for dinner and evening wear--and these1 when old1 or deficient in colour and freshness1 will serve the purpose quite as well as new ones4 ,while on the subject of 8colour0 it will not be amiss to give a hint or two about the proper method of washing silk and woollen underclothing4 ,silk stockings1 vests1 chemises1 pocket-handkerchiefs1 and so forth1 ought to be washed as follows3--,mix six tablespoonfuls of bran with four quarts of water1 put it to boil1 and stir while boiling4 ,when ready1 pour into a tub1 place the articles in it1 and move them lightly about with a stick until the water is cool enough to bear the hand2 then wash rapidly in the usual way1 but without using soap4 ,rinse in three or four waters1 hang out to drain in a bright1 dry atmosphere1 and iron while damp1 placing a piece of fine muslin between the iron and the article on which it is used4 ,this receipt will be found to answer admirably also for white flannels or woollens4 ,for coloured ones the water must be in a lukewarm state4 ,neither silk nor woollen garments should ever be wrung4 ,on the subject of corsets ,i have from time to time received a vast number of letters1 most of them wailing over my well-known abhorrence of cheap goods4 ,surely the matter is one of which ladies ought to be able to judge for themselves4 ,i did not know that it was possible to obtain a really good corset1 made specially for one's-self1 of best materials1 and by a superior artist1 for less money than ,i am accustomed to quote1--nor do ,i believe that it is4 ,at the same time1 corsets 7like everything else7 will be found ready manufactured in various qualities1 and at different rates of charge4 ,i have seen windows full of them in ,london1 and even at expensive ,eastbourne and ,bournemouth1 ticketed #as4 #aa;d46 ,after this1 who need complain of prices8 ,the papers teem with advertisements of 8ready-made corsets0 of all patterns and descriptions1 and ,i have heard many persons say that they have found them answer perfectly well4 ,this being the case1 ,i cannot see why the articles should not be given a trial1 or why ladies of limited resources1 and with figures easily fitted1 should pay two or three guineas for a corset1 when 8perfect treasures10 or1 at all events1 something that will suit quite well 7and that will not go to pieces all at once71 can by all accounts be had for less than an eighth of the sum4 ,i once went to a famous ,london oculist1 to consult him about the right sort of glasses to be used for extreme short-sightedness1 and was quite prepared for his prescribing some rather costly affairs2 but1 to my surprise1 he said1 very pleasantly1 8,just go to an optician and suit yourself4 ,don't mind what he says2 select something that you can see well through1 and that does not in any way distress your sight1 or cause your eyes to feel on the strain4 ,years ago10 he added1 8,i found that ,i wanted glasses myself1 and coming across an old man sitting at the corner of a street with a tray of them before him1 ,i chose a pair for a shilling1 and ,i'm wearing them now40 ,on this excellent principle ,i advise corset-buyers to act4 ,purchase what suits you1 and if your means are limited1 do not trouble about any particular maker1 or price4 ,to wind up1 never be ashamed to exercise a reasonable and honest economy4 ,there are really very few among us who do not require to practice it1 especially during these difficult times--and there is not anything to blush for in the fact4 ,it is a very false shame indeed which induces us to launch out into extravagances that we can ill afford1 rather than say candidly1 8,i must content myself with something cheaper40 ,believe me1 there is more shame in owing an honest tradesman five shillings1 than in wearing cheap corsets1 cotton stockings1 and mended gloves--in place of the better or costlier ones which that same five shillings would have helped to buy4 ,illustration ,,chapter ,,xviii4 ,,hacks ,,and ,,hunters4 ,i am wonderfully fond of a good hack1 and very wroth at times that ladies will persist in mistaking the meaning of the term1 and in thinking that it signifies something that is meant to be abused4 ,they take this idea1 ,i have no doubt1 from expressions associated with their childhood3 hacking out their clothes1 for instance1--in other words1 abusing them4 8,don't throw it away1 it will do very well for a hack10 meaning for very hard usage on second or third-rate occasions4 ,such a thing as a valuable hack1 one not on any account to be subjected to rough treatment1 they have never believed in1 or1 indeed1 thought about at all4 ,i was once bemoaning the loss of a favourite of this description to a lady acquaintance1 and although she pretended to sympathise with me1 ,i heard her1 when ,i turned my back1 say1 8,what a fuss over a thing that had come to being a hack6 ,not worth fourpence1 most likely40 ,now1 it is for ladies who do not know much about hacks1 yet who want to learn1 that ,i am writing this chapter4 ,the subject is a very useful one1 and might be readily enlarged upon1 but ,i shall be as concise as possible4 ,hacks in the olden days were capable of immense hardship2 the distances they travelled1 the weights they carried1 the amount of endurance they displayed1 would be deemed marvellous in the present century1 and cruel if put to the test4 ,such animals--and they are very rare--are only now to be met with in the stables of stirring farmers of the wealthy class1 who go over their lands before breakfast1 and overlook hundreds of acres on the backs of these useful creatures4 ,occasionally1 too1 they are to be found with country doctors1 well-to-do parsons1 and others whose daily work cannot be accomplished on animals less enduring or strong2 but the ordinary seeker looks for them almost in vain4 ,a good hack is a most trustworthy companion4 ,his rider may drop the reins to him on the very worst roads1 and yet feel certain that he will put his feet in precisely the right places1 and make no mistakes4 ,his fore-feet are always well formed1 and whatever the pace may be they fall straight1 and flat1 and even upon the ground4 ,his action when trotting is from the shoulders1 his fore-legs working strictly from them1 and just sufficiently bent to enable the rider to see his knees as they are raised1 but not to see under them4 ,chin-knocking action may do for a park hack1 but not for a roadster2 indeed1 ,i don't admire it myself in any class of horse1 but in a covert-hack it is decidedly objectionable4 ,the wonder of my life is how so many extraordinary goers1 such as one sees throughout every hunting season1 contrive to jig along1 or jog1 or pound1 as the case may be1 without coming down like logs upon the ground2 but they do3 just as drunken men1 though staggering1 manage to get home without a fall4 ,the paces of a thoroughly good hack are characterised by perfect regularity and ease2 his shoulders are well set1 sloping1 and strong2 his feet well formed1 his back somewhat short1 his loins muscular1 and his hips wide4 ,the shoulders at the withers are thick and firm--their tops well back--and a good long space between the pommel of the saddle and the termination of the mane4 ,fore-leg action of the proper sort is an actual necessity in a hack intended for a lady to ride1 because the safety of the rider is dependent upon it2 but in selecting such an animal look to his hind-leg action as well4 ,if the hock joints do not1 when moving1 seem pliable1 and as though they were bent with perfect ease1 bringing his hind legs well forward1 reject him at once1 no matter how good his front action1 or how perfect his forehand may appear4 ,illustration3 ,,hock--,,bent4 ,illustration3 ,,hock--,,too ,,far ,,back4 ,good hocks are clear1 sharp1 and well-defined in their outline1 with bones large and prominent1 denoting a similar condition of the muscles4 ,when too much bent there is generally a liability to sprain1 and when placed very far back there is1 as a rule1 an absence of propelling power4 ,i like to see hocks in such a position as shows that they are right under the centre of gravity4 ,this always enables a horse to propel himself with confidence1 and to bring his hind-legs properly under him in the trot--at which pace they should be carried as far forward as they can well be1 without hitting the fore-feet4 ,an animal that sticks his hind toes in the ground1 and walks gingerly1 as though his hocks had not any joints1 will never be safe or pleasant to ride4 ,if he possesses strength and evenness of hind-leg action1 his paces will always be agreeable4 ,good shoulder action and far-reaching hind legs will ensure delightful ease and pleasure to the rider4 ,racehorses1 when trotting over turf1 carry their hind feet far before the front ones--and outside them too1 as ,i have proved by footprints--although some persons have flatly contradicted me about the matter4 ,illustration3 ,,hock--,,good ,,position4 ,i do not think that a covert hack ought to exceed fifteen hands in height4 ,he should walk with ease and freedom1 trot ten miles an hour1 and canter fifteen1 without any trouble1 or blowing1 or other symptoms of distress4 ,of course he cannot do this if his lungs are not as sound as bells1 and his legs and feet perfectly healthy4 ,i may say1 however1 that exhibitions of pace are perfectly unnecessary2 nobody really needs to gallop full tilt to covert--but light easy action1 and reliable powers of endurance1 ought not to be lightly esteemed4 ,beauty may be altogether dispensed with in the covert hack--although it is generally so coveted that buyers will often ignore many important defects on account of it4 ,i don't approve of this4 ,i have seen most excellent hacks who had coarse heads1 blemished bodies1 rat tails1 and other undeniably ugly attributes--but what mattered it1 so long as they had perfections of a more important kind8 ,such animals are not wanted for show1 as are their more gaudy brethren the park hacks4 ,i like to see the ribs of all riding-horses long in front of the girths1 and short behind them4 ,this keeps the saddle in the proper place1 which it is hard to do 7without the aid of the old-fashioned crupper7 where the ribs in front are short4 ,the race of genuine covert hacks is1 ,i am sorry to say1 apparently fast dying out4 ,go1 for instance1 to any ordinary meet of hounds in almost any hunting country--you will see votaries of the chase arriving in every variety of vehicle3 in phaetons1 dogcarts1 waggonettes1 on drags and in broughams1 on the backs of horses that they mean to hunt1 on 8general utility0 animals1 on fine park hacks1 brought out to be admired and then cantered home again along the roadside grasses1 or hand-galloped through the fields where convenient gates abound--but the number of real covert hacks will be very small indeed4 ,i suppose the reason is1 that in this troublous age1 few 7in ,ireland at all events7 can afford to indulge in luxuries1 and a good hack is one1 in the very fullest sense of the term4 ,i do not believe1 although many do1 that it spoils a saddle horse to put him in harness4 ,were ,i rich enough to possess a number of hunters1 ,i should drive them in a four-horse drag during the summer months1 and ,i believe it would do them an immensity of good4 ,a covert hack of the useful sort makes an excellent trapper1 or one of a pair in a brougham or waggonette--nor does he lose any of his saddle qualities by being so made use of4 ,i may here say that1 for country or covert riding1 ,i do not at all approve of the ordinary half-bred cobs1 which so many sportsmen1 and some sporting ladies also1 are prone to affect4 ,no doubt they are strong3 it is their only recommendation2 but even this very strength is in one way an objection to them1 for it is in many instances derived from a close connection with cart-horse blood1 and on this account they very soon tire when trotting1 and begin to step short1 which occasions them to trip1 and very often to come down4 ,besides1 it is almost a matter of course that their shoulders are straight1 and their fore-feet carried too far under them4 ,in every way1 therefore1 ,i object to these animals for saddle use--especially where ladies are concerned4 ,scarce as riding horses of endurance are in this country1 there is no doubt whatever that we have the breed1 and that it only requires careful cultivation--by which ,i mean select--in distant ,colonies1 where our road and rail luxuries are not1 for love or money1 to be obtained4 ,in ,southern ,africa and distant ,australia this has been proved1 as also in the crosses of our horses with ,continental ones1 in ,italy1 ,germany1 and ,spain4 ,i now come to speak about hunters4 ,in choosing these1 do not go in for outward beauty of form1 for it will not stand you in any stead4 ,i am compelled to impress this upon ladies--especially very young ones--because they usually select their horses 7as they do their husbands67 for appearance more than for genuine worth4 ,it is such a perfectly natural weakness that nobody can be blamed for it4 ,everybody likes 8something to look at10 but there is more than this to be desired in many respects4 ,i remember either reading somewhere1 or hearing somebody say1 that a hunter that combined high courage with so fine a temper that he would stand while his owner opened gates or remounted him after a fall--one that liked his trade1 cried 8,ha1 ha60 at the sound of the huntsman's horn1 went generously at his fences as if he relished them1 picked his places sensibly1 had a good constitution1 drank his gruel freely after the day's work was over1 would stand two ordinary days a week1 and three good ones along with them in the course of a fortnight--was a treasure1 even though he might have an ugly head1 a ridiculous tail1 an unfashionable colour1 corns at times1 and many skin-deep blemishes4 ,in addition to all this1 ,i may add that if he is a fairly good hack1 and can trot or jog his ten or twelve miles home to his stable after a hardish day1 he is simply an invaluable acquisition1 especially to those who love sport1 yet have not the good fortune to possess a sporting income4 ,it is rarely1 however1 that one is lucky enough to meet with so entirely desirable an animal1 and when found he certainly ought to be prized4 ,the essential points for a hunter are these3 a good constitution1 so that he may bear hardships and hard knocks2 good powers of endurance1 to enable him to stand long and tiresome days1 and frequently to travel lengthy distances homewards2 good shoulders1 and strong healthy legs and feet4 ,further good points are1 a back powerful enough to bear any weight that he is meant to carry2 hind quarters with propelling powers to land him safely over his fences2 a good chest1 with lungs inside of it sufficiently sound to allow of his galloping without showing signs of distress2 and good eyes to enable him to see where he is going4 ,illustration3 ,,straight ,,fore ,,legs4 ,illustration3 ,,very ,,defective4 ,straight fore-legs1 such as are shown in the illustration1 are an absolutely essential quality--and they should emerge from the trunk with plenty of firm muscle as well as good fleshy substance4 ,legs that are too close together1 or too far apart1 are alike defective1 and ought not to be overlooked4 ,illustration3 ,,too ,,far ,,apart4 ,a hunter for a lady's use need not1 as a rule1 be over fifteen hands in height1 or about #aeb for a man of ordinary stature4 ,of course top-weights of either sex must have something proportionately big to carry them1 but my experience is that clever hunters of #aeb or #c can negotiate even the biggest country with safety1 and ,i believe there are a greater number of perfect fencers of that height than can be found among those above it4 ,small horses1 whether hunters or steeplechasers1 have distinguished themselves brilliantly from time to time all over the world1 yet the rage for tall ones is very great4 ,about ten years ago1 at the ,islington ,horse ,show1 there were forty hunters 7out of #ajj entries7 that were over #af hands high1 and they were among the very first sold1 some of them to extremely diminutive purchasers4 ,i was speaking about this a year or two ago to a dealer1 and asking him his opinion respecting the cause1 when he made me laugh by answering1 8,well1 you see1 big horses makes big fences look a trifle smaller1 and that's something to them as rides40 ,i have always considered it a good plan to select a hunter1 with due regard to the country in which his purchaser intends to hunt4 ,for example1 if hilly1 or composed of wide grass lands1 or plough1 good breeding will be decidedly essential1 because with it good staying powers will be combined2 if trappy1 or difficult1 requiring constant pulling up at fences and careful getting over1 extreme cleverness will be far more valuable than blood4 ,even a broken-winded horse will1 if cautious and clever1 be more useful over such a country1 than a flyer or very flippant jumper--because he can catch his wind between his efforts1 and will not be likely to exhibit distress4 ,if you cannot count upon a horse's pedigree1 when looking for a blood one1 you can generally judge him by his haunch4 ,i think it an excellent test of breeding4 ,a well-bred haunch and handsomely carried tail1 impart a dignity of appearance which is unmistakable1 and they are certainly far in advance of the rounded quarter and drooping caudal appendage which my sketch on the succeeding page represent4 ,still further commendable points in a hunter are long shoulders1 high withers1 broad hips1 and loose flanks3 this latter in order 7as ,i have heard it expressed7 that he may 8dash0 his haunches under him at the big jumps4 ,he should have good shoulder action1 but it matters little 7as ,i have said7 about that of the knees4 ,illustration3 ,,well-,,bred ,,haunch4 ,illustration3 ,,ill-,,bred ,,haunch4 ,a hunter is thought to be in his prime at six years old1 and if this be the case1 every hunter in the kingdom--especially those with which dealers have anything to do--must be just arrived at that happy meridian1 for surely no one has ever yet inquired the age of such an animal without being told that he was 8just six year old10 or 8rising0 it4 ,i have known some admirable hunters1 however1 who had passed the familiar landmark by four years or upwards2 and in the west of ,ireland ,i saw one1 and rode him too1 who was said to be eighteen years old1 and certainly a finer fencer it has rarely been my lot to handle4 ,i do not1 however1 as a rule1 recommend young horsewomen to purchase aged hunters4 ,i have generally found them to be too crafty and clever1 calculating their distances too finely1 and leaving themselves nothing at all to spare4 ,better mount a young rider on a young1 generous goer1 who will give himself a couple of feet or more over the mark4 ,never judge of a hunter from seeing him jump in cold blood1 because many animals that will perform calmly and collectedly over a schooling-ground1 become so tremendously excited in the hunting-field that they are altogether beyond the powers of a lady to control4 ,i need not say that horses of this class are not only unpleasant1 but are highly dangerous mounts4 ,i always advise ladies who have invested in anything that they find disappointing--either a rusher1 refuser1 plunger1 or anything else--to entrust him at once to thoroughly competent hands to break him of the vice4 ,i believe largely in horse-dealing farmers of the straight-riding sort4 ,a horse given up to one of these will be exercised about the lands through the summer months1 taught to get slowly through gaps and over difficult fences1 made to stand quietly to be mounted1 and ridden temperately but with determination when hounds begin to run4 ,a hunter that pulls should never be made use of by a lady1 but for my own riding ,i have always preferred an animal that gave me something to do to hold him1 to one that stuck his head in the air and refused to take hold of his bridle4 ,i don't know anything that renders a lady more helpless in a quick run than a horse that is too light-mouthed1 and that flings his head up every time he feels the action of the bit4 ,i would not take a present of such a one for my own use4 ,it is an excellent plan for ladies to train their hunters to follow them when on foot4 ,suppose that in the course of a run you happen to come to some awfully cranky place3 cramped1 difficult1 and highly dangerous to ride1 you may find it pleasant and advisable to get off and scramble it1 and your steed will follow you beautifully if you have him trained4 ,it is quite easy to do it2 accustom him to the tone of your voice1 and if in the country take him out on summer evenings with a leading-rein and a pocketful of carrots4 ,you will not have much difficulty after a while1 and it is quite worth the trouble1 even if you are disposed to think it such1 which ,i never did4 ,there used long ago to be certain counties celebrated for good hunters4 ,ireland was1 and is1 justly famous1 both for breeding and training youngsters of a style fit for any hunting-field3 but posts1 telegraphs1 and telephones have placed us far more on a level than we used to be1 and ,i don't believe that there is now anything like the advantage enjoyed by our fathers and grandfathers in purchasing direct from a breeder4 ,i may wind up by saying that no horse is worthy of being called a hunter that cannot be turned in a very small circle1 that jumps with his hind-legs stretched out behind him1 or that won't at all events attempt any fence at which his owner may wish to turn him4 ,illustration3 8,,come ,,along1 ,,old ,,man60 page #baf4 ,,chapter ,,xix4 ,,in ,,the ,,hunting-,,field4 ,a very tempting title truly1 but before we can get there we must say a word about the preparation for it1 and also about the journey to be taken to reach the desired goal4 ,to prepare1 therefore1 you should look first to your horse2 you must get him into good hard-fed condition some time before the opening of the season1 and either exercise him regularly yourself1 or get somebody to do it for you4 ,the subject of feeding ,i hope to discuss in a forthcoming chapter--as also that of shoeing1 which is extremely important4 ,i may here say1 however1 that my system of feeding hunters is in many points so widely different to that of others that ,i shall not undertake to advocate it openly1 but shall merely state that ,i have found it answer most admirably in my own stable1 and that many private friends to whom ,i have recommended it have endorsed my opinion of its excellence4 ,the only portion of it to which ,i shall in this chapter refer1 is concerning the times at which ,i think the meals ought to be given4 ,i advise that hunters be accustomed all the year round to do without a heavy midday meal3 this practice to be adhered to during the summer months1 as well as in winter2 in fact1 whether the animal is doing work or not4 ,a good substantial feed at #g ,a4,m41 and another twelve hours later1 with one of hay only 7but plenty of it1 and of the best7 at noon1 is all the food that need be given4 ,horses fed thus do not1 on even very long days1 miss anything except their midday repast1 whereas1 if accustomed to a solid feed of corn in the middle of the day1 the vacuum created by the want of it must certainly tell upon the animals1 and render them in a great degree unfitted for their tasks4 ,let your horse1 then1 be fed as ,i have directed1 and you will 7confidently speaking7 find him quite able and ready for the long days which are so trying to horses that are not in condition1 as well as to many that are4 ,look to his shoeing a day or two before you want to use him1 and when ,i say 8look10 ,i mean for you to do it yourself1 and not merely inquire of the servant whether it has been done1 unless1 indeed1 he is one of those treasures who are as rarely to be met with as the proverbial four-leaved shamrock1 or the horse that is a day over six years old4 ,grooms will not1 as a rule1 trouble themselves much about the shoeing department1 except at the most inconvenient times2 when they don't want you to go out1 for instance1 it is quite surprising how quickly they contrive to discover that the horse must go to the forge4 ,i know all their little tricks perfectly well1 and the length of time1 too1 that they generally find it necessary to be absent when that forge business is declared to be a necessity that cannot be done without2 therefore1 it will be well to look to it always yourself1 a good bit in advance1 in order that you may not in any wise be taken unprepared4 ,give a glance over your hunting-gear also1 lest anything should be astray4 ,it is not at the last moment that such things ought ever to be looked to4 ,see that your gloves are in good order1 and your riding-breeches perfectly whole--for1 remember1 there is a great and constant strain on this particular garment1 and it will in consequence stand in frequent need of repairs4 ,make certain also that your skirt is neatly brushed1 your hat in perfection1 and your whip and spur in perfect readiness for use4 ,having made these preparations1 you must turn your thoughts from necessaries to possible contingencies1 and hold yourself in readiness for such4 ,procure a small1 tidy valise1 and in it place a complete change of warm clothing4 ,you can dispense with fashionable and costly articles1 and put in merely such things as will prove convenient in the possible event of your being either dyked1 or subjected to such a wetting from above as would render it unsafe for you to proceed homewards in your riding-habit4 ,of course1 ,i am now surmising that you either drive or rail to the hunt1 and return the same way4 ,if you ride a hack to covert1 or jog your hunter at an easy pace1 you will not only find it impossible to carry a change of clothing1 but you will not have any need of such1 because nobody ever catches cold1 even from wet clothes1 so long as motion and circulation are kept up2 but if you have a long drive homewards after a hard and exciting day1 or a journey 7even a short one7 to perform by rail1 ,i strongly advocate the carrying of the valise4 ,it will not prove a source of the least trouble to you4 ,you can leave it either in your vehicle or at the railway station1 and it is an inconceivable comfort to be able to get into a dry suit when every stitch that you have on is clinging to your body1 heavy with wet and mud4 ,i advise the labelling of the valise in plain letters1 if it is to be left in any waiting-room4 ,to attend to this may prevent a good deal of possible confusion4 ,many ladies think it a trouble1 ,i know1 to carry such things about with them--just as men1 when they go out walking1 consider it 8a nuisance0 to carry an umbrella or an overcoat1 even on the most uncertain and showery days--paying the penalty1 of course1 in drenched garments1 rheumatism1 and catarrh4 ,the 8trouble0 in the first instance is very small2 in the second it may be serious4 ,having then made all square and ready1 we have next to consider in what way you intend to proceed to covert4 ,if by rail or vehicle1 and that you happen to have friends of an obliging sort living close to the proposed meet1 you may perhaps find them willing to give accommodation to your mount for the preceding night4 ,if so it will be very pleasant1 both for you and your horse1 as the animal will be as fresh as a daisy to carry you--a cheery thing for both parties4 ,you must1 however1 remember that you will be under a very decided compliment--one which many may not desire to incur--to the friend who shows you this favour1 inasmuch as putting up a horse signifies either putting up a servant also1 or sending a groom to meet the animal at the station2 at all events it entails extra stable duties1 and these must be considered and paid for4 ,supposing that you do not send your horse anywhere the night before1 see to it that he gets off betimes in the morning1 and1 if going by road1 give your servant directions to take him to some quiet corner or laneway close to the meet1 and to wait for you there until you come4 ,i regard this as a very much better plan than having him led direct to the meet1 and mounting him there in presence of an assembled crowd4 ,ladies who like a little bit of show generally prefer the latter way--but for true comfort1 opportunity for overlooking the general turning-out of your horse1 lengthening or shortening of stirrup-leathers1 folding your muffling tidily away 7instead of flinging it anywhere or anyhow into the vehicle71 giving your groom directions where to meet you at the close of the day1 and so forth1 commend me to the former4 ,if a hunter is to be railed1 let him go to the station well clothed1 and send extra things along with him for coming home4 ,winter evenings are usually chilly1 if not downright cold1 and are very frequently damp as well2 if1 then1 a heated animal1 with every pore open from exercise and excitement1 is called upon1 unprepared1 to encounter these combined atmospheric influences1 coughs1 catarrhs1 rheumatic affections1 and sometimes the more serious evils of inflamed or congested lungs1 are certain to be the results4 ,rise early yourself on a hunting morning2 have a cold bath1 if of a robust temperament--if not1 tepid4 ,eat a moderate breakfast of white fish1 cutlet1 or steak1 accompanied by dry toast or biscuit1 and partake of very little liquid4 ,fill your flask with cold tea3 it is more invigorating than either brandy or wine2 and provide a small sandwich1 or a biscuit or two1 to put in the pocket of your saddle4 ,this will be provision enough for the commissariat department4 ,if you have the luxury of riding a good hack to covert1 and that the distance is not very far--say1 from five to eight miles--you will be certain to enjoy it1 and it will put you in fettle for the more serious business of the day4 ,this again1 like the bath1 means if you are strong and hardy3 in short1 inured to long rides1 and not by any means easily fatigued4 ,if it be not so with you1 it will be better to make arrangements to go by rail1 or drive4 ,some ladies ride their hunters quite long distances to meets1 but as a rule they are not among the straight-going sort1 being satisfied with seeing the first draw and the burst away over a good line of country1 where the two or three preliminary fences are not such as to occasion many serious mishaps4 ,i do not think that any lady who rides even moderately straight ought to hack her hunter for a longer distance than five or six miles of a good fair road1 and the best way to take him will be at a brisk walk1 alternated pretty frequently with a steady jog-trot1 or a hand-gallop on the grass at the side4 ,i do not at all object to a hunter being allowed to drink a little water before starting on his journey1 although ,i know that very many disagree with me on the point2 nor do ,i object to his having a few mouthfuls in the intervals of hunting2 it will refresh him excessively1 just as a small goblet of water would refresh you1 although a large one might overload your stomach1 or give you a chill4 ,on arriving at the meet1 keep as quiet and as much in the background as you possibly can4 ,it is better taste by far than to push forward in ever so small a degree4 ,do not trouble yourself with thinking about your own appearance1 be it what it may2 in all probability nobody will be minding you at all4 ,if you are perfectly well turned-out1 feel happy in the consciousness that you are so1 but shun display2 if indifferently1 console yourself with the reflection that each man and woman present is occupied in admiring him or herself1 and has neither time nor desire to admire you1 or the reverse4 ,do not expect that august personage1 8the master10 to shake hands with you1 even if acquainted1 or to stop and talk4 ,salute him as he goes by1 but nothing further4 ,do not worry the huntsman with questions about the proposed draws1 or anything else4 ,if you know him1 salute him1 and say a word or two1 if you like1 about his hounds1 but never expect him to answer you2 his mind is on other matters bent4 ,do not indulge in loud talking1 or conspicuous laughter1 which will be certain to render you remarkable and bring many eyes upon you4 ,a quiet1 ladylike demeanour will always ensure admirers4 ,when the order is given to go1 and the huntsman moves off in front with his hounds1 contrive to keep as close to him as you can1 without an appearance of 8push40 ,this for the obvious reason that a fox is very often found the moment 7or nearly so7 that hounds are thrown into covert1 and if you are on the spot1 you may get well away with the pack2 whereas1 at the end of a long cavalcade1 on a narrow and difficult roadway1 it will be ten to one against your doing anything better than hunting a stern chase for the remainder of the run4 ,it has for long been a vexed question whether or not the hunting-field is a suitable place for ladies1 and ,i am certainly not going to discuss it in extenso1 especially in a necessarily limited space4 ,one or two things concerning it ,i may1 however1 be permitted to say4 ,firstly1 that timid ladies1 those mounted on badly broken horses1 and others 7a large community7 who push for first place while in reality only fitted to take third 7in company with wheezy old gentlemen on fat cobs1 farmers on green colts1 and the numerous company of confessed road-riders71 are a very decided nuisance in the field2 and1 secondly1 that ladies who possess courage 7by which ,i do not mean the effrontery of ignorance and vanity combined71 who are thoroughly well mounted1 and who never get in anybody's way1 are1 in my opinion1 a charming addition to the delightful pleasures of the chase4 ,if1 then1 you want to be considered an acquisition1 be contented--especially if a beginner--to take second place3 that is1 not to force a way among the hard-riding lot1 or expose yourself to the numerous perils which really first-flight men and women go out prepared to encounter--ay1 and usually manage to get through safely1 too1 if not interfered with or endangered by second and third-class riders4 ,by-and-by1 when you have gained the knowledge and experience which getting up from the ranks will assuredly bring you1 there will be an extra pleasure in finding yourself not only holding first place in the most difficult runs1 but in knowing that you are qualified to hold it1 and are justified in declining to yield it up to others who may not have won their spurs4 ,if1 however1 you desire to render yourself thoroughly obnoxious to everybody1 you can set about it in this way4 ,select for your mount something that is both fidgetty and showy1 yet utterly 8incapable40 ,whenever you attempt a fence keep your horse at it1 whether you have any chance of getting over or not1 to the exclusion of half the field4 ,when you get on fair ground1 gallop madly forward and override the hounds1 if you chance by a 8fluke0 to get near enough to them to do so4 ,when there is a check1 and the pack fails in hitting off the scent at once1 slash at the nearest of them with your hunting-whip1 and tell the animal playfully that it is 8a naughty dog not to hunt better40 ,always make a point of crowding at gaps and gateways1 when hounds and field are struggling to get through4 ,never fail to effect an intimate acquaintance with the master1 and be sure to call the huntsman1 when speaking of him1 8,bill ,simmonds0 or 8,jim ,brown10 although 8,simmonds0 or 8,brown0 may be quite enough for other people4 ,always follow this last-mentioned functionary into covert1 and speak to him all the time that he is anxiously watching his hounds4 ,should you happen to view the fox away1 swell out your lungs for a good bellow of ,tally ho-oooo6 and gallop full tilt at him before ever a single hound has left covert1 which wise proceeding will be certain to turn him back1 and gain for you the blessings of all genuine lovers of sport4 ,finally1 when the game at length breaks fair1 rush away in advance of everybody else1 with your chin to the sky1 and your elbows flapping like the sails of a windmill2 and when you have half-killed your ill-conditioned steed1 and frightened the wits out of a score or two of old squires who have long ago lost their nerves 7together with their appreciation of such 8hard riding0 as yours71 then pull off1 and dose everybody with whom you are acquainted1 for the next week or two1 with glowing accounts of the wonders that you performed on the opening day with the ,dashshire hounds1 and the merits1 beauties1 and achievments of the exquisite animal that carried you so brilliantly through the first run of the season4 ,by adopting this mode of proceeding you will be certain to gain a host of admirers in the field1 and will do much toward disabusing the public mind of the idea 7very deeply implanted in it7 that the hunting-field is not a place in which ladies ought to seek for sport4 ,now1 in conclusion1 allow me in all seriousness to lay down a few maxims for your instruction4 ,never go to hunt without a good pilot4 ,young lovers are very nice for this purpose1 although not always the safest4 ,i recommend sharp old foxhunters1 who know the country1 and who will give you a judicious lead4 ,if you cannot secure a trustworthy leader1 dispense altogether with the services of one1 and cut out a line for yourself1 provided that you are mounted on a really first-class animal1 one well up to your weight1 and endowed with an infallible knowledge of where to put his feet4 ,keep the hounds in sight if you can1 or1 at any rate1 within hearing1 and ride rather wide of them1 to right or left2 never in their actual wake4 ,keep your horse well in hand all through1 that he may not sprawl4 ,be quick at turning4 ,avoid1 so far as is possible1 deep heavy lands2 and if traversing plough1 keep along the headlands rather than pump your steed by galloping over ridge and furrow1 as others frequently do4 ,when obliged to get through gaps and gates put extra steam on when coming up to them1 in order to be first2 and if there is a crowd1 hold your horse hard1 and touch him lightly with your spur1 that he may keep up his mettle and be ready to bound into full speed the instant you get clear of the ruck4 ,if riding a young hot-blooded hunter1 it will as a rule be safer for you to put him at a very big jump than to trust him in a crowded gangway4 ,while riding hard1 never so much as glance at the remainder of the field4 ,keep your eyes for your horse and for the leading hounds1 so as to keep exactly with them1 and check the very instant that they do4 ,never distress your mount by taking unnecessary jumps4 ,don't be a bit ashamed to make use of a convenient gate if you can get along with equal quickness that way2 it will save your horse1 and will enable you to hold your place much longer in the run2 but1 at the same time1 never shirk a practicable jump when you want to go straight4 ,if riding a kicker1 give warning to those in the rear of you to keep out of the way4 ,never jump over a fallen horseman2 select another part of the fence to effect your leap4 ,do not continue to ride a beaten animal2 pull off the moment that he hangs out signals of distress4 ,when called upon to cross a ford1 do so very cautiously1 and if your horse makes a kind of forward plunge1 and an attempt at swimming1 throw him the reins at once or he will roll over4 ,do not on any account interfere with his mouth at such a time4 ,keep your left foot stuck well forward1 or1 better still1 lift the leg right over the leaping-head1 that it may not be struck by the horse's hind foot--and at the same time take a firm grip of the up-pommel and the off-side of the saddle1 to avoid being unseated when he makes his second plunge1 which he will do the moment that he recovers his footing4 ,if the first run of the day be a good one1 rest satisfied with it1 and do not attempt another1 unless you have a second horse out4 ,if your mount should chance to lose a shoe1 especially a fore one1 make at once for the nearest forge4 ,if one of the hind feet has sustained the loss1 you may continue the run1 provided the going is over soft ground--but when a fore shoe happens to go1 pull off without a moment's delay4 ,i have always thought it an admirable plan to carry a shoe1 or slipper1 slung on 7in its neat leather case7 cavalry-wise1 to the saddle4 ,this1 in case of accident1 obviates the necessity of waiting at the forge while the smith manufactures one--and of course on arrival at home it can readily be changed for a more durable foot-protector4 ,i have even known some sage old sportsmen carry in their pockets a little ,american hammer and nail-box in one1 and do their own shoeing when they found themselves in difficulties and at a distance from professional aid4 ,dismount when there is a check1 if only for an instant2 and1 when there is time1 shift your saddle an inch back or forward1 the first for preference4 ,this will prove a great refreshment to your mount4 ,be uniformly kind and courteous to everybody4 ,if you chance to distinguish yourself by good riding1 or good fortune1 make no fuss about it1 or look for adulation4 ,always carry a yard or two of twine1 a pick1 and a few shillings along with you2 there may be uses for all4 ,when riding home1 if you do ride1 grasp the first opportunity of getting your horse some warm gruel1 and take him through a shallow ford or pond to wash the mud from his legs and belly4 ,when you get him to his stable do not allow him to be tormented by elaborate grooming2 see that he is given an abundance of straw to roll in1 and a good bucket of linseed tea to drink2 have his ears dried by pulling them1 bandage his legs with flannel1 and give him an abundance of fresh air1 which is of far more consequence to an exhausted hunter than either food or water4 ,i greatly disapprove of admitting draughts1 especially thorough ones--but it is a dire mistake to cram a horse into a close stable1 with every chink stopped up1 and then put a huge quantity of hay and oats before him4 ,bad air and improper feeding soon do their work4 ,some valuable animal is taken ill1 a farrier is sent for1 he tries bleeding to stop the terrific action of the heart1 and before morning the horse is dead4 ,i shall have something useful to say on this and kindred subjects in my chapter on 8,doctoring10 later on4 ,illustration3 ,,thoroughly ,,obnoxious4 ,,chapter ,,xx4 ,,shoeing4 ,there are three points concerning this important subject on which ,i should like to thoroughly convince my readers4 ,firstly1 that the theory1 sometimes put forward1 of dispensing with shoes for horses that are intended to work in paved cities and over rough roads1 is a fallacious one2 secondly1 that the shoeing done at ordinary forges is practically all wrong2 and1 thirdly1 that there is nothing at all derogatory in going down one's-self to the blacksmith's1 in company with the animal to be shod1 and not only giving directions about the way in which it will be most advisable to do it1 but standing by to make certain that it is actually done4 ,common errors among smiths are these2 cutting down the frog until it cannot possibly come in contact with the ground2 paring the sole1 until it is either bedewed with blood1 or so thin that the effort to walk on it causes the horse to wince2 opening the 8bars0 which join the frog to the outer wall of the foot2 putting on unnecessarily heavy shoes2 having a strong predilection in favour of calkins2 rasping down the wall of the foot to fit the shoe1 instead of making the shoe to fit the foot2 and removing too much of the heel horn4 ,these faults proceed1 as a rule1 more from ignorance than obstinacy1 and it would therefore be a good and wise thing if every farrier were to be made thoroughly acquainted with the anatomy of the horse's foot and leg3 he would then perceive what dire mischief he was in reality doing while pursuing the ordinary stereotyped course which his father and grandfather probably followed before him4 ,to look at this list of errors in review4 ,first of all1 the frog should never be interfered with2 to pare it with a knife is ruinous2 it ought to touch the ground instead of being prevented from doing so3 nature intended that it should4 ,it retains the hoof in proper shape at the heels1 prevents the tendency to slip1 and in fact acts as the natural buffer of the foot1 giving it strength1 security1 and elasticity1 while its toughness enables it to travel over the roughest country without shrinking or pain4 ,it wards off concussion1 being surrounded by lateral cartilages which may be described as yielding sidewalls1 and is the contrivance supplied by nature for preserving the superimposed structures from injury or passing hurt4 ,cutting into the frog is1 ,i am most firmly convinced1 one of the chief causes of thrush1 and nothing can more clearly prove this than the fact that diseased and wasted frogs1 and thrushes of long and obstinate standing1 have been known to become completely cured by the adoption of a proper system of shoeing--one that brought the frog not only near the ground1 but actually on it4 ,navicular disease1 that terror of every horse-owner1 is without doubt largely induced by improper shoeing1 coupled with the pernicious practice which ,i am now condemning1 of cutting away the frog4 ,this valuable india-rubber-like substance should be jealously guarded1 and most carefully preserved from injury or waste2 a knife ought no more be allowed to touch it than permitted to penetrate the horse's eye2 perhaps even with greater care ought it to be preserved1 for whereas some excellent goers have but one eye to see with1 an animal on three legs is of but little use to anybody1 except the knacker1 into whose hands he is pretty certain soon to fall4 ,second on the list of evils comes the paring away of the sole of the foot1 and so general is this most unwise operation1 that grooms absolutely prepare for it the night before their charges go to the forge1 by stopping their feet with cow-dung1 or some other horrible dirt4 ,the practice is a cruel1 useless1 and highly deleterious one1 which owners of horses ought not in anywise to encourage or permit4 ,third1 is the hideous habit of opening up the heels3 which means making a deep incision into the wall of the foot at the heel1 just where it is bent inward to form the bars4 ,nothing could possibly be more injurious or injudicious than this detestable operation4 ,it weakens the wall of the foot1 and occasions what all horse-fanciers strive to guard against1 the evil of contracted heels4 ,the frog1 sole1 and bars have each a separate and most important duty to perform1 and are1 if unwisely interfered with1 rendered absolutely incapable of contributing to the carrying out of ,nature's exemplary plan4 ,fourth1 is the custom of putting on shoes that are too clumsy1 weighty1 and thick4 ,a thin1 light shoe is in every respect preferable1 the lightness of the metal ensuring a firm foothold1 while it likewise brings the foot-proper in closer proximity to the ground4 ,fifth1 is the strong fancy for calkins1--things which ,i as strongly decry1 except for heavy draught horses1 and for those accustomed to trust to their assistance for backing weighty loads4 ,even where such appendages are acknowledged to be necessary1 a toe-piece should be likewise added to the shoe and the forepart slightly thickened1 in order to ensure an evenness and steadiness of footing1 together with the keeping of the foot in its own natural position4 ,a horse mounted upon calkins without the addition of the toe-piece must feel quite as uncomfortable as a vain belle when mounted upon a pair of tapering high heels4 ,another way of preventing injury in the form of contractions from calkins is1 to have the shoes forged of even thickness from heel to toe1 and then to remove a portion of metal from underneath the quarters4 ,a horse's real weight is on his toes and heels3 nature shows this by weakening the hoofs at the quarters1 and the law of mechanics illustrates that if the extremities of any powerful substance are equally and adequately sustained1 the absolute body which forms as it were a bridge over the space1 may be trusted without support4 ,sixth1 is a terrible evil3 namely1 employing the rasp to the outer wall of the foot1 in order to bring it down to the size of a shoe that is too small for it4 ,this cruelty is generally perpetrated by farriers who consider themselves too hurried1 but are in reality too lazy1 to undertake the forging of a properly fitting shoe1 and so they lay hands on one that happens to be lying by them1 and having affixed it1 proceed to cut down the foot to its level4 ,the wretchedness of the animal1 when set to walk upon this torturing protector1 is precisely like that which we should suffer were our feet to be crushed into boots or shoes that were ever so many sizes too small for them4 ,by this cruel practice the horn of the foot is seriously injured1 and months elapse before it resumes its normal shape and condition4 ,illustration3 ,,foot ,,made ,,to ,,fit ,,shoe4 ,illustration3 ,,shoe ,,made ,,to ,,fit ,,foot4 ,removing too much of the heel-horn is the seventh evil with which we have to deal4 ,this is a very usual practice1 and is strongly calculated to make a temporary cripple of the horse so operated upon4 ,it ought to be remembered that the ground face of the hoof should be even1 and justly proportioned from toe to heel1 and that the sides of it ought to be of equal depth4 ,there is at times1 indeed very often1 an excess of horny growth about the toe1 but it is impossible to lay down any precise rule with reference to the angle to which the hoof ought to be brought3 a competent eye will1 however1 judge of it1 and will be able to decide whether it is in conformity with the natural formation and bearing of the limb4 ,illustration3 ,,low ,,heel4 ,illustration3 ,,high ,,heel4 ,i have a great fancy for tips--otherwise half-shoes1 nailed to the toes only1 and leaving both quarters free4 ,i have known one or two young horses shod in this way who have travelled quite safely1 and shown wonderfully healthy feet4 ,for racers ,i particularly approve of them1 and for young light-weight hunters1 especially when running in a grass country4 ,i am aware that there is a prejudice against them1 except for animals that are for awhile thrown up1 but it is an entirely ignorant one1 and ought to be discarded4 ,the late ,duke of ,wellington was especially fond of tips1 and for a long while rode his horses with no other kind of foot-covering4 ,he was at length1 however1 induced to give it up1 as he suffered torment from persons perpetually informing him that his hack had cast a shoe4 ,i have from time to time been shown an immense variety of india-rubber shoes1 together with other novel kinds too numerous to mention1 and to all of them have found some grave faults4 ,lyons has1 however1 lately produced a new specimen1 which has been experimented with upon ,french horses in a manner somewhat successful4 ,it is made entirely of sheep's horn1 and is said to be particularly adapted to such animals as are known not to be steady-footed when going over pavements4 ,it is1 moreover1 excessively light and very durable--two excellent qualities--and although at present somewhat more expensive than the ordinary shoe1 it will no doubt come down in price when the novelty wears off1 and will in all probability replace the present style before the world is many years older4 ,for horses employed in towns it must be peculiarly valuable1 as it is said to be an effectual check against slipping4 ,illustration3 ,,foot ,,with ,,tip4 ,before closing the present chapter1 ,i should like to warn horse-owners still further against the ordinary uses of the smith's drawing-knife1 rasp1 and heated iron1 all of which are1 as ,i have said1 most lamentably abused4 ,by the first1 especially1 numerous 8accidents0 are made to occur4 ,the sole of the foot being all pared away and exposed close to the earth1 induces it to assume a harshness of texture totally opposed to its natural qualities1 which are soft and yielding--and this change of structure is a fruitful source of corns4 ,the outer portion of the sole rests upon the web of the shoe2 the coffin-bone descends1 and not meeting with any yielding substance to play upon1 the flesh is pressed between the inferior surface of the bone and the upper surface of the shoe1 causing malignant corns4 ,again1 the educated smith1 in order to give what he terms 8a better hold10 drives the fastening nails into the black or outer substance of the wall of the foot2 whereas the untutored ,arab preserves his horses' feet by permitting the walls to descend about half-an-inch below the sole1 and then driving the nails through this portion of the hoof4 ,by so doing1 he averts the evil consequences of inserting iron into the brittle substance1 and secures at the same time the resistance and tough qualities of the complex covering of the foot4 ,while the ,english smith is labouring to give a tight hold1 he is in reality involving three distinct perils--firstly1 pricking the sensitive foot1 should the nail chance to turn a little bit on one side--a thing which very often happens2 secondly1 driving a nail too fine1 or1 in other words1 too near the white horn--the consequence of which is that it1 the nail1 turns inward when the horse is worked1 causing lameness to ensue2 and1 thirdly1 to avoid these evils1 he points his nails so far outward that the outer crust cracks1 splits1 and chips away1 in time occasioning a difficulty about finding any place at all capable of affording holding properties for the necessary nails4 ,illustration3 ,,foot ,,with ,,fractured ,,horn4 ,illustration3 ,,shoe ,,hanging ,,pendulous4 ,it is owing to this evil that riders are so frequently inconvenienced by their horses' shoes becoming partially detached from their feet4 ,the weakest portion of the chipped hoof yields first1 the remaining fastenings follow1 the shoe wags1 the nails lose their hold--with1 perhaps1 the exception of one or two1--when the foot is raised its covering hangs pendulous from it1 and when again put down some nail still remaining in the shoe pierces the plantar surface of the foot1 or1 perhaps1 even penetrates the coffin-bone1 and prolonged lameness follows4 8,this may be1 and no doubt is1 all very true10 ,i fancy ,i can hear some reader say2 8but what on earth am ,i to do8 ,i cannot shoe my horses myself1 and smiths are so intolerably conceited40 ,just so2 they certainly are1 and ,i can entirely sympathise with you2 horse-owners are terribly dependent upon them1 ladies in particular4 ,but ,i should advise you to do what ,i myself have found effectual1 namely1 take your horses either to a thoroughly competent farrier 7there are1 happily1 such to be found71 or1 what ,i think better still1 to a complete duffer6--one who knows very little about his trade1 and who1 being aware of his deficiencies1 will be humble enough to accept your directions1 and also willing to act upon them and thankful for being afforded an opportunity of doing so4 ,i have heard that railway companies seek for fools to act as pointsmen2 by all means1 then1 look out for an idiotic smith6 ,,chapter ,,xxi4 ,,feeding4 ,as already stated1 ,i give my own ideas and opinions on this subject1 without any desire to thrust them forward1 or the least expectation of seeing them generally adopted4 ,old prejudices are hard to get rid of2 grooms are self-willed1 obstinate1 and ignorant to a degree1 and masters are too yielding1 or too indolent to interfere4 ,i therefore regard it as probable that on many persons the advice contained in this chapter will be thrown away1 while on others--those who are willing to break new ground--it will1 ,i venture to say1 have the salutary effect of producing improvements in the stable1 and increasing the weight of the purse4 ,by good management1 which is the true secret of all economy1 a man1 or woman1 may keep a pair of horses for the same yearly outlay that his or her less provident neighbour will expend on keeping one--while the credit of the stable will be quite as well1 if not better1 maintained4 ,i am most strongly in favour of cooked food1 and opposed to the giving of raw oats in any shape or form4 ,the absurd theory that this system of feeding is calculated to make horses 8soft10 is about as sensible as that which avers 7or would do so7 that a man fed upon cooked rice and well-boiled potatoes1 would be less capable of doing a good day's work than if compelled to eat the same materials raw4 ,animals possessed of even the very best digestions lose a great portion of the nutriment of their food when given in the ordinary way--a large quantity of the oats passing through their bodies quite as whole and unbroken as when swallowed2 whereas every grain of the cooked food is assimilated with the blood1 and goes to nourish the system1--consequently1 nothing is lost4 ,a chief reason for the prejudice against cooked food is that it gives trouble1 and is a 8bother0 to prepare4 ,this is always the groom's excuse2 everything is a trouble to him1 except thrusting a measure of hard dry corn1 accompanied by a bucket of water1 at stated intervals before his charge1 and receiving his wages--at stated intervals also--for so doing4 ,were he to understand1 when being hired1 that to cook the food would form as much a portion of his business as to groom and bed the horses1 there would probably be very little grumbling--especially when every convenient appliance would be found ready to his hand2 but the difficulty always lies with the old and knowing ones--men who have been accustomed all their lives to do things their own way1 and have things just as they pleased4 ,these1 as a rule1 resent every innovation1 and are only to be dealt with by persons as knowing and determined as themselves4 ,another source of objection is the idea that it will require some special apparatus--some costly1 difficult1 complicated contrivance for carrying out the proposed plan4 ,there never was a greater mistake made4 ,in my next chapter1 which will be entirely devoted to the subject of stabling1 ,i shall endeavour to show that the only apparatus necessary is an exceedingly simple one1--certainly not by any means of either a costly or extravagant nature4 ,to feed a horse four times a day1 on any kind of food1 is in my opinion unnecessary2 unless1 indeed1 he be an extremely delicate feeder1 in which case 8little and often0 should be the rule2 but ,i maintain that if fed but thrice he ought to be given as good a proportion as is ordinarily divided into four4 ,i like to see a hard-working horse able to eat his five quarterns of mixed oats and beans1 varied with a good mash once or twice a week1 and always on a ,saturday night4 ,at the same time ,i am entirely against placing an excess of food in the manger at one time2 it is much better to give an animal just what he will finish1 than that he should not leave his manger perfectly clean4 ,corn ought to be boiled until every grain is swollen to nearly double its normal size1 and is capable of being bruised between the fingers2 it should then be turned out on big trays and left to cool4 ,to suffer it to grow quite cold is not only unnecessary1 but is scarcely even advisable2 tepid food is much easier of digestion1 both in the human stomach and in that of the horse1 than food that has become chilled4 ,cold substances when swallowed1 must rise to a temperature of nearly #ajj before the process of digestion can go healthily forward1 and that the food should be a step or two on the road to this degree of warmth will materially assist the sanitary laws of animal nature4 ,there is not1 at the same time1 the very smallest necessity for administering warm food at all periods when nourishment is given2 on the contrary1 a change of diet will be found very beneficial1 and summer feeding ought to differ from that of winter1 both in quantity and temperature4 ,in saying this1 however1 ,i do not for a moment mean to convey that hunters1 even when not in use1 should ever be allowed to drop out of condition4 ,i don't believe they should1 unless completely invalided and not likely to be able to do any work during the ensuing season4 ,i think they ought to be fed with a proportion of oats1 though somewhat less than in winter time1 and be kept in regular exercise every day4 ,i have already said that ,i approve of driving hunters in harness during the off season1 and having seen it tested1 ,i can speak for the efficacy of it4 ,i have often been asked whether a horse ought to be given the same quantity of boiled food as of unboiled2 in other words1 if the process of cooking occasions the food to swell to twice its natural size1 and so to fill1 say1 two measures in place of one1 ought the two measures to be given to the horse8 ,my answer is1 certainly1 if the animal is a voracious feeder1 and is able to make a complete clearance of all that is in his manger1 even after getting the two measures1--but ,i do not believe that one horse out of a hundred will be capable of doing so1 or will show the least inclination to make use of so large a bulk of food4 ,my experience has been1 that about three-fourths of the quantity of cooked food is all that a horse will or can possibly eat1 and even this amount is unusual--a trifle more than half being the customary thing with horses who would otherwise get through the full quantity of raw material1--and herein lies the saving1 for the satisfying bulk of the food taken at a meal is largely increased by cooking1 while every particle of it goes to the nourishment of the animal's frame3 a thing which is certainly not the case when the substance is partaken of in its raw state4 ,the water in which corn has been boiled ought never by any means to be thrown away2 it sometimes is1 by careless or ignorant grooms1 but the pity and wastefulness are very great1 for it is most admirable and nourishing for drinking purposes1 as well as for other stable uses4 ,to secure the purchase of good oats1 buy them by measurement1 and not by weight4 ,an excellent sample will weigh from #cj to #cf pounds to the bushel--a prime one ought to weigh from #de to #dh--;and this1 be it observed1 will1 when denuded of the chaff1 yield scarcely more than #ce of pure grain4 ,it is great nonsense to talk about the advisability of purchasing black1 golden1 or white oats2 all three may be very good or very bad of their kind1 and it is in reality only the chaff that is coloured1 the kernel of each being of one tint4 ,sound oats ought to be dry1 and very hard2 they should chip asunder when crushed--not have anything of a torn appearance--and should be perfectly scentless4 ,the less bearded they are the better4 ,i strongly object to kiln-dried oats for horses1 although many sellers resort to the practice by way of expelling moisture from new grain4 ,i conceive it to be a thoroughly unwholesome process1 taking into account the fact that sulphur is frequently employed in it--a thing calculated to produce the most terrible belly-ache1 spasms1 and gripes4 ,if the presence of sulphur is suspected1 a sample of the oats may be rubbed hastily between the palms of the hands1 and the peculiar odour will at once betray itself4 ,beans are not much employed in ,ireland as horse-food1 but in ,england they are very generally used4 ,egyptian beans are the best2 they are usually mild1 sweet1 and tender4 ,peas are excellent--so are potatoes--and tares possess so many virtues that it is a wonder the use of them is so generally confined to farm teams4 ,carrots are very good when not given too freely4 ,i approve of them highly for aged horses1 but should be cautious about dealing them out too profusely to young blood ones4 ,i like to see them given whole1 or chopped so fine that the horse cannot run the risk of choking himself by swallowing them in lumps4 ,this applies to almost all species of roots when given raw4 ,for delicate feeders carrots are especially valuable2 they give a peculiar relish to bran and other substances1 and cause such to be eagerly taken1 even when rejected before4 ,now a word about hay4 ,upland hay is the best4 ,it may be known by the following marks3 a perfectly clean look1 a bright colour1 a distinctness of fibre1 an absence of dust1 a pleasant fresh smell1 a decided crispness1 a scarcity of weeds1 and the presence of seeds in the stems4 ,delicacy and cleanliness are its characteristics1 and it is in every way immeasurably superior to lowland hay1 which is tawny1 limp1 strong smelling1 and 8woolly0 to the touch4 ,new hay of any kind is objectionable for feeding purposes1 but ,i consider that the year's growth is quite fit and wholesome in ,november4 ,clover hay--that is1 first-crop clover--is excellent for mixing with upland2 it is largely interspersed with grass1 the stems are fine1 and the leaves untinged by blackness1 the flowers1 though dried and faded1 are abundant throughout it1 and retain much of their original colour4 ,second-crop clover is not nearly so desirable2 it may be known by a coarse1 strong flavour when put in the mouth1 by the big stems1 the dingy appearance1 and the noticeable blackness of the leaves4 ,i do not approve of giving too much hay of any kind to horses2 a superabundance is apt to make them pot-bellied1 and unfit for hard work4 ,hunters1 however1 that get nothing else for their mid-day meal1 ought1 when in the stable1 to be fed with sufficient quantity to make up for the absence of more substantial food4 ,ready-cut chaff ought never to be purchased2 all sorts of things find their way into it1 just as is said to be the case with cheap sausages6 ,boiled barley is excellent food for horses4 ,i have seen some splendid youngsters that were fed on nothing else1 save the trifling addition of a very small portion of upland hay4 ,gruel1 if given1 should be as carefully prepared as though made for the human subject2 the neglect of this caution is the cause of so many grooms thrusting heavy feeds before exhausted horses1 and averring that the animals 8will not drink gruel40 ,no wonder that they reject it1 when the stuff so-named is merely a bucketful of hot water with a handful or two of oatmeal stirred into it4 ,my experience of horses has not been a small one1 and ,i can candidly say that ,i have never yet seen even the most wearied or delicate animal reject a properly prepared mess of gruel4 ,to make a good mash1 allow at least a quartern of oats and a pint of linseed--these to be boiled for three hours or upwards1 and then mixed with as much bran as will make it of a proper damp consistency1 but not a wet slop1 or yet a dry poultice4 ,it should be given rather warm1 and a little salt is an excellent addition4 ,a delicate or ailing animal that will not eat his mash may often be tempted by putting a little treacle or sugar into it4 ,a horse's supply of water ought never to be limited4 ,on this ,i shall touch in my next chapter1 in conjunction with stable appliances and drinking-troughs4 ,to drink plentifully is a symptom of good health4 ,very cold water is not advisable for horses2 a handful of hay will take the chill off1 or a little meal thrown in4 ,nitre should never under any pretext be added to the drink4 ,soft water is the best for stable uses2 if this cannot be conveniently procured1 hard water may be considerably softened by boiling1 with the addition of about half an ounce of carbonate of soda to every pailful of liquid4 ,i strongly advocate variety of feeding for horses4 ,my own hunters were trained to eat and relish almost everything--except1 perhaps1 codfish1 on which the ,newfoundlanders bring up their horses wonderfully well6 ,mine were given turnips1 peas1 potatoes 7both boiled and raw71 apples1 pears1 parsnips1 patent horse biscuits1 great armfuls of cowslips and fresh soil1 bread1 and oatcake--in short1 more things than ,i can possibly enumerate4 ,they were great pets1 and ,i loved to take little dainties out to them--a few nice ripe plums1 with the stones removed1 a handful of sugar1 a crisp biscuit or two1 or a juicy apple or pear4 ,such joy1 such whinnying1 such turning of beautiful heads1 such licking of grateful lips1 such playful searchings for more1 and brightening of lustrous eyes1 and such romps together in the clean1 fresh1 crisp straw1 with mutual kissings1 and rubbings1 and fondlings of all sorts4 ,my heart is sad when ,i think of them--even though ,i know that they are made much of and are well cared in other homes--and though so many joys are spared to me in mine4 ,in conclusion1 let me advise all who are determined to maintain a prejudice against cooked food1 or whose limited stable accommodation may not admit of the erection of even the most simple contrivance for cooking it1 to procure a corn-crusher and see that it is made good use of4 ,to purchase such an article1 and then allow it to stand idle in the stable is a course of procedure somewhat similar to that adopted by ,lever's ,west-countryman1 who bought himself a new coat1 and said it was 8a fine thing to sit lookin' at on a ,sunday morning40 ,illustration ,,chapter ,,xxii4 ,,stabling4 ,i think it highly probable that horse-owners who read this chapter will be already supplied with stabling1 be it such as it may1 and ,i think it equally probable that whereas some will be ready to compare their premises with those that ,i shall advocate1 and be anxious to effect such improvements as ,i shall venture to suggest1 others will turn scoffingly away from my hints1 with the declaration that they have kept horses all their lives1 and have pulled along very well indeed without any of the new-fangled nonsense of the present day4 ,of course it is not for such persons that ,i care to write1 or want to do so2 on the contrary1 ,i prefer to address my remarks to those who desire to learn4 ,by setting forth the exact principles on which a stable should1 according to my ideas1 be built and managed1 ,i shall be affording information to such as shall either be desirous of building anew1 or of effecting a series of alterations in premises discovered to be faulty--although hitherto perhaps considered complete4 ,to begin then4 ,if choice of situation can be had1 select that which will admit of draining1 and shelter from cold winds4 ,the aspect should be southern1 and the soil dry4 ,a stable ought never to be built in a hollow1 or near a marsh1 nor ought the foundation to be sunk in clay4 ,these things generate damp1 and where this evil exists we may expect to find coughs1 farcy1 glanders1 bad eyes1 and a thousand attendant misfortunes4 ,if the foundation of a stable cannot be of chalk or well-drained gravel1 the proper plan will be to excavate1 put in superior drains1 and fill up the area to be occupied with concrete4 ,the surface drainage may be connected with the underground1 if desired1 or may be quite distinct from it4 ,surface drains1 if not constructed in a manner that will admit of their being cleaned out from day to day1 had best be dispensed with1 and open channels substituted1 leading to the outside of the stable4 ,walls should be composed of bricks1 glazed on the inside1 as such do not hold any dirt4 ,posts should be of oak1 in preference to iron--and of the same stout material divisions of stalls and boxes should be made4 ,if expense is not an object1 however1 brick will be better still for the construction of these4 ,the roof of a four-horse stable should be at least ten feet high1 and that of a six-horse twelve to fourteen1 which will be ample4 ,when too lofty1 a cold atmosphere prevails2 when too low there is need for very large ventilators1 which create a current1 not always either safe or pleasant4 ,i do not at all approve of paved flooring1 although it is so general4 ,roughened asphalte is the best2 or a most perfect floor may be made by laying a concrete foundation1 made up with gas-tar1 some three or four inches thick1 with stable clinkers set and bedded in it1 and the whole grounded in with ,portland cement4 ,i am a great advocate for box stalls1 and would never allow an animal of mine to be tied up by the head4 ,it is a barbarous and cruel practice1 leading to all kinds of evils1 both visible and concealed4 ,a box should be at least twelve feet by fourteen1 and ,i prefer it much larger4 ,if it be of brick1 it ought to be lined with wood1 and this again with zinc in all places that the horse can use his teeth upon4 ,projections of every kind should be avoided1 as they are apt to be injurious when the occupant moves rapidly1 or rolls to refresh himself4 ,in a stalled stable a box may be made by converting the end stall into one4 ,this can readily be done by having a gate that can be hung on the stall-post and fastened against the wall4 ,a screen1 hung on rollers from a top bar1 is better than a door for closing up a box-stall4 ,it never gets out of order1 nor can any horse--even the most ingenious--succeed in opening it when once it is let down4 ,where stalls are used they ought to be at least ten feet in length1 and six and a-half or seven in width4 ,the flooring of stalls should never slant to any perceptible degree4 ,when it does there is a continual strain upon the back sinews and flexor muscles of the horse1 and this he strives to relieve by moving backwards1 and resting his hind toes in the gutter1--a practice which grooms call a vice4 ,a stable door ought not to be less than eight feet high2 this will enable a horseman to ride out when mounted4 ,it should be quite five feet wide1 and divided into two parts1 upper and lower1 in order that the former may be conveniently opened in warm weather4 ,it should likewise be free of any fastening that projects in even an apparently trifling degree4 ,good ventilation is an absolute necessity in a stable2 but in saying this ,i do not mean that it should be overdone4 ,up to the year #aghh the subject was but little thought of1 and ever since that period there has been a constant outcry against 8hot0 stables4 ,such1 no doubt1 are highly dangerous1 but so are cold ones2 and many persons insist upon confounding hot with foul1 whereas the terms need have no connection whatever with one another4 ,in cases of sickness it may be necessary to keep a horse in a warm stable1 but no ailment that ever was heard of can possibly be benefited by being nursed in a foul or vitiated atmosphere4 ,there is a great deal of talk about temperature with regard to stables1 but very little indeed concerning purity3 a matter which ought really to engage far more attention4 ,to ventilate a stable properly there ought to be apertures for taking away the foul air1 and further apertures for admitting a fresh supply--and these must be placed high up1 near the roof2 otherwise they will tend to make the stable unduly cold4 ,when air is exhaled from a horse's lungs it is both lighter and warmer than that which surrounds it1 consequently it ascends to the highest part of the building1 and if permitted to escape there it can do no harm4 ,if1 however1 there is no aperture so high up1 it remains at the top until it grows cold1 and then descends1 to be breathed and rebreathed by the animal over and over again4 ,i cannot get persons to believe this1 or even to understand it4 ,the rooms that they themselves occupy are at times positive hotbeds of unwholesomeness--every window shut tight1 doors likewise shut and often heavily curtained1 while sandbags are employed in various directions to exclude every breath of fresh air4 ,such persons sleep all night long in a vitiated atmosphere1 and think that they are doing wonders if1 in the event of the morning being excessively bright and fine1 they open a little bit of the window from the bottom4 ,to tell them that this is injurious would have no effect whatever2 it is comfortable1 feels warm1 at least--and what matter about the rest8 8,new-fangled notions3 nothing else0--and so on1 and so forth4 ,impure air in stables is one of the evils to be most guarded against4 ,there may be openings large enough to admit a certain quantity of fresh air1 but they are of little use unless there are others also for the purpose of letting out that which has been already breathed1 before it has had time to grow cool4 ,the best windows by far1 both for lighting and ventilating1 are ordinary sash-windows1 well constructed1 and reaching quite to the ceiling4 ,these should be made to open readily at top and bottom1 and should be fitted with cords and pulleys of the very best description4 ,i know1 of course1 all the modern appliances off by heart1 and am quite ready to admit the excellence of some of them--indeed1 many--but for general all-round usefulness ,i prefer the kind that ,i have advocated4 ,sash-windows are capable of affording a splendid current of air3 when the horses are out1 for instance1 or when the weather is tremendously hot--and they can be made available for the same purpose even when the occupants of the stalls and boxes are in their places without creating a dangerous draught1 for the air can be directed ceilingwards by means of screens or wire blinds4 ,another advantage that sash-windows possess over other kinds is that there is nothing about them to get out of order1 except the cords--and these can1 of course1 be quite readily renewed2 in fact1 most handy stablemen are capable of effecting such simple repairs without having to enlist the services of outsiders at all4 ,i like to see windows glazed with rough plate2 it is extremely strong and durable1 and is in every way to be commended before the #ah-;inch glass1 which is both frail and shabby4 ,blinds ought to be fitted to the windows1 or outside shutters employed1 in order to keep out the heat and glare in summer time4 ,stables should be well lighted4 ,i do not at all approve of the half-and-half system of lighting which generally prevails1 and ,i strongly condemn the darkness which is too often to be found in them4 ,i cannot be made to believe that horses1 children1 flowers1 or anything else1 can possibly thrive and be healthy in the dark4 ,abundance of light and air is my maxim1 and ,i smile to myself when ,i see persons blinking disconsolately in the sunlight1 and wondering where the 8draughts0 are coming from4 ,those accustomed to live in hot-houses call every breath of air a draught1 and because it is the fashion 7a most pernicious and objectionable one7 to darken up dwelling-houses until every ray of ,god's beautiful sunshine and sweet glad light is entirely excluded1 they think that to enter a room where all the blinds are up1 and where sunshafts are darting in through pleasantly opened windows1 is something too awful to be endured4 ,in like manner1 grooms will1 when allowed1 shut out every ray of light from the houses in which their charges spend the long hours of their captivity1 and will tell you--if you have the patience to listen to such nonsense--that 8horses thrive better in the dark40 ,do not believe a word of it4 ,just watch a horse brought suddenly out of a dark stable1 in daylight1 into the yard2 look closely at his eyes1 how the pupils instantly contract1 and the lids rise and fall1 with a rapid pained movement1 not to be mistaken4 ,the animal cannot see a single yard before him1 and when he stumbles1 or halts1 or steps gingerly1 the groom has harsh names and cruel punishments ready for him at command1 provided always that the master or mistress does not happen to be by4 ,you should insist upon having a plentiful supply of light and air for your horses1 for by so doing1 although 8death cannot ultimately be defeated1 life may be prolonged40 ,i do not disapprove1 as some do1 of having the hay loft directly over the stable1 but ,i greatly object to the common method of dispensing the contents of it through a trap-door in the roof4 ,it is a most pernicious practice1 allowing draughts to penetrate right down upon the horses' heads1 and filling their eyes and nostrils with hay-seeds and dust4 ,naturally when an animal knows that it is feeding-time1 and sees the opening of the trap1 its head is uplifted to catch the first morsel1 and1 as a consequence1 its sensitive organs suffer at once4 ,moreover1 there have been times when the fork1 carried in the hand of a careless stableman1 has slipped from him through the opening1 and inflicted serious injury upon the occupant of the stall below4 ,when the hayloft is over the stable the floor of it should be of brick or concrete2 if of wood1 there will always be a difficulty about excluding vermin1 which are the pests of every ill-managed stable4 ,the outer yard should be partially roofed1 but where this is not the case there ought to be an adjacent room with a paved or asphalted floor1 for purposes of clipping1 singeing1 c41 none of which operations ought ever to be performed in a stable or box4 ,for night lighting ,i approve of gas1 when available2 and if in the country1 of lamps fixed with staples4 ,provision should be made for an abundant supply of water1 arranged according to the source from whence it is most readily derivable2 and to the ordinary stable apparatus1 a long water-hose1 together with a number of fire buckets1 ought to be added4 ,the rack1 manger1 and drinking-trough should be level to the horses' knees--the bottoms of them to reach almost to the level of the ground4 ,this arrangement enables animals to eat and drink as nature intended that they should4 ,the manger1 which should be lined with zinc1 ought to be fitted with a footguard2 it is an excellent preventive against waste of food while eating4 ,i look with abhorrence upon the ordinary water-pot with chain and plug4 ,it soils the water if not kept most scrupulously clean1 and frets the horse besides4 ,i approve of those that move upon a pivot1 thus enabling the refuse liquid to be at once turned out1 and the pot itself kept perfectly sweet and clean4 ,for bedding ,i do not think that anything is better than prime wheaten straw1 properly shaken down and evened1 to secure the comfort of the horse when he stretches or rolls4 ,to leave it in lumps is both wasteful and cruel1 for when it is so an animal cannot rest upon it for more than a very short period of time4 ,he becomes restless and disquieted1 he fidgets about1 just as we do when we have the misfortune to be put to sleep on a hard1 lumpy1 uncomfortable bed1--and by-and-by he stands up1 fretted1 and declines to stretch himself any more4 ,thus his rest is disturbed and broken1 and he is unfitted for his work next day4 ,straw must of course be frequently changed1 according as it becomes littered1 broken up1 or damp4 ,it is sometimes left open to the inroads of dogs and poultry1 a thing that ought to be guarded against for various reasons1 among which may be counted the liability of vermin1 which very soon find their way to the horse4 ,the best place for a granary is over a shed or coach-house4 ,it ought to be a cool1 airy apartment1 with concrete floor1 and walls lined with glazed brick4 ,in small establishments the corn chest supplies the place of one4 ,this1 if used1 ought never to be kept in the stable1 owing to the chances so frequently occurring of its being left open by mistake1 and horses breaking loose and gorging themselves almost to death4 ,it should be placed in a loft1 with a tube or shaft attached to bring the corn to the place where it is required4 ,every stable ought to be provided with a copper1 or boiler1 for heating water and cooking food4 ,this1 both in town and country1 should be considered an indispensable appendage4 ,it is a great advantage1 as well as a saving1 to have the boiler made of malleable iron1 which will stand every kind of hard usage without sustaining injury4 ,it should be placed in a room that will afford space for all kinds of cooking implements1 coolers1 pails1 c41 and a supply of coals as well4 ,the entrance to this should be sufficiently wide to admit a good-sized wheelbarrow1 or a cooler on wheels1 and there should be a good lock to fasten the door4 ,the furniture ought to include a couple of iron ladles for mixing or measuring the food1 and a water-pipe with a stopcock running into the boiler4 ,the stable 8cupboard10 or press1 must not be overlooked4 ,it is a receptacle intended to hold working implements--such as combs1 brushes of all kinds1 sponges1 scissors1 chamois leathers1 or 8shammies10 as servants call them for shortness--and a variety of other matters4 ,the groom should have a key for this1 and the master or mistress will do well to have another1 in order that he or she may inspect it occasionally1 and ascertain that it is not put to any improper use4 ,a groom's bedroom is a decidedly necessary addition to a stable1--horses so frequently become ill in the night1 or fall to kicking1 or get halter-cast when tied up1 or contrive to break loose and go wandering about the stable1--in fact1 so many things1 that this special chamber ought never to be left unprovided1 or untenanted4 ,i speak now of establishments where a number of horses are kept2 where there is only one1 or perhaps two1 and that they are properly seen to the last thing at night1 there will not1 as a rule1 be any actual necessity for a groom to sleep on the premises4 ,a common appendage to many country stables is a water-pond4 ,it is usually made to serve for washing and watering the horses1 washing the carriage1 bathing the fowls1 and drowning supernumerary pups1 kittens1 and stray cats4 ,i strongly recommend its removal--or at all events1 the removal of any servant who leads a horse to drink at it1 fetches water from it for feeding purposes1 or drags any vehicle through it for the ready disposal of the mud upon the wheels4 ,harness and saddle rooms should be entirely distinct from stables4 ,they should contain stoves or fireplaces1 and should be perfectly dry1 lightsome1 and well aired4 ,there should be an abundant supply of racks for whips1 c41 brackets for saddles1 pegs for bridles1 a good wide shelf for miscellaneous articles1 and a lock-up press for horse-clothing1 leg bandages1 and other matters of a like description4 ,a cat about a stable is a decided acquisition2 therefore secure a respectable grimalkin of steady1 sober habits1 and give her the run of the place4 ,she and the horses will be fast friends in a very short space of time2 she will get her own living1 with the addition of a trifle of milk now and again1 and will ask no warmer bed in winter than the sleek back of one of her equine companions4 ,illustration3 ,,fast ,,friends4 ,,chapter ,,xxiii4 ,,doctoring4 ,in all cases where a horse falls sick1 or meets with an accident1 the proper course to pursue is to send at once for a thoroughly competent veterinary surgeon4 ,to delay about doing so may be to lose a valuable animal1 or at all events to involve a much longer attendance than would otherwise have been necessary1 and therefore the mistaken effort at economy which tardiness generally represents1 will1 in nine cases out or ten1 be entirely defeated4 ,there may be times1 however--in country districts1 for instance--when to send for a surgeon will involve a very long and wearisome delay1 and when to keep an ailing or injured animal altogether without assistance or relief until his arrival1 may be productive of most serious results2 it will1 therefore1 be apparent that1 although a little knowledge is in many instances esteemed 8a dangerous thing10 it is certainly not so with regard to the subject which we have now in hand4 ,for my own part1 my knowledge of horse-doctoring is decidedly limited1 and my surgical education still more incomplete1 yet there have been occasions on which ,i was able to prescribe for horses1 both my own and others'1 with perfect success1 and to keep pain and sickness at all events at bay1 until the arrival of a qualified ,v4,s4 ,to sit down and do nothing1 or to cry and moan over some injured favourite1 is a very feeble and ineffectual mode of action2 far better be up and doing3 provided always that you know what to do1 and do it in the right way4 ,now1 as ,i do not 7as stated7 pretend for a moment to be a skilled doctor1 ,i shall content myself with giving a few recipes 7the results of my own experience71 for the treatment of ordinary well-known and common equine ailments--touching lightly upon other matters that seem to bear upon the subject on which ,i have undertaken to give advice4 ,firstly1 then1 ,i strongly object to physicking1 and think it ought to be avoided when possible4 ,long ago it was a sort of stable craze1 resorted to indiscriminately1 whether needed or not4 ,to subject a whole stud of horses to a severe 8physic0 every ,saturday night was as common under our forefathers' rgime as to eat dinner or drink a quart of sack4 ,happily1 the practice is in great measure exploded1 although it is still far too general1 especially in country stables4 ,to dose with aloes was formerly the groom's chief delight2 nothing else satisfied him1 and the results were often unsatisfactory in the extreme4 ,even still he loves physicking so very much1 that to adopt the oft-followed course of purchasing horse-balls and leaving them in the stable-press1 is a very unwise one indeed1 for the fingers of the groom positively itch to administer them1 and one will certainly be smuggled down the animal's throat at some entirely wrong period if his care-taker be allowed to have them at command4 ,to keep a few properly compounded balls on the premises1 or1 in other words1 8at hand10 is an exceedingly wise precaution1 but in keeping them ,i should do so under lock and key4 ,i have scores of times saved poor horses from the abominable punishment of having nauseous physic thrust down their throats1 by simply treating them with continued soft mashes--five1 or even six a day1 given in small quantities at a time--and so great is my faith in this treatment1 that1 except in extreme cases1 where feverish and other symptoms are present and render physic absolutely indispensable1 ,i would never permit any contrary system to be adopted4 ,for merely relaxing purposes it is far before all others4 ,when a ball must be given1 have nothing to do with the horrible contrivance known as a twitch1 nor yet with a balling-iron1 which is another aversion4 ,the use of this latter frequently causes the operator to sustain a broken or injured arm1 for the horse throws up his head1 and the holder of the iron is fairly lifted from the ground1 and1 as a rule1 sustains some hurt to the limb4 ,even the improved contrivance1 with the aperture at the side1 which is decidedly an advance upon the old-fashioned round orifice1 is open to a variety of objections2 moreover1 this method of administering medicine subjects the groom1 or operating surgeon1 to extreme risk from kicks from the fore-feet4 ,a startled horse almost invariably rears up1 and hits out madly with his fores--a blow from one of which is not by any means soon forgotten4 ,i have seen a ball most skilfully given by coaxing and encouraging the horse in the first instance1 taking plenty of time to bring him on terms of familiarity--then drawing his tongue gently to the right side of his mouth1 into which the right hand with the ball held between the first and second fingers1 was inserted1 and the physic quietly pushed down4 ,it must not be supposed1 however1 that the operator's work is over the moment that he has withdrawn his hand2 horses have a marvellous facility for bringing up medicine1 and will do so three and four1 and even five times in succession1 but rarely1 ,i think1 if properly administered4 ,it is a good plan to close the animal's mouth at once1 and hold it so with the left hand1 while the right gently rubs the throat and manipulates the upper lip4 ,a ball can be seen1 if watched for1 travelling downward along the gullet1 and once it is thus viewed the task of physicking may be considered complete4 ,illustration3 ,,holding ,,horse',s ,,jaws4 ,it ought not1 however1 to be given in a hard state4 ,if kept made up it must be re-made and softened4 ,a drachm each of saltpetre1 ginger1 and ,barbadoes aloes will form a mild aperient1 when made into a mass with a little soft soap4 ,if a stronger one is desired1 the quantities may be doubled4 ,i object most strongly to giving medicine by a drink4 ,to do so almost necessitates the use of the twitch1 for the ghastly performance cannot be got through at one effort4 ,were a whole bottleful of stuff to be poured down the throat at once1 the animal would either cough it up or be choked4 ,it is generally therefore divided into several portions1 and the wretched patient is made to undergo the torment of taking the liquid abomination in a succession of doses4 ,it is always best1 when about to physic a horse1 to banish all extraneous aid from the stable4 ,a number of persons standing about1 officious assistants crowding the limited space1 and would-be advisers pressing their unwelcome aid1 are things which only tend to embarrass and confuse the operator1 and render the horse so fidgetty that to do anything with him1 or for him1 becomes a hopeless task4 ,not more than one person ought ever be permitted to be present1 and not even one if his assistance can possibly be dispensed with4 ,it is a bad thing to allow a horse to drink cold water after he has been physicked2 as warm as he can be induced to have it will be the proper thing4 ,i feel that ,i ought1 before passing to another portion of my subject1 to repeat my warning concerning undue physicking4 ,a tendency to inflammation is repeatedly developed by it1 and its evils are in every way both many and great4 ,it should be borne in mind that well-made bran-mashes are the safest and most effectual of all laxatives1 and that any desired condition of the bowels may be induced by regulating the number and frequency of them4 ,when not too often repeated they act mildly1 without inducing any of that bodily discomfort or constitutional weakness which throws the animal out of condition1 and renders complete rest an absolute necessity for recovery4 ,blistering is a very common recipe for a variety of ills4 ,about once in every score of cases in which it is tried the result proves that the experiment was justifiable--yet1 it cannot be denied that there are times at which the remedy may in every way be suited to the disease4 ,blisters are1 however1 far too powerfully compounded2 instead of being so severe as to take off hair and skin together1 they ought to be diluted with quite three times their bulk of either soap-solution or bland oil4 ,to fire an animal and then blister him is a piece of barbarity which no educated or feeling person would ever permit4 ,fancy searing the legs of a timid creature with a fiery iron1 and then setting a man with a coarse rough hand to rub into the raw and quivering flesh the fearful blistering substances which are unfortunately in only too common use4 ,no wonder that the sufferer moans in its agonies1 and paws the earth1 and sweats and shivers from the extremity of its torture2 and after all1 if people will only believe it1 the treatment is 7for any and every evil7 most palpably wrong4 ,simultaneous firing and blistering cannot effect good1 except in the opinion of ignorant grooms and farriers2 therefore1 such unspeakable cruelty ought never to be permitted4 ,it should be remembered1 when blistering1 that the action of the remedy depends more on the amount of friction employed in applying the agent1 than on the bulk of vesicatory stuff employed4 ,brisk rubbing will be highly beneficial1 but roughness may well be dispensed with--and adjacent tender places should be previously covered with a layer of simple cerate1 which will be a wise as well as a merciful precaution4 ,a little at a time1 also1 of the blistering fluid should be rubbed on2 if there is too much it is apt to run upon parts that may be injured by its agency4 ,a blistered horse should be as mercifully cared1 and as gently treated during healing time1 as a human patient4 ,how earnestly do ,i wish that ,i could impress this upon persons who1 without really meaning to be cruel1 are so1 through carelessness1 or lack of striving not to be4 ,bleeding is another matter concerning which horse-owners ought to be cautious about placing too much confidence in grooms4 ,if the blood-can is made to contain two gallons--which most of them are--the groom will1 ten to one1 drain the animal to fill it1 or very nearly so1 whereas the loss of a quart of blood would probably be quite enough for him to sustain4 ,horses are very generally bled after coming in from grass1 when they look fat and full-bellied2 but ,i do not consider it a wise proceeding4 ,as a rule1 it is far better not to bleed at all without the advice of a competent ,v4,s41 and few of the better educated of the profession will be found very often advocating it4 ,when a horse must be bled1 see that his eyes are efficiently bandaged1 in order that he may not start when the wound is about to be given4 ,make use of a fleam in place of a lancet2 it is better and more effectual1 for it does not inflict a cut of unnecessary dimensions1 as the lancet 7if at all unskilfully handled7 occasionally does4 ,when the proper quantity of blood has been extracted1 remove the pressure1 and as soon as the flow ceases1 prepare to pin up4 ,this is rather a nice operation1 but ,i have seen a lady perform it quite as well as any ,v4,s4 ,the wound should be left open until the lips of it become sticky2 then all hairs must be most carefully removed1 the sides of the incision brought together with the greatest nicety1 and closed by a twisted suture1 a thing which ,i have made successfully in the following way3 first running a pin through the integument at each side of the wound1 and then twisting a strong silk thread round its either extremity1 after the fashion of the figure #h turned on its side--thus1 4 ,i have stopped the bleeding from a wound received in the hunting-field by extemporising this kind of suture1 and using a hair pulled from the horse's tail1 in place of a silk thread4 ,when the wound has so far united as to justify the removal of the pin1 the patient should be so placed that he cannot rub the part1 and should be fed on nourishing and readily-digested food4 ,slings form an excellent support for a horse that is not meant to lie down4 ,the apparatus consists of a broad canvas belt that goes under the belly1 extending from the points of the elbows backwards2 there is a supporting shaft at each extremity1 to which the suspending ropes 7carried from either roof or stall posts7 are attached2 a breast-strap and breeching keep the belt in its place4 ,the horse is not really suspended at all4 ,when he is disposed to rest his legs1 he has only to bend them1 and the belt receives his weight3 when tired of its support he again stands on his feet4 ,the breeching for this should be very strong and broad1 and the belt well stuffed1 and stitched like a mattress4 ,fomentations are usually not half carried out by grooms4 ,if1 say1 a leg is to be fomented1 a pailful of thoroughly hot water ought to be employed1 and the horse's foot put down into it2 the water should then be laved through a large sponge1 as high as the shoulder1 and allowed to run down over the entire limb4 ,this process should be carried on for at least half an hour1 renewing the water as quickly as it cools4 ,if a poultice or bandage is to be applied after the fomentation1 it should be done immediately1 before the leg has time to grow cold4 ,poultices should be large1 moist1 and warm1 and ought never to be tied too tightly on the affected part4 ,a good poultice will not need to be changed for twenty-four hours4 ,having thus described a few appliances for remedying sickness and wounds1 ,i proceed to say a word or two about the commoner forms of ailments--such1 for instance1 as are most calculated to need amateur doctoring1 and to bring the foregoing remedies into requisition4 ,by far the greater number of stable sicknesses are brought about by a persistent giving of indigestible food1 while the remainder are1 as a rule1 due to exposure1 cold1 and chills4 ,indigestion can only be cured by careful dieting1 and by giving water 7if that liquid is1 as is customary1 administered at stated intervals7 before instead of after each meal4 ,by this method the gastric juices are given fair play1 which by any other can not be the case4 ,ordinary cold1 which shows itself precisely as in the human subject1 should be treated by clothing the body1 bandaging the legs1 suspending corn diet1 and giving warm mashes1 with occasionally a little nitre 7half-an-ounce will be sufficient7 introduced4 ,if sore throat exists1 a mustard poultice ought to be applied4 ,by attending early to this common complaint1 the evils attendant upon chronic cough may be averted4 ,inflamed and congested lungs1 bronchitis1 and other dangerous chest maladies should be at once treated by a surgeon2 but pending his arrival1 a good deal of danger may be staved off by applying strong mustard poultices1 keeping up the surface circulation1 and admitting plenty of pure air4 ,i regard ringbone1 glanders1 roaring1 and whistling1 as altogether incurable1 although the second is the only one that will prevent a horse from working1 the other three being merely partial disablements4 ,a glandered animal should at once be separated from his fellows1 and1 as a precautionary measure1 destroyed4 ,in case of worms1 a dose of about four drachms of areca nut1 prepared with a grater1 should be given every alternate day1 mixed well through a soft and tempting mash4 ,if this is not found sufficiently powerful it may be increased1 and a pint of linseed oil given to the patient4 ,all 8worm medicines0 should be banished from the stable4 ,diarrha may be speedily arrested by giving bicarbonate of potash in small half-ounce doses4 ,where colic occurs there is often great internal suffering4 ,a pint of warm gruel should be at once prepared1 and in it put an ounce of tincture of opium and oil of turpentine1 together with double that quantity of nitric ether4 ,the horse should be walked about as much as possible1 and his attention distracted from his pain4 ,if the attack continues obstinate1 the dose must be repeated4 ,inflammation of the gums1 or bars of the mouth1 commonly called lampass1 is a very general ailment1 and when horses are suffering from it they will not eat4 ,i have never tried any treatment except a gentle aperient and a mash diet1 except in one or two extreme cases where a lance was applied4 ,the old remedies of a hot iron or an iron nail were mere symbols of cruel barbarism4 ,navicular disease cannot be cured1 but it may be mitigated by blistering the coronet2 and a horse affected by it may be made to go sound for awhile by dividing the sensitive nerves that supply the feet3 an operation for which the services of a skilled ,v4,s4 will be1 of course1 imperative4 ,foot-fever is another ailment that ought not to be trifled with4 ,before the arrival of the surgeon1 get the shoes taken off1 the feet put into warm poultices1 and administer a purgative medicine4 ,thrush is both common and curable1 if taken at once4 ,it will be necessary to remove the ragged bony particles1 and treat the foot daily with an astringent dressing1 having the horse at the same time so shod that the frog will1 when exercising1 be brought quite close to the ground4 ,the presence of a corn is indicated by lameness1 and a red spot in the horn1 close to the heel4 ,in most cases relief may be obtained by paring away the horn1 and affixing a shoe that will effect no pressure upon the tender portion of the foot4 ,a horse with corns will be immensely benefited and relieved by working him with india-rubber soles1 as by their use the pressure is taken off the heels4 ,swollen legs1 a very common ailment1 will1 in most instances1 speedily yield to the following treatment3 ,complete immunity from hard work1 regular and gentle exercise1 constant bathing with tepid water in which salt has been dissolved1 and careful bandaging with flannel4 ,splint is very general with young horses just put to work4 ,i have seen it effectually cured on its first appearance by giving the horse complete rest1 applying cold water bandages1 and utilising a three-quarter shoe on the inner portion of the foot--a course of treatment which certainly lessens the concussion4 ,if obstinate1 the periosteum must be divided over the newly-formed deposit1 and if this fails a blister will have to be resorted to1 or--as a very last resource--firing the affected part4 ,if this operation is skilfully performed with a pointed iron1 very little blemish will ensue4 ,it ought to be borne in mind1 however1 that a splint when once formed into bone cannot possibly be removed1 although a horse that has good sound legs and even action need not by any means be rejected on account of it4 ,farcy is not an uncommon ailment among horses4 ,it is notified by a puffy swelling covered over with little yellowish ulcers of an ugly sort2 but1 if properly looked after1 it will as a rule yield speedily to judicious treatment4 ,the ulcers should be opened gently with a large needle or lance1 and dressed with an ointment composed of biniodide of mercury and lard4 ,a horse thus affected ought to have plenty of walking exercise1 with liberal feeding1 and an abundance of fresh cool air4 ,tonics1 both vegetable and mineral1 will be found of great service4 ,mud-fever is consequent upon wet1 hardship1 and improper grooming4 ,i never allowed my horses' legs to be washed after a journey1 and although the uninitiated will stare at this1 and self-sufficient grooms be found to rail against it1 ,i advise a trial of my plan4 ,when a horse comes in1 the dirt should be removed from his legs by scraping1 rubbing1 and strong1 rapid wisping1 which will very soon leave them ready for the finishing brush4 ,if the horse has white legs1 they may be sponged next morning1 and dried with a towel4 ,this is a pleasant operation to lovers of horses1 and a beautiful cleanliness is the result4 ,where there is mud-fever the horse should not be worked4 ,a little aperient medicine may be given1 and a linament applied1 composed of liquor plumbi and olive oil--or petroleum-jelly1 or 8veterinary vaseline10 may be tried4 ,despite the aptitude which many horses have to cracked heels1 ,i never had a case of them in my own stable1 and this immunity ,i attribute almost entirely to the rigidity with which my orders against leg-washing were carried out4 ,strong vigorous hand-rubbing1 and perfectly dry woollen bandages when not at work1 were my preventive measures1 and whenever my neighbours had a case of them we doctored by applying oatmeal poultices until all inflammatory symptoms had subsided1 and then dressed the sore parts with an ointment composed of alum and lard1 with a good admixture of zinc4 ,saddle-galls are terribly common evils4 ,i pointed out the causes of them in a former chapter4 ,ladies' horses are the chief sufferers1 and therefore every lady ought to be able to attend to her own animals1 should they chance to become affected4 ,the moment that a tender spot is noticed1 the horse's work should at once be stopped1 and the part well bathed with cold salt and water4 ,a little fuller's earth may then be applied4 ,it is a great mistake1 and a general one1 to begin by fomenting with hot water2 such a practice only makes the skin peculiarly delicate and sensitive to future hurt4 ,where there is abrasion1 the part should be well cleansed1 bathed with zinc lotion1 and smeared abundantly with zinc ointment until it heals4 ,for collar and harness galls the same treatment will be found effectual1 and the stuffing or padding of the articles that have caused the injury should be looked to without delay4 ,almost all hunting ladies know by troublesome experience what an overreach is4 ,i once possessed a hunter whose hind action was so extravagant that he was constantly hitting the fleshy heels of his fore feet1 but after a while ,i found a remedy1 or rather a preventive1 by having the toes of the hind shoes set back1 and rounded4 ,my treatment for the overreach was to bathe and cleanse the wound1 take away any adherent broken horn1 and lay on a piece of cotton wool steeped in sulphate of zinc1 taking care that the torn portions of the integument were pressed nicely into proper place1 and the whole secured with a bandage4 ,wounds of all sorts should be most carefully washed1 bathed1 and the edges brought tenderly together4 ,when a horse gets staked in the hunting-field1 the rider ought at once to dismount1 remove the glove from his right hand1 and probe the depth of the wound with his index finger4 ,if not deep1 there will be no danger1 provided it be attended to at once2 but to prosecute a run on an injured animal is a piece of cruelty1 happily very rarely witnessed4 ,i strongly advise1 however1 that a horse so hurt should be ridden or led quietly home1 if within possible distance1 rather than that he should be removed to an adjacent stable until sent for1 which is a usual practice1 meant to be merciful1 but in reality extremely the reverse1 as the animal stiffens on its injury1 and suffers intensely in the transit4 ,in cases of laceration of the wall of the belly and protrusion of a portion of the intestines1 the best thing to do will be to remove the saddle without a second's delay1 press the exposed gut very gently back into its proper place1 bring the edges of the wound together with an improvised suture 7such as ,i have previously described71 and bandage the whole tightly up4 ,the horse must not be moved until proper assistance shall have arrived for the requisite conveyal to his stable1 where he should be kept in a standing position1 with plenty of air about him1 complete quietude and an allowance of very soft food4 ,should there be inflammation about the wound1 the application of warm wet rags will serve to allay it4 ,injuries to the knees from falling are among the commonest ailments of the stable4 ,sometimes the skin only is injured1 while at others the deeper structures are involved1 and cases occasionally occur in which the bones are absolutely laid bare4 ,the treatment in all instances should commence by the most careful cleansing1 with warm fomentations for half an hour or more1 and should then proceed as follows3 for skin-deep injuries1 tincture of myrrh after frequent daily bathings will prove an excellent dressing3 for those of a deeper nature1 the same treatment1 only intensified1 and at night a soft pad of cotton wool steeped with sulphate of zinc and secured with a bandage2 when bones or tendons are involved1 the joint-oil--a white-of-egg-like substance--will be discharged1 and when this occurs the horse's fate is sealed3 he is absolutely valueless1 and may be destroyed at once1 unless he can be made of use for stud purposes4 ,in ordinary cases of broken knees1 if there is suppuration or proud flesh1 a weak solution 7about a twelfth part in water7 of bichloride of mercury will be found useful1 and in all cases the patient must be prevented from lying down4 ,he should be walked gently about at intervals throughout the day1 and be fed on nourishing food of a succulent nature4 ,when a horse has to undergo any painful operation1 a merciful owner will always chloroform him4 ,the best way to do this is to wind a very long towel1 or bandage1 about his jaws1 and form a kind of tunnel with the ends2 through this the arm should be passed1 the hand holding a sponge steeped in chloroform1 which should be held steadily within four inches of the nostrils1 and only removed to transfer the sponge to the other hand in the event of the first becoming tired4 ,when the friend who has carried us has to be destroyed1 the kindest and easiest way to do it will be to open a vein and blow in a little air with an instrument made for the purpose--a sharp lance1 or rather needle1 hollowed in the centre1 and with an air-chamber attached4 ,death is then absolutely instantaneous4 ,if shooting is to be resorted to1 the weapon should be placed right behind the ear1 in a slightly slanting direction1 the muzzle pointing for the brain4 ,shooting in the centre of the forehead is frequently mere butchery4 ,in all instances of so sad a nature the eyes of the victim ought to be gently bandaged1 and the whole matter conducted as silently and in the presence of as few persons as possible4 ,melancholy as is the destruction of an animal we have loved1 and who has loved and served us in return1 it is infinitely less so than selling a worn-out or injured creature to servitude1 which generally means hardship and a hard and miserable death4 ,such barter can bring no blessing4 ,the eternal ,god of pity sends us these noblest of ,his creatures with the intention that they should serve us1 yet not as slaves1 and knowing that they must perish1 yet not willing that they should do so by any unrighteous or cruel means4 ,at our hands will their blood1 ,i believe1 be required2 and if the faith is a peculiar one1 and not deemed worthy of general acceptance1 it may at least be regarded without ridicule and passed by without contempt4 ,illustration ,,chapter ,,xxiv4 ,,breeding4 ,this is essentially an age of ladies on horseback4 ,they are to be met with everywhere1 and at all seasons3 in city1 suburb1 park1 and country1 and with the advance of equestrian pursuits comes likewise a desire on the part of those who take pleasure in them to be made in some degree acquainted with the interesting subjects of breeding and training young horses4 ,so at least ,i judge from a number of letters recently addressed to me1 both at my own house and at the office of the ,sporting and ,dramatic ,news1 requiring information upon matters which a few years ago were very little thought of by ladies1 and certainly commanded no amount of attention from them4 ,with a view to answering the many questions asked me1 ,i propose to offer a few brief hints on the best and most profitable method of breeding good and useful racers and hunters--appending a chapter on a system of training1 which1 having tried it myself with quite satisfactory results1 ,i can confidently recommend to ladies1 as coming entirely within scope of the resources ordinarily afforded them1 both by nature and surroundings4 ,horse-breeding is a pleasant recreation for those whose tastes1 means1 and residential qualifications enable them to carry it on1 and at the same time conduce to its success4 ,living in the country1 for example1 in a house surrounded by good grass lands1 a more delightful species of pastime1 or one of a more engrossing kind1 can scarcely be sought for or imagined1 while the practical question of making money of it may be met with the assurance that it can be done4 ,at the present crisis it is especially advisable that attention should be given to horse-breeding1 as it is a matter to which1 when times are bad and land-culture unprofitable1 lady farmeresses and others may turn their thoughts with greater chance of profit than when sheep1 cattle1 and every description of farm produce brought more grist to the agriculturist's mill4 ,land rent is low1 fodder cheap and plentiful1 and labour easily obtained4 ,some years ago1 when seasons were good1 and farmers could sell their stock at a fair profit1 horse-culture might not under ordinary circumstances have been found to pay2 but it is entirely different now1 and never perhaps was there a period at which good horses1 especially high-class hunters1 were in more substantial demand than at present4 ,i know some persons1 particularly in ,ireland1 who are ready to cry 8,no0 to this statement1 but the most substantial proof of its truthfulness lies in the fact that at sales1 as well as at the autumn horse-shows1 almost everything that is good is speedily bought up at fairly remunerative prices1 while only those who demand excessive rates for second and third-rate animals carry their stock home with them1 and grumble at the blindness of buyers and the ticklishness of the times4 ,without going into any unnecessary preliminaries1 ,i may continue my subject and say1 that it will be well1 when selecting a mare to breed from with a view to the production of high-class hunters1 to choose one if possible that has herself been a good performer to hounds1--but remember that this is not an indispensable quality1 although it may be1 and is1 an important one4 ,the breeding of the animal chosen to represent maternity ought to be a point much dwelt upon2 it cannot indeed be over estimated--as coarse-bred mares are1 even when well mated1 certain to perpetuate unsatisfying stock4 ,i am of opinion that compactness of form1 robustness of frame1 and capability of endurance1 fatigue1 and exertion1 are far before actual beauty in the brood mare4 ,i like to see short stout legs1 thick and bulging in the upper portion1 denoting plenty of strength and muscle--good1 fleshy1 sloping shoulders1 a deep chest1 high withers1 a strong well-ribbed frame1 big broad loins1 hips wide apart1 substantial quarters1 a high arched crest1 a good sound mouth1 nostrils wide and healthy1 and1 most important of all1 a sound and well-formed foot4 ,this last point should be rigorously observed1 for my experience has taught me that no outward defect is more surely hereditary than small1 narrow1 ill-shapen1 or unhealthy feet4 ,the same precautions may in great degree be applied to the sire--and as he is supposed to supply the locomotive power to his progeny1 an animal should be chosen that has good hunter-like action1 and not one whose paces are like those of a racer or park horse4 ,his height will not be of much consequence1 provided that the mare be of suitable size1 but his general form ought to be most carefully weighed4 ,a good sound constitution on the part of both mare and sire will be of the utmost importance in breeding1 and for this reason ,i prefer young strong mares for stud purposes4 ,it is with many a very vexed question whether or not a filly is improved by having a foal4 ,i maintain1 even against much contradiction1 that she decidedly is2 and ,i have met with a good many sound judges who have agreed with me1 while on the other hand some old-fashioned horse-fanciers have told me that they would not have anything whatever to say to a 8widow40 ,i believe that the system of keeping a flock of idle brood mares has contributed largely towards the impoverishing of many a promising horse-breeding company1 and a few who have had the sense to see the folly of such a course have bred with much advantage from fillies1 without ever suffering a particle of loss by it4 ,a young robust three-year-old--one that has been 8gentled0 and taught to jump in long reins without being ridden--will prove a capital speculation as a matron1 and will at four have produced a foal which need not detain her from her training beyond the weaning time4 ,wealthy horse-owners1 who wish to go in for breeding racers1 ought to keep their best and most promising foals entirely for breeding purposes2 and ,i believe that such a speculation would answer admirably as a means of making money1 and would in time astonish the world of the turf with a show of youngsters that would bid fair to sweep the land4 ,well-nurtured animals--those that had never been subjected to any sort of training--would be certain to bring forth finer and healthier specimens of horseflesh than aged quadrupeds1 who were only put to the stud because they had met with accident1 or had broken down4 ,i cannot1 for my own part1 believe in such animals perpetuating a valuable or healthy stock2 and experience has amply proved that it is only after long periods of repose--during which the waste and exhaustion consequent upon training and running have become mitigated1 if not absolutely cured--that racing mares and sires attain celebrity through the progeny that they produce4 ,turfites might pick up many a good and paying thing1 if breeders would only relinquish some of their standing prejudices1 and be induced to set apart a certain number of untrained animals for stud purposes1 selecting the best of the foals produced by them1 and keeping these apart until their sixth year2 by so doing1 they would generate a company of clippers that would make fortunes for their purchasers1 and fairly open the eyes of the racing world4 ,strange to say1 the system finds but little acceptance--a fact shown by the bad1 weedy1 and mis-shapen lots that are sent out to contest many of our leading races4 ,more of them break down in the training than ever actually go to the post2 and1 even among the starters1 how few are found in the run home really contesting the race4 ,the horseflesh of the country has degenerated under the pursuance of a wrong system2 and yet1 it is asserted that racing is kept up to improve the national breed of chasers throughout the land4 ,how far it succeeds in its so-called purpose1 the public markets daily testify4 ,wretched blood stock is everywhere to be found1 and when not absolutely what could be called wretched1 it is at all events decidedly poor4 ,a number of the foals born never return the first expenses of their existence1 much less of their education4 ,their worthlessness is soon discovered1 and after awhile they are to be met with in riding-schools and job stables1 between the shafts of cabs and carts1 and engaged in a variety of other work for which they were never meant--their very fitness for such demeaning labour proving at once their utter lack of value for higher callings1 and testifying the hollow ignorance of those who1 from blind prejudice1 or some other inexplicable cause1 tend to perpetuate this pitiable waste and degradation4 ,so-called 8blood stock0 is fast contaminating the pure native breed of the country4 ,there is1 every season1 a glut of worthless bloods2 the refuse of the stud farm is sold away to the highest bidder1 and he in his turn seeks to make temporary profit out of it1 with the result of impoverishing and deteriorating such chances of good things as he may happen to have among his stock4 ,thus it goes on from one year to another1 and looks1 by its continuance1 as though it were meant to go on to the very end of time4 ,my advice to would-be breeders of racers is1 to discard as sires and matrons all animals that have been trained for the turf2 carefully select those of good blood1 pedigree1 and qualifications2 reserve the best of their progeny1 when brought forth1 and breed from these again1 ere ever they are allowed to pass into a trainer's hands4 ,in this way1 and in this alone1 will strength1 stamina1 courage1 speed1 endurance--all that is most necessary in a racer--be absolutely ensured4 ,to turn back to the subject of breeding a good class of hunters--a matter which ,i hope will interest ladies1 for whom ,i write--,i have already given my ideas respecting the best sort of mares to select for the purpose2 and ,i may add that an animal during the period of gestation ought not to be by any means kept and fed in idleness4 ,gentle regular exercise1 and plenty of it1 will be good and healthful for a mare that is in foal4 ,her prospects of maternity dating from ,may1 she can with advantage be lightly worked about a farm1 or in any other way--provided that she has been accustomed to it--until ,christmas2 and even when actual work is suspended1 daily exercise should be carefully continued4 ,dry uplands1 and grassy ground of a hilly nature1 are excellent pasturage for brood mares1 who should be kept perfectly cool1 and free from excitement of all kinds4 ,an abundance of fresh water should be allowed them--as much indeed as they care to drink--together with a varied supply of light nourishing food of a cooling nature4 ,the shelter-shed ought to open to the south1 the entrance to it being wide1 and the flooring hard and very dry4 ,illustration3 ,,preparing ,,the ,,stable4 page #bhg4 ,the mare should be left quite to herself when foaling1 except in extreme cases1 which fortunately very rarely occur4 ,it will1 of course1 be necessary to see that she does not make her way to any dangerous place--such as an ugly ditch1 or cutting--a thing very commonly attempted in the country--but otherwise she ought not to be subjected to any kind of interference4 ,this1 ,i should observe1 applies as a matter of course to strong healthy animals1 such as are accustomed to pasturing out in almost every sort of weather2 in other cases1 it will be well to have a box at hand1 thickly littered over1 and lined about the walls with piled-up trusses of straw4 ,if you are the mare's owner1 and that she knows you and is comforted by the sound of your voice1 keep close by her1 and banish all others to a distance when her sufferings begin4 ,these will most likely be short1 but severe1 and she will not in all probability bear them very patiently4 ,lead her quietly into the box that you have prepared2 and on no account permit any fuss or excitement1 or any peeping1 to take place about her4 ,in cases where much heaving of the flanks has occurred1 ,i have seen small doses of sulphuric ether and cold water--an ounce of the former to three pints of the latter1 well blended--given with seeming advantage2 but ,i do not undertake to advocate any physicking whatever at so excessively trying a period1 preferring for my own part to leave ,nature to herself1 except where danger is anticipated3 in which case it will be best to send at once for the most skilled assistance possible4 ,as soon as matters are safely over1 leave parent and offspring to themselves1 ensuring for them the utmost quietude1 as well as perfect freedom from even the very slightest noise4 ,all that the mare will stand in need of at the conclusion of her troubles will be a pail of warm gruel1 with a dash of old ale1 or a little brandy introduced--the latter only in case of great exhaustion4 ,the foal will require no care1 except from its parent4 ,should the natural nourishment prove unprolific1 the young one may be supplied with cow's milk that has been skimmed1 sweetened1 and slightly warmed4 ,an infant's feeding-bottle will serve admirably for purposes of nutrition1 or if such be not available1 a hand may be dipped in the milk1 and the tops of a couple of fingers lifted up4 ,the hungry foal will very soon seize upon them2 but it is1 in my opinion1 better not to feed at all1 except in cases where the youngster shows signs of evident weakness1 or that the mother is unable to fulfil her natural functions4 ,i always advocate holding up the feeding-pail when nourishment is supplied to the parent4 ,it gives confidence1 allays suspicion1 and helps to tame the little one1 which1 after a while1 will venture to pick from the hand4 ,the nursing-stable should be airy and well ventilated1 without being subject to draughts1 and the feeding for the matron should consist of moist mashes1 composed of bran and scalded oats1 varied with an abundance of cooling vegetable food1 and a constant supply of fresh soft water4 ,four days after foaling the mare may be put to light exercise3 it will do both her and her colt a vast deal more good than being idle1 and the little youngster 7owing to the constant proximity of his dam's attendant7 will soon grow quite tame4 ,his timidity will vanish1 he will suffer himself to be handled and caressed1 will pick food out of his mother's manger1 and will1 when ,october comes round1 and he has to be weaned1 be as docile and full of confidence as any animal in the stable4 ,illustration3 ,,fraternizing4 ,when that special time arrives1 give him 7if possible7 a companion of his own age to bear him company3 because he must be separated from his dam1 for the benefit of both--and he will pine if not provided with society4 ,if one of his own species be not conveniently obtainable1 procure a young calf1 and let the two youngsters fraternize together2 they will soon be the best possible friends1 and the colt will thus keep up his condition and not waste1 as he certainly will if left to pine alone4 ,turn him1 after weaning1 into a good piece of pasture land1 and feed him twice a day with oatmeal-porridge mixed with a quart or three pints of good sweet milk4 ,the cost of this is more than doubly repaid by the increased strength and power that it affords3 such feeding being far in advance of the customary crushed beans1 oats1 hay1 chaff1 and other strong meat 7totally unfit for babes7 which grooms find such delight in giving4 ,hunting colts should be kept during their first three summers on good rich grass land1 and be provided with a suitable shelter1 to which they can retire when the sun is overpowering1 or the weather severe4 ,in the winter time they should have warm boxes to rest in at night1 but had better be kept out of doors during the day1 for air and exercise4 ,where this treatment is adopted1 there will seldom be roarers in the stable4 ,excellent feeding for youngsters that are meant for hunting purposes is sliced mangel or swede turnips mixed with hay that has been cut into long chaff4 ,crushed maize added to the roots is also very good2 and oats1 peas1 and beans may be given to ensure variety4 ,carrots are1 ,i think1 far before all other vegetable diet1 where the soil is favourable to the growing of a good crop2 but1 where they are scarce1 mangel will make an excellent substitute4 ,feeding on roots alone is not advisable1 even for a short period1 seeing that such are composed of #bj per cent of water1 and if not mixed with a proper quantity of grain or chaff1 are apt to produce a variety of ailments which may be found troublesome to cure4 ,i like to see a colt1 even when a yearling1 handled nicely and lightly1 and dressed every day of his life by the attendant who has the feeding of him4 ,such a course fits him for breaking-time1 and prepares him in great measure for what he has to go through in his training4 ,i am an advocate for paying close and vigilant attention to the feet1 from the very beginning4 ,i like to see toes nicely shaped by judicious paring1 and1 if disposed to chip or splinter1 provided with suitable tips4 ,illustration3 ,,good ,,form4 ,,chapter ,,xxv4 ,,training4 ,the pleasures of instructing a young unbroken colt are so many and great1 that my sole wonder is how owners of such animals can so often make up their minds to the demands of the professional breaker3 an individual who1 in many cases1 deals harshly1 and in many more with a lack of judgment which is as deplorable as it is common4 ,to enter minutely into the subject of breaking is not by any means my intention4 ,volumes might be written about it1 and yet the difficulty which many persons experience in learning from books1 might not even then be overcome4 ,there are as many different ways of training a horse as there are of training an infant1 and ,i cannot at all agree with the professedly wise ones who say that only one way can be correct4 ,i have found a variety of methods answer almost equally well1 and ,i may 7in some instances7 say1 almost equally badly1 also--because everything must depend upon the nature and disposition of the animal that is to be experimented upon4 ,some children are naturally timid1 shy1 nervous1 and retiring1 and cannot be taught at all except by gentle encouragement--a sort of continual leading onward1 without any attempt to drive--while others are so sullen1 obstinate1 and ill-conditioned1 that gentleness seems thrown away upon them1 and nothing save fear and force are capable of accomplishing any good4 ,so it is1 precisely1 with horses2 but1 just as instances of dogged obstinacy and evil disposition are happily rare among children of well-bred parents1 so in like manner have ,i found it to be with colts that have come of a good stock4 ,i may here take occasion to say1 however1 that even with the most viciously disposed animals1 such as future experience proved to be incapable of anything either good or generous1 ,i invariably commenced with--and persevered in--the very gentlest treatment1 discarding all force1 ignoring the uses of whip and spur1 and seeking to subdue by the mildest and most kindly methods1 until compelled to adopt severer ones by the hopelessly unimpressionable and intractable nature of some among my misguided charges4 ,having1 then1 found so wide a difference of temper and disposition to exist in the various animals with which ,i had to do1 ,i long ago came to the conclusion that to lay down any fixed laws for training was mere fallacy and nonsense2 the system that works admirably with one may prove a dead failure with another1 and taking this into account ,i cannot1 ,i think1 do better in a chapter like the present1 than state the plan on which ,i always began to work1 and which1 as a rule1 ,i found to succeed1 better than any other4 ,advising you by my own experience1 ,i should say never1 when you can help it1 submit young animals to a so-called professional breaker1 but rather take them in hand yourself1 and make up your mind to three things3 first1 to bring all the patience of which you are possessed to bear upon your task1 to enable you to govern by gentleness and forbearance1 and not by tyranny and wrath2 second1 that a colt must be so handled and trained that he shall never find out his own strength or power2 and third1 that you must give the pupil every opportunity of seeing1 smelling1 feeling1 and hearing things that will at first be strange to him1 remembering that it is by the exercise of these senses that horses form their judgment of surrounding objects4 ,i greatly object to the system of lungeing young horses in a circle1 or ring4 ,the evils of it are sufficiently manifested in mill-horses2 but even these are suffered to walk their rounds1 whereas the breaker compels the youngster to trot1 and even to canter when going in a comparatively narrow circle4 ,injury to the sight is the very commonest result of the practice1 and even if it does not show immediately1 or at the time1 it certainly will later on4 ,to travel round and round at a quick rate in an ordinary ring1 forces blood to a young animal's brain1 and the faster and more excited the pace the more certain will be the result4 ,the optic nerves may be said to originate from the sensorium--being1 in fact1 a continuation of the brain proper--and whenever the nervous centre is congested1 the sight is the first sense that becomes impaired4 ,there are other evils also connected with the system into which ,i need not go2 suffice it to say that ,i regard it as a highly objectionable one4 ,illustration3 ,,making ,,friends ,,with ,,the ,,youngsters4 page #bid4 ,the tuition of a colt may be begun when he is three months old1 provided that he has been 8gentled0 almost from its birth4 ,this can be done by frequently passing the hands over his body and down his limbs1 dressing his mane and tail1 pulling and stroking his ears1 speaking caressingly to him1 and in short winning his confidence by uniform manifestations of kindness and good will4 ,the earliest trappings should be a small bridle and surcingle made of very soft wash-leather1 or calico--the intention being merely to indicate the maturer harness that is destined to succeed4 ,later on1 when a cavesson is adopted1 it must be most carefully fitted to the colt's head4 ,the noseband is not to be too high1 lest it be deprived of power--or yet low enough to rest on the soft cartilages of the nose1 for fear of impeding respiration and causing pain to the animal by any jerk that it may chance to receive4 ,it must also fit sufficiently accurately not to turn round when the rein is drawn tight4 ,the first regular bit employed should be made of india-rubber1 and this may be immediately followed by a very smooth plain snaffle1 with players1 or a 8,rarey0 bit1 with wooden roller1 which is very mild and nice for a beginner4 ,when you first adjust the mouthpiece do not rein the colt's head up to any point beyond that at which he naturally holds it3 no matter whether that be high or low4 ,give him his preliminary lessons in an enclosed place--a big barn or riding-school will be best1 if you happen to be near one4 ,accustom your pupil to the sight of everything with which he is destined to make subsequent acquaintance3 the mounting-block1 saddle1 stirrups1 and so forth2 and remember that you cannot talk to him too much1 or give him too frequent handling4 ,illustration3 ,,rarey ,,snaffle4 ,forbid the presence of other animals while you are acting as instructor1 as also of any object1 human or otherwise1 that will be likely to distract your pupil's attention4 ,stand and walk on his left side1 keeping pretty well back from him--and deal him out plenty of rein1 or strap--just letting him feel the weight of your hand when he attempts to run from you1 but not on any account drawing him in4 ,by degrees you can shorten the rein1 and when he has learned to let you walk alongside of him without running back or showing timidity1 begin to teach him to lead3 not by pulling him after you1 or hunting him forward1 but by bringing him very very gently round in a half-circle--a plan which will oblige him to shift his foot and bend his neck to your guidance4 ,take him both to right and left in this way1 encouraging and caressing him when he obeys you1 and he will learn his lesson in a wonderfully short space of time4 ,as soon as you find that he leads well in an enclosed place1 take him out into an extremely quiet paddock1 not allowing anybody to come near you while you do it4 ,a good method will be to grasp the reins1 close to the jaw with your left hand1 while your right catches the mane1 and by this means lead him gently out for an open-air spell of instruction4 ,then proceed as when under cover1 and repeat the lesson every day4 ,at eighteen months old a colt that has been bred on your own land ought to have gone through all the preliminaries of his education1 and at that age the dumb-jockey may be brought into use with a pair of imitation legs and light little stirrups to hang on either side4 ,reins formed partially of india-rubber should be passed through the terrets and fastened to the bit1 and these must not be drawn by any means tight1 lest the colt be induced to bear upon them--or lest he rear1 and fall backwards4 ,a quarter of an hour is the longest period that a lesson of this description ought to occupy1 and the pupil's mouth should be well wetted both before and after4 ,if terror is excited1 the utmost encouragement should be given1 and no harshness be for even an instant resorted to4 ,these lessons may be continued1 with slight variation1 until the young animal shall have entered his third year1 at which epoch a very light rider may be mounted on him1 with rigid instructions not to interfere in any way with the bridle1 except as a means of guiding4 ,in fact1 to prevent the possibility of his doing so to any mischievous degree1 the india-rubber reins may with advantage be continued2 but the best way of all will be to back the animal yourself3 always provided that you are a sufficiently light weight for the purpose4 ,when the saddle is first placed in position1 the extremest gentleness must be observed4 ,allow him1 beforehand1 to look at it1 smell it1 in short satisfy himself about it1 and then proceed to rub it softly down his neck1 pausing if he shows fear1 and slipping it gradually backwards until you quietly lift it into its place4 ,when it is fairly on his back1 you should lift it again1 and again replace it1 and keep moving it gently about in order to give him confidence1 and when you have induced him to stand quite still1 fasten it with a racing surcingle instead of an ordinary girth1 as it is more readily adjusted1 and need not be drawn so tight4 ,to mount him successfully1 place him so that the mounting-block shall be just behind his shoulder2 ascend the block with the utmost coolness and quietness1 and while standing on it proceed to pet your pupil1 stroking him1 talking to him1 and 8gentling0 him as though he were a timid child4 ,if he shows signs of alarm1 go no further for a while1 but wait quietly--no matter how long it may be--even deferring the lesson to another day1 until he shall have gained complete confidence in your instructions4 ,half the horses that refuse to stand to be mounted have been rendered rider-shy 7if ,i may coin a word7 by scolding1 and harsh treatment shown them in their early training4 ,no attempt should be made at mounting a colt until he has become perfectly reconciled to his trainer's standing over him1 and also to the pressure of a hand on the saddle1 and a foot passed in and out through the stirrup4 ,to facilitate his standing quiet1 place his head to a wall1--or1 if he must be held1 entrust the task to a steady quiet man1 who will stand straight in front of him1 fondling his nose and ears1 and who will when necessary lay hold of the cheeks of the bridle1 above the bit1 but never of the bit itself1 nor yet of the reins4 ,do not1 when mounted1 touch the animal with your heel to start him1 or attempt to meddle with his mouth in any hurried way4 ,speak to him coaxingly1 and draw one rein very gently1 in order to make him shift his leg and move--then walk him quietly about1 repeating the lessons in turning1 stopping1 and backing1 which you have already given him on foot ,if he shows restiveness1 or an inclination to fight1 slip off at once1 and proceed with the old method of instruction--because you must not attempt to battle with him until you are quite certain that you can conquer4 ,this is one of the most important principles in correct training1 and one which1 ,i regret to say1 is most shamefully overlooked4 8,i won't let him conquer me10 says the ignorant breaker1 when the timid creature stands still and shivers1 and refuses to do what it has not yet learned to comprehend4 ,greater nonsense could not possibly be spoken4 ,there can be no victory1 for either horse or man1 until there has first been a battle1 and if the man is wise he will not begin one1 lest he should fail to prove himself the master1 and the horse ever after refuse to obey his hand4 ,severity in training is merely an ebullition of the breaker's temper1 and there is no necessity for such when dealing with a creature that is really anxious to learn and obey4 ,gentle indications will1 in all save extreme cases1 accomplish tenfold more than brute force4 ,such1 at all events1 is my conclusion1 after very close and practical study of the subject in hand4 ,leaping ought not1 as a rule1 to be taught until the animal has attained its fourth year1 nor ought the pupil to be mounted during the lessons for the first three or four months that are devoted to them4 ,to lead in long reins1 turning the colt in a nice quiet paddock that has a low hedge or gorsed hurdle across the middle of it1 will be the proper method1 and1 as all young animals are imitative1 it will be a great advantage to have an old skilled horse taken over the jump several times in easy fashion1 in view of the youthful learner4 ,i have made youngsters jump brilliantly over hurdles that were raised by degrees a great deal above their original height1 by simply standing on the off side of them with a measure of corn in my hand1 and shaking it temptingly1 calling out cheerily at the same time1 and always plentifully rewarding my pupils when the boundary had been cleared4 ,this sort of teaching is only pleasant excitement for the colt2 it is not task-work2 it injures neither structures nor temper1 and is unattended by either accident or risk4 ,the training of horses1 both racers and hunters1 as at present conducted1 is conducive of many evils1 as is proved amply by the fact that one-half the animals that come fresh from the trainers' hands are debilitated by the wrong systems pursued1 and are far less capable of enduring exertion than before they were taken in hand4 ,the physicking1 the brow-beating1 the harshness1 scolding1 and fighting1 are one and all tremendously pernicious and wrong4 ,the vast majority of horses will1 if properly treated1 accept their duties without force2 and even the most viciously inclined may be conquered1 or at least subdued1 without any approach to brutality4 ,i may cite one case as a sample of many3 an animal ,i once bought for a song1 and subsequently would not have sold for any money that could have been offered4 ,by telling you of the method by which ,i contrived to cure him of his bad name1 you may be guided how to act should any similar occasion chance to arise in your own stable4 ,illustration3 ,,strap ,,for ,,off ,,fore-,,leg4 ,illustration3 ,,strap ,,for ,,near ,,fore-,,leg4 ,by the aid of a powerful dose of physic--administered with extreme difficulty1 ,i confess1 by a strong and resolute man--and aided by a few light whiffs of chloroform1 we succeeded in getting the horse so sick and stupid that he suffered himself to be handled almost without opposition4 ,in fact1 ,i could go up to his head1 and stroke and fondle it as though he had been the quietest animal alive4 ,we then littered a lofty shed with quite a foot deep of dung and straw 7tan would1 however1 have been better for the purpose71 and having led him into it we put on him a single-rein bridle1 with a wooden gag-bit1--this latter because he presently showed an inclination to bite4 ,we then tied up the reins quite close to the withers1 put a breaking surcingle on him1 passed a soft strap round the near pastern joint1 lifted up the foot as though we were about to shoe him1 and passing the strap round over the fore-arm1 buckled it firmly1 but in such a way as not to hurt the horse4 ,i gentled him1 as much as he would allow me1 about the head1 while my assistant worked1 and we then led him about the shed for twenty minutes or more1 on three legs1 by which time he was tired1 but seemingly too dull to be much irritated4 ,the next operation was to place a second strap around the off fore-leg1 draw it pretty tight1 and pass the long end of it through one of the rings sewn on to the belly part of the surcingle4 ,my helper then put a big strong glove on his right hand1 caught a firm hold of the strap1 and when the horse lifted his leg in an endeavour to hop1 drew it gradually close1 and brought him gently upon his knees4 ,our object was to make him lie down1 for ,i never would countenance--under any pretence1 or for any operation--the forcible casting of a horse with which ,i had anything whatever to do4 ,finding that he was sullen and would not move1 ,i came to the near side of him1 and drew his head gradually towards me by one rein1 speaking soothingly to him all the while2 ,i then bade my assistant go to his off side and bear against it1 just behind the shoulder1 with a steady1 even1 close pressure--and after about twelve minutes' patient waiting1 ,i had the joy of seeing him lie quietly down upon the litter4 ,so far my plan of subduing by gentleness had succeeded4 ,illustration3 ,,taming ,,the ,,shrew4 page #cjb4 ,the moment that he was fairly down ,i made his hind legs quite fast1 and then began my plan of taming4 ,i gently stroked every one of his limbs separately1 rubbed his trembling head1 pulled and fondled his ears1 unbuckled the bit for an instant and gave him from my hand sliced carrots1 lettuce1 and ,i think an apple or two4 ,he was in a wretched state1 poor beast6 for want of care and grooming1 so ,i got a nice brush1 and went caressingly over every part of his body with it1 talking to him as though he had been a frightened child4 ,after an hour or so we took off the straps1 drew out his fore-legs1 and encouraged him to get up4 ,he seemed very dazed when he did so1 but was seemingly quite subdued--and having given him a feed1 we left him alone for the night4,a ,footnote ,a3 ,the celebrated ,mr4 ,rarey has been accredited with the invention of this system1 or something very nearly approaching it2 but so far back as half-a-century ago1 ,mr4 ,allen ,mc,donogh1 one of the best and greatest of riders1 trainers1 and authorities1 tried it with success in his own training-stables1 and subsequently 7some five or six years ago7 taught it to me at ,athgarvan ,lodge1 ,curragh4 ,the next day we had another and worse scene to go through2 the evil spirit was not altogether gone out of the horse1 as events very soon showed us4 ,we had to resort to the same strapping-up process1 and when he was on his knees he actually fought with us till he turned over2 but ,i encouraged him to get up again 7in the same cramped position1 of course71 and to make a second fight--treating him with steady firmness1 and never giving in for a moment1 but striving all the time to quiet him and make him lie down4 ,he did so at length--from sheer exhaustion1 ,i believe--for his obstinacy and violence had lasted over an hour1 and ,i and my patience were alike almost worn out4 ,when he was down ,i scraped the sweat from him with a scraper1 gave him water and lettuce1 went over every inch of his body with a wisp1 and made my assistant pretend to shoe him1 by lifting each of his feet and tapping them gently with a hammer4 ,finally ,i showed him a saddle and bridle1 laid them under his nose1 and stroked him with them--and ended by actually putting them on him with scarcely any difficulty at all4 ,then ,i shut myself alone with him in the shed1 and fed1 petted1 and talked to him unceasingly for upwards of an hour1 until all the untractableness had seemingly gone out of his disposition4 ,his poor wild1 bloodshot eyes grew calm and placid1 and he actually rubbed his nose at last against my hand4 ,i am certain that ,i shall be accounted a terrible fool1 but ,i believe ,i wept for joy--and the best of it all was that ,i had gained my victory without the horse having any suspicion that he was conquered4 ,if ,i had thrashed him into subjection--allowing that such a thing were possible--he might have obeyed me for awhile1 although hating me--but by dint of never using a particle of harshness1 and granting him his own time to make concessions1 ,i am firmly convinced that he considered himself the better animal of the two1 and was magnanimous enough to obey me from chivalrous motives1 while believing that he need not do so at all4 ,after that day ,i had not any trouble with my charge1 and in less than a week ,i was riding him about the place with only an ordinary bridle4 ,he subsequently manifested an extraordinary affection for me1 and whether the system that ,i pursued with regard to his taming was or was not one of which ordinary horse-owners will be found to approve1 ,i can only say that it succeeded to perfection1 and that ,i have seen it tried twice or thrice since1 on my recommendation1 with excellent results2 but ,i never advise the adoption of it1 except in cases such as ,i have described1 where an animal has been rendered vicious by extreme bad treatment1 or has inherited a disposition for sullenness and obstinacy which cannot otherwise be brought under control4 ,before bringing this chapter to a close1 ,i would wish to add that a colt in his fifth year may be ridden once or twice a week with harriers1 or once with foxhounds1 if the meet be very near his stable--but he must never on any account be pressed1 or run to the end of his tether1 for it is an absolute fact that if a young animal is once suffered to find out for himself that he is beaten1 he will never while he lives get to the close of a long or trying run4 ,this may1 by some1 be regarded as a fallacy1 but many practical authorities will1 ,i think1 endorse what ,i say4 ,illustration ,,chapter ,,xxvi4 ,a ,,budget ,,of 8,,tips04 ,,mouths ,,and ,,mouth-,,pieces4--,the shape1 delicacy1 or toughness of a horse's tongue does not in the least contribute towards making his mouth either tender or harsh2 but a difficulty is thrown in the way of bitting when the tongue is broad in form1 because in such case it covers the bars of the mouth1 and so prevents the mouth-piece from acting properly upon them4 ,the tongue is endowed with immense susceptibility to pain or pressure1 and any undue compression of it causes intense suffering and fretting1 and entirely obviates the action of the bridle4 ,i consider that rollers1 olives1 twists1 and all such devices1 are not only useless encumbrances1 but are instruments of destruction as well4 ,the severity or mildness of a mouth-piece is regulated by the thickness of that portion of the cannons which acts upon the bars of the mouth4 ,the curb-chain ought to sit exactly on the beard1 or chin1 of the horse4 ,if he is tender-mouthed1 it should be left very slack4 ,,country ,,riding-,,suits ,,for ,,men4--,if you want to ride in luxury in the country1 get measured for a knickerbocker garment1 with continuations in the form of breeches1 fitting perfectly below the knee4 ,this most sensible novelty can be worn with or without leggings1 so that if desired for rough usage on the moors1 the additions can be dispensed with1 or added if wanted for saddle use4 ,,hunting ,,breastplates are approved by many keen sportsmen4 ,i give a sketch of one4 ,illustration ,,hustling ,,horses4--,never hustle a horse at a gap1 or in a crowd1 or on any account cram him at his fences4 ,give him time4 ,he has1 as ,major ,whyte ,melville used to say1 8to carry the bigger fool of the two1 and to think for both40 ,,brushing4--,for a horse that 8brushes0 procure a leathern boot1 the colour of the foot1 made of prepared horse-skin1 having the hair left on1 and laced up the leg4 ,on1 or just over the seat of injury1 a concave piece of stout leather should be let into the covering1 and the hollow thus formed 7which acts as a protector7 should be filled up with a small pad of lint1 previously saturated with zinc lotion4 ,this serves to cure the sore1 and also prevents a recurrence of it4 ,i append a sketch4 ,illustration ,,sawmouth ,,bridoon4--,this is a terribly severe bit1 and one which no good judge of training would permit to be used among his horses4 ,it is calculated to destroy rather than to instruct4 ,the illustration shows the nature of it4 ,illustration ,,to ,,shoe a nervous or vicious horse1 or a young sensitive colt1 take him to a skilled farrier--one who has a good temper in addition to his other endowments--and while he is working1 take up your stand at the animal's head1 at the same side as that on which the farrier is engaged4 ,hold the bridle loosely in your hands1 dispense with blinkers1 and let the horse see what is going on4 ,you can manage this by allowing him to turn his head when he tries to do so4 ,do not permit any third person to come in the way during the operation4 ,it is a good plan to stand a horse that is to be shod close by a wall4 ,if the smith be unfortunately a duffer at his work1 instruct him to smooth the leg downwards from the shoulder or thigh1 as the case may be1 lifting it up and putting it down again1 if the horse seems frightened1 and even going away for a moment1 and again returning1 in order that confidence may become fully established4 ,the safest and surest method of overcoming irritability or nervousness is to exercise a quiet kindness1 combined with a cool firmness of purpose2 and to accomplish this end1 one1 or at most two1 persons1 will be infinitely better than a number4 ,the adjoining sketch shows a horse under treatment on principles of which ,i do not profess to approve1 although ,i am willing to acknowledge that there are cases in which actual vice can only be overcome by severity and brute force4 ,the custom here depicted of casting an intractable animal for the purpose of getting him shod is common enough in almost all cavalry stables1 and is seldom accompanied by any cruelty1 save on rare occasions1 when the attendant who carries the whip makes use of it to practical purpose--a thing net often called for4 ,when a horse is to be shod thus1 the ground about him is usually covered with sacks1 to break the force of his fall2 but these the artist has not thought it necessary to depict4 ,illustration3 ,,casting ,a ,,vicious ,,horse ,,in ,a ,,cavalry ,,stable4 page #caj4 ,,broken-,,winded horses require regular work1 and regular feeding4 ,a generous diet1 composed of oats1 beans1 and barley1 will be very good for them2 and in place of hay give about six pounds of wheaten straw every alternate day1 with carrots very frequently4 ,,veterinary ,,quacks4--,no man has a right to be called a veterinary surgeon who has not a diploma4 ,a pretender may assume the name--often does1 in fact--but quackery soon expires4 ,,when ,a ,,horse ,,clears ,,his ,,nostrils immediately on being pulled up1 it is a sign that he has wind enough to go both further and faster in his next gallop4 ,when a minute elapses the pace may still be increased though not much2 but when two minutes go over without the expected snort1 it is a proof that the exercise has been a little too hard for the animal's condition4 ,remember1 when exercising a young one1 that you must not take too much out of him4 ,frequent protrusion of the muzzle is a sign that distress is at hand1 and a settled thrusting forward of it shows that the horse is at very nearly all that he can do4 ,,restlessness in horses--or temper1 as many call it--is more frequently noticeable in summer than in winter time1 and is caused by the troublesome flies which stick all over the animals' bodies4 ,these creatures torment some tender-skinned horses almost to madness2 and when a stamp is given1 ears put back1 or a leg lifted as if in pain1 immediate search ought to be made for the occasion of it4 ,horses at pasture can1 as a rule1 defend themselves with their teeth1 feet1 and tails3 that is1 when the latter appendages are left them2 but in this country1 so eminently the seat of wisdom and freedom1 the effective instrument is invariably removed1 and ,nature most unfairly handicapped1--as if the sorrows of servitude are not sufficiently great and numerous without augmenting them by caprice4 ,,bales are simple bars of wood1 used largely in cavalry stables to separate the horse-stalls4 ,they are furnished at each end with iron links1 by means of which they are suspended to hooks fastened at the head and heel-posts4 ,sometimes they are made of iron1 but well-seasoned oak is quite sufficiently strong for the purpose4 ,the usual dimensions are eight feet long1 and four inches in diameter1 and they are placed at a distance of about three feet from the ground4 ,the top part may be a fixture2 but one end or the other ought to be so arranged that in case of a horse getting partially under it when lying down1 it will move readily upwards1 according as the animal pushes it in his rise4 ,i have a strong objection to bales1 because they admit of horses biting and injuring one another1 and are in other ways undesirable2 but that they are cheaper than travises1 ,i am1 of course1 prepared to allow4 ,it is1 however1 almost their sole claim to notice4 ,,an ,,idle ,,groom is generally an eye-server4 ,the wisp is oftener in his hand than the brush4 ,when a horse does not look amiss on being brought to the door1 and yet that his skin leaves a dirty whitish stain on the fingers when they are pressed into it1 the fact is proved beyond all doubt4 ,thin-skinned horses will not stand a curry-comb2 nor is it necessary to use one where good strong brushes are supplied1 and made a proper use of4 ,,the ,,curry-,,comb1 when employed at all1 should describe a sweeping movement--never a rubbing one--and the utmost gentleness should always accompany the using of it4 ,,when ,,the ,,proper ,,grooming of a horse is neglected1 he suffers in consequence4 ,lice1 for instance1 are never seen in animals that are even moderately well taken care of2 but when once these pests appear1 the spread of them is amazingly rapid4 ,nothing but care and cleanliness will eradicate them4 ,make a strong lather of black soap1 wash well with it1 then again with clean water1 and finally anoint the patches where the lice are with a little mercurial ointment4 ,if they have spread over the surface of the body1 make a strong decoction of tobacco1 and smear liberally with a sponge4 ,the same treatment will do for dogs4 ,,to ,,remove ,,the ,,soft ,,coating ,,of ,,hairs that grows on the inside of a horse's ears is not only unnecessary1 but is absolutely cruel4 ,it has been furnished to the animal as a protection against dust1 flies1 and dirt2 and when taken away1 the ears are left exposed to the influence of the three combined4 ,all appearance of untidiness may be done away with by holding the ear in the left hand with the edges of it nicely evened1 and then clipping lightly along them with a sharp scissors4 ,i would never on any account permit nose-hairs to be clipped1 or otherwise removed4 ,horses are immensely sensitive to any interference with them1 and for sundry reasons they ought not to be meddled with4 ,a ,,horse ,,that ,,is ,,cast ,,under ,,the ,,manger cannot possibly rise until he is drawn backwards by an attendant4 ,every time that he attempts to get up he strikes his head1 and is thus brought forcibly down again4 ,in a properly-constructed stable such a thing could not1 however1 occur4 ,,old-,,fashioned ,,mangers ought to be boarded in1 so that no hollow may exist under them4 ,,filling ,,horses' ,,feet4--,i am totally against this system1 but1 when those who are partial to it are bent upon carrying it out1 they should see that it is done with fresh moss1 soft and very damp1 pressed well into the feet1 and tucked away on the inside of the shoes4 ,,the ,,semi-,,military ,,and ,,travelling saddle is made to fit any horse1 and is in great request among officers serving abroad4 ,peat ,co41 of ,piccadilly1 have patented it1 and the sealed pattern is at the ,war ,office4 ,,biting ,,the ,,collar-,,rope4--,if you want to see a horse do this1 leave him a rope about two or three feet too long2 shut him up in a close stable1 and give him nothing to do4 ,it is not a vice1 but rather one of the many signs of weariness and idleness in which dumb animals indulge4 ,i append a sketch of a rope-biter4 ,illustration ,a ,,horseman',s ,,skill in the management of his bridle-hand consists in the discretion with which he makes the bit be felt4 ,it ought never to be used too severely1 and its effects should be moderated by the mildness and pliability of the hand4 ,,when ,,boiling ,,grain of any kind1 give it plenty of water1 and keep it constantly stirred4 ,if you neglect this necessary precaution1 it will stick to the bottom of the boiler1 and the burned part will acquire a nasty nauseous taste4 ,according as the water evaporates1 add a fresh supply4 ,never let the liquor boil over2 it is a great waste to do so1 as it contains a large amount of nutriment4 ,oats will need more boiling than beans2 these latter more than barley1 carrots and turnips more than potatoes4 ,four measures of oats1 boiled and bursting1 will fill seven measures2 four of beans1 something over eight and a half2 while four of barley will fill quite ten4 ,i have proved all these statistics in my own stable4 ,,false ,,quarter is a defect of the outer wall of the foot4 ,i give a sketch of the only possible relief for it4 ,illustration ,,rick ,,in ,,the ,,back will necessitate the throwing up of the sufferer for at least six months4 ,he must be placed in a roomy stall1 the hair over the seat of injury be carefully removed1 and the place kept moist with cloths dipped in a lotion composed of tincture of arnica two ounces1 and water one pint4 ,soft nourishing food must be given1 but no medicine on any account whatever--the restoration to finish with liquid blistering of a judicious kind4 ,,the ,,safest ,,arrangement ,,for ,,side ,,saddles1 to avoid risk of being hung up1 or dragged after a fall1 is that adopted with 8the level seat saddle10 by ,messrs4 ,nicholls of ,jermyn ,street4 ,they have patented a bar for the stirrup leather1 extremely simple in construction1 and which will instantly disconnect it1 should a rider have the misfortune to get her foot caught when falling over the off-side of the saddle4 ,an elastic safety-band1 stretched across the heads1 will1 when a fall occurs1 prevent the habit catching on the saddle1--and the unpleasant predicament of a horse galloping about1 with his rider suspended by the skirt1 head downwards 7as witnessed sometimes in the hunting-field71 will be avoided4 ,,take ,a ,,pistol with you on all occasions when going to hunt1 and in case of hopeless injury occurring to your mount1 make use of it1 with all the quietness and celerity you can command4 ,horses1 when left to themselves1 rarely meet with mishaps2 it is1 therefore1 only fair that their riders should protect them against unnecessary torture4 ,,ladies' ,,spurs4--,i have pleasure in appending sketches of the only three of these--that ,i know of--that are manufactured for ladies' use4 ,the ,sewarrow is1 ,i think excellent4 ,lady equestrians frequently use a small pair of hunting spurs of the shape worn by men--the right one having a knob in place of a rowel4 ,these are used with ,hessian boots1 and look well when dismounted4 ,the spike of the spur is in all cases made amply long to fulfil its purpose2 to wear one of immoderate length would necessitate having it made specially1 and could not effect any good4 ,i like 8box0 spurs myself1 and have always worn them2 but there is nothing objectionable in the strap1 and it has the advantage of being readily adjusted to any sort of boot1 whereas boots fitted with box spurs are generally costly articles4 ,illustration3 ,,with ,,rowel ,,guard4 ,illustration3 ,,sewarrow4 ,illustration3 ,,box-,,spur4 ,,crib-,,biting may be prevented by removing all woodwork from the vicinity of the horse1 and if he persists in gnawing his stable-partitions1 smear them well with aloes1 and he will soon desist4 ,illustration 8,,dishing0 is a common expression among horsey people4 ,it signifies throwing out the forelegs in a kind of side manner1 which looks badly in the trot4 ,i have seen some very good horses do it1 but it would certainly be called defective action4 ,to 8dish0 with one foreleg only is a very frequent thing4 ,,bandaging4--,when a horse's legs have to be bandaged1 it is a good plan to coil the bandages completely round the pastern1 close to the hoofs1 winding them around the legs in spiral form 7each coil overlapping the other7 until the legs are bound up to the knees or hocks1 where the bandages are secured4 ,the pressure must be equal1 and not too tight4 ,the strings should admit a finger after being tied4 ,i have never found a horse so treated attempt to lie down1 and it is far less irksome to an animal than being tied up by the head4 ,,habit-,,cutting is now perfection at most of the high-class ,london houses4 ,bodices are exquisitely made--some with stand-up collars1 others slightly lapelled1 to show a portion of habit-shirt or tie4 ,the backs are cut with long seams1 and the buttons placed low1 so that even a naturally short-waisted figure appears the contrary1 being lengthened and improved4 ,the shaping in front is excellent4 ,the skirts are so artistically cut and seamed that they fit at the back as closely as a man's hunting breeches1 while the shaping at the knee is supplemented by a most artistic and novel arrangement underneath1 a sort of hollow1 into which the up-pommel fits completely1 thus obviating the necessity of having folds of cloth lying between the right leg and the saddle4 ,these skirts1 held back by the hand when the wearer is dismounted1 look neat1 and are of convenient walking length4 ,,wall-,,licking4--,if a horse shows a tendency to this1 leave a lump of chalk in his manger4 ,a piece of rock-salt left there as well will never be amiss4 ,,signs ,,of ,,megrim4--,when a horse suddenly throws up his head1 and holds it in the air and on one side1 be assured he has a megrim1 and will be in danger of falling if driven further without a stop4 ,pull up at once1 and if cold water can be had anywhere within reach of you1 dash a bucket of it over his head and neck4 ,,benumbed ,,leg4--,when1 for taming purposes1 a horse's leg is strapped up for any length of time1 it becomes benumbed1 and ought1 when let down1 to be rubbed vigorously before the animal is allowed to walk upon it ,if this is not done he will probably fall4 ,,hints ,,for ,,amateur ,,jockeys4--,the moment you know that you are beaten in a race1 pull up4 ,you can gain nothing by flogging your horse to the finish4 ,if going well and gamely1 let him alone2 if not1 catch him with both hands1 and give him two or three kicks with the spurs1 ,i never advocate waiting1 unless the mount is a very game one4 ,jump off with the lead1 and hold it as long as you can4 ,,age ,,symptoms4--,a horse that has passed his fourth year has four incisors in each jaw1 all fully grown4 ,a ,,seated ,,shoe signifies a regular1 or ordinary1 shoe1 which has only as much upper surface left as will admit of the crust resting upon it4 ,,hiring ,,horses4--,windsor1 ,cheltenham1 and ,oxford are about the best places ,i know of for jobbing light-weight hunters4 ,when an animal is found to suit1 it ought to be at once secured for the season4 ,horses can be had at ,barnstaple for ,exmoor4 ,oxford is within reach of five packs of fox-hounds4 ,capital hunting quarters can be had there1 and excellent horses--cheap too1 in vacation time1 as there is not any one to ride them4 ,,defective ,,vision4--,a horse that has any defect in his sight should be at once rejected by the buyer4 ,it is the only safe way in dealing1 unless the desire is to buy a blind animal at a blind price4 ,there is generally a plausible reason given for every suspicious appearance1 whether it be a sightless eye or a pair of broken knees4 ,,blinkers4--,i greatly disapprove of these for breaking4 ,let the colt or horse see what you are doing4 ,in this ,i am aware that many disagree with me1 but ,i usually hold to my opinions1 as ,i do not form them in a hurry4 ,,amateur ,,blacksmiths4--,if you want to be independent of the forge when frost sets in1 you can do it in this way4 ,as soon as the hunting season has fairly begun1 have your horse's shoes made with square holes punched at the extremities and at the toes4 ,have these fitted with slightly tapering plugs of steel1 with sharp projecting points4 ,the plugs should be about two inches in length1 and must be made to fit the holes both accurately and tightly1 but not to go quite through the shoe to the foot4 ,when frost appears1 and you want to go out1 insert the plugs yourself in the holes1 tap them slightly on the points with a hammer1 and when the horse puts his weight on them it will drive them 8home40 ,the plugs will last for three or four days1 and are both cheap and easily renewed4 ,when you require to take them out1 another quiet tap or two 7delivered a little at the side7 will start them1 owing to the taper on the part that fits into the shoe4 8,,hot ,,fitting40--,i entirely approve of this1 when properly conducted4 ,it would need a very lengthy application of a hot shoe to affect the hoof to any depth--quite four minutes to cause a marked increase of temperature in the upper part of the foot--while1 in reality1 the hot shoe is not usually applied for more than three or four seconds4 ,,temperature ,,of ,,stables4--,the average temperature of a stable should be about #dh ,f4 ,never clip until the whole of the winter coat has appeared--then do it once for the entire season4 ,leaving the saddle-place unclipped will be more likely to provoke galls than to prevent them4 ,,supply ,,of ,,hay4--,six pounds of hay per diem is quite sufficient for a horse1 when plenty of other food is given4 ,too much hay is a mistake4 ,,quartern4--,everybody knows that this weighs #b lbs4 ,,stable ,,forks4--,do away with steel1 and use wooden ones4 ,,shoes4--,a set ought to last four weeks1 unless the work be constant and the going very hard4 ,,hunting ,,scarlet4--,do not don red in the hunting field until your 8salad0 days are over4 ,it is a remarkable colour1 and of late many excellent sportsmen have discarded it altogether4 ,this may1 perhaps1 be owing to the fact that ladies are putting it on6 ,two fair ,dianas who ride very straight with the ,meath hounds adopted scarlet last season1 and doubtless many more will ere long follow suit4 ,it is not to be admired1 in my opinion1 and can scarcely fail to remind the beholder of things usually associated with street-organs and itinerant grinders of these instruments6 8,,unknowing0 ,,ones4--,ignorance concerning horsey subjects is quite common among ladies who are otherwise well educated1 and1 indeed1 highly informed4 ,mrs4 ,beecher ,stowe relates of herself1 in her #8,sunny ,memories1' that when dining one day with ,earl ,russell she spoke of hunting as 8a vestige of the savage state10 when1 to her great astonishment1 she saw laughter on all the men's faces4 ,no wonder4 ,fox hunting1 or rather riding to hounds is an art not yet a century old4 ,two of our most popular authoresses--,i might1 perhaps1 say the two most popular--make such egregious mistakes on the subjects of hunting1 racing and betting1 that men laugh1 and women who know1 say1 8,what a pity it is60 ,,hunting ,,centres4--,a young ,londoner cannot do better than try his hand with the ,surrey ,foxhounds1 or with one of the ,kentish packs4 ,the hills of ,surrey afford good hunting ground1 despite the flints1 and the superfluity of coverts4 ,,when ,a ,,horse ,,is ,,collar-,,shy1 or nervous about the adjustment of the crupper1 have the latter made to unbuckle1 and procure a collar that opens at the top4 ,this is1 of course1 in case of being unable to reassure the animal by kindness4 ,put beating and scolding entirely aside2 they have probably led to the evils that have to be cured4 ,,the ,,foot 8,,home0 ,,in ,,the ,,stirrup was for long a favourite theory of mine1 and one which ,i myself practised--especially when travelling long distances1 or going the pace1--but then1 ,i always rode in a plain little racing stirrup1 made sufficiently wide to enable the foot to work easily in it1 so that there was no possibility of its 8sticking10 or proving otherwise dangerous4 ,finding1 however1 that1 despite repeated warnings1 ladies would persist in adopting the various forms of so-called safety-stirrups1 in which the foot was absolutely embedded1 the stuffing over the instep helping to tighten the hold1 ,i thought it safest and most conscientious to discard my theory altogether and advocate riding from the ball of the foot4 ,to keep perpetually saying1 8,do as ,i do10 partakes rather of the egotistical and self-sufficient1 even where one may fairly add1 8,and no harm will ensue10--but if1 added to this1 there is apparently a strong desire on the part of those spoken to to have their own way1 it is surely wise to offer them such directions as will best obviate the chances of mishap4 ,here1 for instance1 is an example of my meaning3 ,suppose that ,i am in the habit of reading in bed1 using a safety-lamp for doing so1 and ,i discover that it is a practice in my household and elsewhere for others to read by the light of a half-burnt candle1 insecurely fastened into its socket in the candlestick1 and laid perhaps upon the pillow1--will it not be better and safer for me to decry altogether the practice of night reading1 than to keep perpetually urging 7without hope of success7 that safety-lamps ought in all cases to be adopted8 ,,when ,a ,,carriage ,,is ,,kept ,,covered in a coach-house1 the cover ought to be constantly aired4 ,,never ,,permit ,,water ,,to ,,dry of itself on a vehicle1 or it will certainly leave stains4 ,,aprons1 ,,heads1 etc41 that are composed of enamelled leather1 should be washed with soap and water1 and rubbed well with linseed oil--the former being constantly unfolded1 and the latter kept fully stretched4 ,,moths can be prevented from settling in the linings of vehicles by mixing camphor and turpentine in a saucer1 and placing it inside1 with all the windows drawn up4 ,the evaporation of the mixture will serve the purpose well4 ,,bolts ,,and ,,clips of vehicles should be constantly looked to1 and tightened if loose2 and all repairs should be done at once1 nothing being allowed to lie over4 ,,horse-,,collars should be so made that the weight attached to the traces shall be distributed over the surface of the shoulders when pulling1 not concentrated on one point1 or1 almost as bad1 perpetually rubbing up and down4 ,a collar cannot be considered fitted1 simply because it appears all right when the horse is standing still4 ,set him going at a good pace1 and then judge of it4 ,if he be a high-crested animal1 he will probably need a collar quite two inches longer than seemed necessary when he stood at ease4 ,if the traces are attached too low to the hames1 they will draw the collar away from the upper part of the shoulder4 ,this can only be remedied by shifting the point of the draught1 till a proper bearing has been obtained4 ,,bencraft ,,hames4--,there is sometimes immense difficulty in fitting horses that are peculiarly shaped with collars that will not gall them2 in such cases the above may be tried1 as by using them the draught can be shifted to suit the shoulders or the height of the wheels4 ,they have an awkward appearance1 but nevertheless serve their purpose admirably4 ,,shaft-,,tugs should be of a length to suspend the shafts at exactly the correct height1 by which ,i mean the centre of the swell of the pad-flaps1 measured both ways4 ,when the shafts are much bent1 the tugs must be shorter than if ordinarily straight4 ,the traces must be of proper length1 otherwise the correct horizontal position of the shaft-tugs cannot possibly be maintained4 ,when too short the motion of the horse forces tugs and pad forward1 thus drawing the crupper uncomfortably tight--and when too long1 the vehicle is drawn by the tugs instead of by the traces4 ,it is rare to sit behind a horse that one can pronounce properly harnessed in every particular4 ,a ,,kicking-,,strap will be worse than useless--it will chafe and irritate--unless properly put on4 ,a strap that is either too light or the reverse1 or that passes in a direct line from shaft to shaft1 had better not be used at all4 ,it ought to be just loose enough1 nothing more1 to allow of the horse travelling without feeling chafed by it1 and should be fastened at least two inches behind the hip-bones1 as a loin-strap would be4 ,,fitting ,,the ,,bit ,,to ,,the ,,horse',s ,,mouth4--,this1 as ,i have already stated1 is an advisable plan4 ,a ,buxton or ,liverpool bit is commonly employed in harness1 but if a horse has a light mouth1 he may travel well in a snaffle4 ,buxton bits are made without ports4 ,experience will tell whether the reins ought to be buckled to the cheek or to the bars4 ,in my opinion1 almost all horses go well in properly fitting bits4 ,i altogether disapprove of the enormous affairs with cheeks eleven inches long1 and weighing quite two pounds1 which ignorance sometimes makes use of4 ,i believe that comparatively few animals require bits of larger dimensions than one and three-quarter inches for the upper cheek1 and three and a-half for the lower4 ,this latter ought never to be more than double the length of the upper portion4 ,even when the reins are fastened to a ring below the cheek1 the weight of the projecting arm will effect the leverage of the entire affair4 ,,horses ,,addicted ,,to ,,running ,,away frequently lay hold of the cheek of the bit2 it is a fault in large measure cultivated by using bits that are too broad for the mouth4 ,to avoid it1 the cheeks might be bent backwards1 after the ,wimbush pattern4 ,,correct ,,bitting gives control in harness without inflicting pain4 ,any suffering that cannot be got rid of by the horse dropping his head to the right position1 is barbarous cruelty1 however it may be glossed over or concealed4 ,half the horses that one sees in ,london and elsewhere1 poking their chins in an unnatural manner1 are made to do so by the use of powerful bits and severe curb-chains--yet ignorance cannot be brought to see it1 although the evils of it are frequently and earnestly set forth4 ,,blinkers are generally considered indispensable adjuncts to harness4 ,why1 ,i do not know4 ,,bearing-,,reins are only tolerable when the snaffle bit is suffered to hang well below the corners of the mouth1 and when the reins themselves are of such a length that the instant the horse lifts his head and sets off1 they become amply slack4 ,i cannot at all see why they should be thought an absolute necessity for draught purposes1 when not used in the saddle4 ,there are1 of course1 cases in which they are advisable2 when1 for instance1 extremely nervous or badly-broken animals are of necessity driven through crowded thoroughfares2 but otherwise ,i cannot believe that they are either necessary or ornamental4 ,,fashionable ,,coachmen concoct an instrument of torture by drawing up the gag-bit until the horse's mouth is dragged back quite two inches3 a curb much too long and very much too wide being next added1 and strained up to the last extremity of tightness4 ,the cruelty of ordinary bearing-reins is unspeakably great1 and to the use of them may be attributed the loss of sight in many fine young horses--undue pressure on the glands that lie just under the angles of the jaws being the fruitful cause of this melancholy evil4 ,,nagging at a horse's mouth when driving him is a most objectionable practice1 and one that is1 unfortunately1 too generally indulged in4 ,if an animal appears sluggish1 the driver finds it easier to rouse him temporarily by means of chucking at his mouth1 than by either a suitable use of the whip1 or an investigation into the general state of his health3 a low or disordered condition of which is far more frequently the cause of sluggishness than the 8roguishness10 of which helpless animals are often wrongfully accused4 ,,in ,,driving ,a ,,pair the arrangement of the coupling-reins is a matter of vast importance2 for1 should one horse be naturally faster in pace than his fellow1 the whole comfort of the drive will depend upon being able to regulate the two animals to the same rate of going4 ,to do this the coupling-rein of the fast horse must be shortened by bringing the buckle closer to the driver's hands1 so that a pull will act on him before checking in any degree the speed of the other horse4 ,coupling-reins should come to within six inches of the driver's fingers4 ,i have seen a pair of runaways stopped in a short time by laying a firm hold upon the two inside reins1 and dropping the outer ones4 ,,cantering ,,in ,,harness is a very common fault1 and can only be stopped by pulling up and starting afresh at a trot4 ,a canterer in double harness may be controlled by putting on him a pair of single harness-reins1 as well as the double ones4 ,,tandem4--,i am not an admirer of tandem1 but it is a good way of exercising saddle-horses in the summer time1 and keeping them in condition4 ,they should be always placed as leaders4 ,steady1 powerful harness horses will be best to use as wheelers1 the comfort and safety of the driver being dependent upon their paces and behaviour4 ,a leader should be full of courage1 and go always in the collar and up to the bit4 ,an improvement that ,i have been told of for tandem-harness is to have three bars fastened to the shafts3 an effectual means of preventing the leader from stepping over the traces4 ,,position ,,when ,,driving4--,i strongly object to the standing position--as though merely leaning against the box-seat of the vehicle--which many gentlemen-drivers adopt4 ,i believe that such an attitude must leave the driver almost powerless to assist or resist his horses4 ,the position when driving should be firm1 upright1 and decided2 the elbows hanging at ease1 close to the hips1 but not laid against them2 the arms nicely rounded1 and the hands held at a moderate distance from the body4 ,nothing can be worse than seeing the arms of the driver dragged forward by the action of the horses that he is meant to control2 nor can anything be much more objectionable than flinging up the wrists when coming to a stop1 instead of shortening the reins by passing the right hand quietly in front of the left4 ,,really ,,first-,,class ,,drivers rarely trust to holding the reins in one hand only1 even in single harness2 or1 if they seem to do so1 the right hand is ever ready to be laid upon the off or right hand rein1 while the forefinger falls naturally upon the near one2 by this means a gentle pressure can be exercised either by it or by the exterior angle of the hand which rests upon the off leather4 ,a good coachman will always at starting take the reins in both hands2 and animals ought to be trained to start slowly and collectedly--not with anything that resembles a jerk4 ,the 8show0 in which some drivers delight to indulge1 both at starting and when the horses are at rest1 by first flicking them with the whip and then pulling them sharply up1 cannot be too strongly deprecated4 ,,the ,,whip1 although esteemed a necessary adjunct to driving apparatus1 should be used as sparingly as possible--more1 in fact1 as an instructor1 than as a means of inflicting punishment4 ,there is nothing nicer in driving than seeing the whip in rest1 and the horses1 fearless of its severities1 going gaily up to their bridles1 restrained by a master hand4 ,,to ,,be ,,able ,,to ,,drive ,a ,,team is not considered a great feat by many men1 or1 indeed1 by some women1 in these latter days2 but of course there is driving and driving--both of different sorts4 ,i approve of studying under a first-class wagoner1 and being guided entirely by him4 ,to be a good four-in-hand driver requires courage1 coolness temper1 decision1 quickness1 strength and clearness of sight1 flexible hands1 and good staying power in the arms and back4 ,i have seen but one woman in my life who was able to drive a team of full-sized horses in best ,english style2 and ,i can only recall the names of seven or eight men who could do so4 ,hundreds1 of course1 attempt it1 and satisfy themselves that they are doing splendidly2 whereas1 the contrary is1 as a rule1 the case4 ,team-driving is not suitable work for ladies4 ,the mere exertion of holding four free-going horses for even an hour at a stretch is so great that1 unless the muscles of the arms have been strengthened by sculling1 practising with dumb-bells1 or other gymnastic exercises1 the driver will be thoroughly done up1 and at the mercy of any mischance that may occur1 before half the journey has been got over4 ,a strong1 firm-handed1 full-muscled man1 with a cool nerve1 a quick eye1 and his heart in the work he is engaged at1 will make the best driver of a dashing four-in-hand4 ,the 8golden youth0 who stand bolt upright against sloping cushions1 curling and uncurling their whips1 touching up leaders that need no touching1 or letting them get out of hand--and double-thonging steady-working wheelers1 are simply objects to laugh at1 or to pity1 or both4 ,,to ,,wield ,,the ,,whip in a workman-like manner may be practised without horses1 by sitting at ease on an elevation1 with a good instructor close at hand4 ,there are correct uses for every part of it1 down to the very point3 a proper position for the stick1 and proper ways of using it at various lengths--all of which have to be learned2 and nobody can be called a coachman who is not intimately familiar with them--so much so that he can carry his whip without apparently thinking about it1 and hold it1 use it1 and curl it1 as if by a kind of instinct--precisely as all these ought to be done4 ,a ,,team ,,should ,,be ,,trained ,,to ,,stand perfectly still until the driver gives the word to go4 ,a restless1 uneasy1 shuffling1 while the apron is being adjusted1 the whip taken up1 and the reins gathered1 is both unsightly and unpleasant4 ,,the ,,wheelers in a four-in-hand coach ought to start it and turn it round1 without the leaders ever feeling the traces2 and they ought to stop the vehicle with the traces of the leaders resting quite slack4 ,a ,,good ,,driver will have his leaders so in hand at the start that when they move they will be out of the collars1 and entirely clear of the splinter-bars4 ,,practice should be on level ground1 and on roads devoid of traffic4 ,none save really first-class drivers ought ever attempt to pilot a coach through a crowded thoroughfare4 ,plenty of novices do it1 and delude themselves with the notion that they are driving beautifully1 when in reality they are only clearing the road--for1 as a rule1 people leave a passage for a four-horsed coach1 chiefly ,i fancy through fear of being run down by it if they don't speedily get out of its way4 ,,driving ,a ,,team is1 on the whole1 very far from child's play1 and it needs a smart wagoner to know and carry out all the nice points of the art3 how1 for instance1 to make the wheelers work1 when to put on the drags1 when to run down without them1 how to regulate the pace1 especially when descending a steep decline1 how to go nicely and collectedly over the tops of all hills1 whether great or small1 with numerous other minor matters1 which study and practice can alone teach4 ,,fourteen ,,miles ,,an ,,hour is a tremendously fast pace for leaders to trot4 ,such a rate of going would necessitate that the wheelers should gallop4 ,speed is1 ,i always think1 far less necessary than stamina in a four-in-hand team4 ,a well made up quartett1 of which every horse has two good ends1 ought to travel from ,london to ,epsom at a fair steady pace1 and come back in the evening in spanking style4 ,a ,,team ,,that ,,will ,,trot briskly up the hill to the ,star and ,garter at ,richmond at the rate of1 say1 eight miles an hour without the whip1 may be pronounced a real good thing4 ,,if ,,four ,,horses cannot be matched in height1 ,i advocate conceding the difference to the wheelers4 ,age will not matter very much--nor will colour--for merely useful work2 but go and action are all important4 ,a ,,good ,,and ,,humane ,,driver always looks to the condition of each horse separately1 when halting after a long drive4 ,an oatmeal drink with the chill taken off1 and an abundance of water splashed about the legs1 prove great refreshers4 ,exhausted horses are immensely benefited by getting a scrape down1 together with a 8pick-me-up0 of warm ale4 ,,an ,,upper ,,jaw ,,bit1 and an ,over ,draw ,check will teach a youngster 7when training for harness7 almost as much sense as he will learn by two months' handling4 ,the apparatus sobers him--stops that peculiar1 one-sided1 twisting kind of kick1 or 8lurch10 which beginners when fresh are wont to indulge in--and1 in short1 teaches him to trot his level best1 without the aid of a kicking-strap4 ,it is called the 8,carleton0 ,check--,i presume from its inventor's name--and consists of a very small bar snaffle1 not much thicker than an ordinary lead pencil1 with a loose ring at either end4 ,straps1 about half an inch wide1 are buckled to these rings1 and are connected above the horse's nostrils by a narrow upper noseband3 on the same principle as an ordinary chin-strap4 ,this little noseband is necessary to keep the bit called an 8upper jaw bit0 in its place3 namely1 under the upper jaw1 just as the regular bit is upon the under jaw4 ,the little mouthpiece is very slightly curved--a mere segment of a circle--and from it the two straps run up the horse's nose1 and are joined together on his forehead to prevent them chafing his eyes4 ,they are then continued between the ears1 and along the mane1 to the water hook4 ,at the spot where they pass the headpiece they run through two square loops1 in which are 8rolls10 or rollers1 to allow the straps free play4 ,they are joined at the ends1 and are made to hook over the water hook1 after which a tiny contrivance is slipped on the hook1 which renders it impossible for the horse 7let him fling his head about as he chooses7 to throw the rein off the hook4 ,the hand1 however1 can release it in a flash--and the whole affair is a perfect marvel of neatness and ingenuity4 ,its good effects are1 to raise the head1 extend the neck1 and give free play to the lungs4 ,it likewise lengthens the gait1 steadies the horse1 prevents breaking1 obviates 8hitching0 behind1 takes the pull off the driver's hands1 and brings out a horse's trot1 if he has any at all in him4 ,the evils are1 that it spoils a handsome erect carriage1 lowers the crest1 and makes the animal poke his nose in an unsightly manner4 ,in short1 it is invaluable for training a road horse1 or trotter1 but the habitual use of it is undesirable and even cruel1 for a horse cannot possibly bend while he has it on4 ,so rigid are its effects1 and so impossible is it for an animal to lower his head while wearing it1 that ,i am of opinion it would put an effectual 8stopper0 upon the tricks of the most confirmed buck-jumper living1 if connecting-straps were just passed1 say1 underneath the saddle1 and attached firmly to the crupper4 ,this is merely an idea1--but ,i should like to see it tested in a practical way4 ,,the ,,kemble ,,jackson is another kind of bit employed very largely in the ,states1 especially in ,kentucky1 which is a very horsey district1--one of the most so1 indeed1 in ,america4 ,the ,jackson can be used with or without an upper jaw bit1 and has the reins of the check to run through loops directly under the ears--where some tandem lines go4 ,this has the effect of giving a lofty carriage to the head1 without making the horse poke his nose as the ,carleton does4 ,no noseband is employed with it1 and the wearer can hold his head in handsome position--which is an immense advantage with a carriage horse1 in which up-headedness is an essential attribute4 ,it is in some points quite before the ,carleton1 which latter 7if constantly used7 imparts absolute rigidity to the muscles of the neck1 and intensifies the evil known as 8ewe0-neck2 but for helping the trot1 and teaching sense to a youngster1 the ,carleton beats anything that ,i have ever seen4 ,illustration ,,index4 ,abrasion1 #bge ,accidents to children1 #f ,adjusting mouthpiece1 #gd1 #hg ,administering ball1 #bfe ,adonis 7hunter71 #db ,age at which to begin to ride1 #aj ,age of hunters1 #bad ,age symptoms1 #cba ,ailments1 #bga ,aloes1 #bfc ,amateur blacksmiths1 #cbb ,amateur jockeys1 #cba ,amateur tailors1 #ed ,anecdote of boy on pony1 #afh ,anti-rearing bit1 #gf ,appliances for young equestrians1 #gj ,apron 7carriage71 #cbf ,aspect of stables1 #bej ,attitude when driving1 #cca ,balance riding1 #ae1 #aja ,bales1 #cab ,balling-irons1 #bfd ,ball mixture1 #bff ,balls1 #bfc ,bandages1 #bgj ,bandaging1 #cbj ,bandaging eyes1 #bfi ,bargains1 #ahh ,bars of the mouth1 #gd ,baulking1 #afc ,beans1 #bdf ,bearing-reins1 #cbi ,bedding1 #beh ,bencraft hames1 #cbg ,bit and bridoon1 #ga ,bitting1 #fc1 #cbh1 #cbi1 #ccf1 #ccg ,bleeding1 #bfh ,blemishes1 #da ,blinds1 #bee ,blinkers1 #cbb1 #cbi ,blistering1 #bfg ,blood can1 #bfh ,blood stock1 #bhe ,bodices1 #ej ,boiled barley1 #bdg ,boiler1 #bei ,boiling corn1 #bdc ,boiling grain1 #caf ,bolts 7carriage71 #cbf ,boot for horse1 #cji ,boots 7for riders71 #dg1 #ef1 #ahb ,boring1 #acg ,box stalls1 #beb ,breakfast 7hunting71 #bba ,breaking 7alteration of pace71 #abh1 #aca ,breaking in1 #bic ,breaking intractable horse1 #cja ,breastplates 7hunting71 #cjh ,breeches1 #ee1 #ahj ,breeding1 #bhj ,breeding centres1 #baf ,bridle hand1 #cae ,bridles1 #ff ,bridling1 #hf ,broken knees1 #bgg ,broken wind1 #caa ,bronchitis1 #bga ,brood ,mares1 #bhb ,brushing1 #cjh ,buck jumping1 #aci ,bungling1 #agj ,buxton bit1 #cbh ,calkins1 #bcd ,cambridge bit1 #ga ,cantering1 #aja1 #acb1 #ace ,cantering in harness1 #ccj ,carefulness1 #aih ,carriage covering1 #cbf ,carrying shoe1 #bbh ,cast under manger1 #cad ,cats1 #bfj ,celluloid1 #fa1 #aii ,chaff1 #bdg ,chifney bit1 #ga ,children mounting1 #ah ,children riding1 #e ,chilled water1 #bdh ,chloroform1 #bgh ,clearing nostrils1 #caa ,clips 7carriage71 #cbf ,clover hay1 #bdg ,cobs1 #bji ,colds1 #bga ,colic1 #bgb ,collar shy1 #cbe ,collars1 #cbf ,confidence1 #aeb ,congested lungs1 #bga ,consideration for servants1 #abd ,contrast in articles1 #aib ,cooked food1 #bda ,cooking apparatus1 #bei ,coolness in danger1 #ada ,cork girl1 #fe ,corns1 #bch1 #bgc ,corn chest1 #beh ,corsets1 #bja ,costume for hunting1 #ahj ,costume for road and park1 #dd ,costume for young learner1 #ah ,country riding suits1 #cjg ,coupling reins1 #ccj ,courtesy1 #bbi ,covert coats1 #ahe ,covert hack1 #bjd ,cow kick1 #acb ,cracked heels1 #bgd ,crib-biting1 #cai ,cupboard 7stable71 #bei ,curb chain 7adjusting71 #hg ,curry-comb1 #cac ,cutting out a single line1 #bbg ,cutting out riding trousers1 #aie ,defective vision1 #cbb ,demeanour at meet1 #bbc ,destroying animals1 #bgh ,diamond 7racer71 #ce ,diarrha1 #bgb ,diet for foal1 #bij ,dishing1 #cai ,dispensing with stirrup1 #ae1 #ajc ,disquietude in mounting1 #adc ,ditch and drain falls1 #agb ,docking1 #caa ,doctoring1 #bfb ,doors1 #beb ,down jumping1 #adi ,draught1 #bef ,drinks 7physic71 #bff ,dropping1 #dj ,dumb jockey1 #big ,dwyer curb1 #ga ,ear hairs1 #cac ,economics1 #ahh ,educated smiths1 #bch ,elbows1 #ajc ,empress in ,cheshire1 #gj ,escaping falls1 #aff ,exercising youngsters1 #caa ,experience with mare in field1 #aai ,experiment with a mare1 #gh ,fallen trees1 #adg ,falling1 #aff ,falling on the flat1 #age ,false economies1 #aid ,false quarter1 #caf ,false refinement1 #acj ,false teaching1 #aea ,farcy1 #bgd ,fashionable coachmen1 #cbi ,feeding1 #bag1 #bda ,feeding pail1 #bhh ,fencing1 #adi ,filling feet1 #cad ,fire buckets1 #beg ,firing1 #bgc ,first class drivers1 #ccb ,flap reins1 #ac ,fleam1 #bfi ,flies1 #caa ,flooring1 #bea ,fluid physicking1 #bff ,foal bands1 #ec ,foal feeding1 #bhh ,foot fever1 #bgb ,foot 8home10 #ajj1 #cbe ,foaling1 #bhf ,foaling-box1 #bhg ,fomentations1 #bgj ,ford crossing1 #bb ,fore-legs1 #baa ,fractured hoof1 #bci ,friction1 #bfh ,gag-bits1 #fh1 #fi ,galloping1 #acf ,gaping1 #ge ,getting teams together1 #ccd ,girthing1 #ij ,girths1 #he ,glanders1 #bga ,glazing1 #bee ,gloves1 #dg1 #beh ,going at a leap1 #adh ,going fast at water1 #aeb ,granary1 #beh ,grooming1 #cac ,groom's excuses1 #bdb ,groom's bedroom1 #bfj ,gruel1 #bdg ,habit-cutting1 #cbj ,hacks1 #bjc ,half horned hunting snaffle1 #gb ,hames1 #cbf ,hand galloping1 #acf ,hands1 #ajh1 #abh ,hanoverian ,pelham1 #fh ,hat fasteners1 #fj ,hats1 #dg1 #ahf1 #aii ,harness rooms1 #bfj ,haunches1 #bac ,hay1 #bdf ,hayloft1 #bef ,heel horn 7removing71 #bce ,heel opening1 #bcc ,heels1 #bcf ,height of hunter1 #bab ,helpers1 #bff ,hiring horses1 #cba ,hocks1 #bje ,holding the reins1 #ajg ,hollow back1 #ce ,hoofs1 #cg ,horse balls1 #bfd ,hot fitting1 #cbc ,hunters1 #bjc1 #bji ,hunters in harness1 #bjh1 #bdd ,hunting1 #bag ,hunting breastplate1 #cjh ,hunting centres1 #cbd ,hunting colts1 #bij ,hunting outfit1 #agi ,hunting scarlet1 #cbc ,hustling1 #cjh ,idle grooms1 #cac ,ignorant officer1 #fe ,immersion1 #agg ,impure air1 #bed ,incidents with ,quorn hounds1 #abf ,indiarubber reins1 #big ,indiarubber shoes1 #bcg ,indiarubber soles1 #bgc ,indigestion1 #bga ,inflamed gums1 #bgb ,inquiring peculiarities1 #abe ,inspecting mounts1 #abc ,instructing youngsters1 #bif ,irish peasants1 #d ,joe ,anderson1 #ce ,jog trot1 #bcb ,joint oil1 #bgg ,judging hunters1 #bae ,jumping off a bungler1 #agj ,jumping youngsters1 #cjj ,keeping hold of bridle when down1 #agf ,kemble ,jackson mouthpiece1 #ccg ,kickers in hunting-field1 #bbh ,kicking1 #acg ,kicking-strap1 #cbg ,knee injuries1 #bgg ,laceration1 #bgf ,ladies' horses described1 #ce-db ,lampass1 #bgb ,laxatives1 #bfg ,leaders1 #cca1 #ccd ,leaping1 #adf ,learners' riding costume1 #dd ,leg-straps1 #cjb ,leg-washing1 #bgd ,level feeding1 #beg ,level-seated saddles1 #ag ,lever's ,west-countryman1 #bdi ,lice1 #cac 8,lifting0 at fences1 #aej ,light hands1 #abh ,lighting 7stables71 #bee 8,little tricks10 #abe ,liverpool bit1 #fi ,lolling out the tongue1 #ge ,losing shoes1 #bbh ,lungeing1 #bid ,maddened horse1 #ade ,mangers1 #beg1 #cad ,martingales1 #gg1 #gh ,mashes1 #bdh ,matching horses1 #cce ,measurements of food1 #bdd ,measurements of mouths1 #gc ,measuring boiled grain1 #cae ,megrim1 #cba ,melton mouthpiece1 #fh 8,mostly fools10 #afi ,moths1 #cbf ,mounting1 #ic-if ,mounting youngsters1 #bih ,mouthpieces1 #cjg ,mouths1 #cjg ,mud-fever1 #bgd ,nagging1 #ccj ,navicular disease1 #bgb ,negligence in caring clothes1 #aig ,newfoundland feeding1 #bdh ,newmarket coats1 #ahe ,nicholl's patent stirrup1 #he1 #cag ,night lighting1 #beg ,nosebands1 #gg ,numbed legs1 #cba ,nursing stables1 #bhh ,oats1 #bde ,obnoxious equestrians1 #bbe ,oculist1 #bja ,offside riding1 #ij ,opening veins1 #bgh ,operations1 #bgh ,outfit for park and road riding1 #dg ,overdraw draw check1 #ccf ,overlooking mount1 #abc ,over-reach1 #bge ,pad-pony1 #ac ,paces1 #ace ,pair1 driving1 #ccj ,pasturage for brood mares1 #bhf ,patent bar1 #cag ,pecking1 #agf ,peculiarities1 #abe ,pelham bit1 #fh ,pendulous shoe1 #bdj ,pests of the hunting-field1 #afh ,pets1 #bdi ,physicking1 #bfc ,pick-me-ups1 #ccf ,pilots1 #bbf ,pinning up1 #bfi ,pistol1 #cah ,pleader 7hunter71 #bb ,plugs 7steel71 #cbb ,points1 #baj ,poking the chin1 #gc ,ports1 #ga ,position on horseback1 #ig ,posts1 #bea ,poultices1 #bgj ,preparation for hunting1 #bag ,pressing youngsters1 #cjf ,price list1 #ahg ,probing1 #bgf ,projections1 #beb ,propellers1 #afa ,pullers1 #acg ,pulling up1 #acc ,purchasing horses1 #cc ,quartern1 #cbc ,racehorse trotting1 #bjf ,racing1 #bih ,railing hunters1 #bba ,rainproof garments1 #fa ,rarey bit1 #bie ,rasping hoofs1 #bcd ,rearing1 #adj ,rearing bit1 #gf ,refusers1 #aeh1 #afd ,reining back1 #acc ,reins1 their uses1 #ajg1 #aad ,restlessness1 #caa ,rick in the back1 #caf ,riding-habits1 #dh ,riding hats1 etc41 #aii ,riding masters1 #bg ,riding to ,courtown1 #be ,riding to covert1 #bbb ,ringbone1 #bga ,rising in saddle1 #ajb ,road riding1 #abb ,roaring1 #bga ,roguery1 #afj ,rolling clear1 #agj ,roofing1 #bea ,ropebiting1 #cae ,rules of the field1 #bgb ,rules of the road1 #acd ,running away1 #adc1 #cbh ,saddle-bar 7,born's71 #hd ,saddle-cloths1 #he ,saddle fitting1 #hd ,saddle-galls1 #bge ,saddle measurements1 #hd ,saddling1 #hj1 #hh ,saddling youngsters1 #bih ,safety pad1 #ac ,safety stirrups1 #he ,salt in manger1 #cbj ,sash windows1 #bed ,sawmouth bridoon1 #cji ,schooling1 #aea ,school teaching1 #adg ,screw leaping head1 #hd ,seated shoe1 #cba ,secrets of leaping1 #adi ,segundo bit1 #fh ,self-teaching1 #bge ,selecting a mount1 #bi1 #cb ,sending by road1 #bba ,servants1 teaching1 #bh1 #ii ,setting off1 #abg ,sewarrow1 #ef1 #cag ,shaft-tugs1 #cbg ,sheep's horn shoes1 #bcg ,shifting saddle1 #bbi ,shoeing1 #bca ,shoeing nervous horse1 #cji ,shoes 7to last71 #cbc ,shooting1 #bgh 8,show0 in driving1 #ccb ,shying1 #adb ,silk under clothing1 #aii ,sires1 #bhb ,situation 7of stable71 #bej ,skirt without hem1 #aii ,slings1 #bfi ,sluggish1 #cbi 8,slummucking10 #aej ,smiths1 #bch ,snaffles1 #ff1 #fg ,soft mashes1 #bfd ,sole paring1 #bcc ,sore throat1 #bga ,speed for team1 #cce ,splint1 #bgc ,spurs1 #cag1 #cah ,spurs1 their uses1 #aba1 #adj ,stable forks1 #cbc ,stabling1 #bef ,staking1 #bgf ,stall measurements1 #beb ,stalls1 #beb ,stanhope bit1 #fh ,starting youngsters1 #bdd ,stirrups1 #he ,stockings1 #ahj ,stumbling1 #adb ,straw1 #beh ,suitability of hunting-field for ladies1 #bbd ,supply of hay1 #cbc ,surface drains1 #bea ,sutures1 #bfi ,swollen legs1 #bgc ,taking tired horses home1 #abh ,taming1 #cjc ,tandem1 #cca ,team driving1 #ccb1 #cce ,team practice1 #ccd ,team standing1 #ccd ,temperature of food1 #bdc ,temperature of stables1 #bec1 #cbc ,thorn-fencing1 #aef ,three-quarter shoe1 #bgc ,throwing up the arm1 #afd ,thrush1 #bgc ,tidiness1 #aih ,timber jumping1 #aec ,timidity1 #afj ,timidity in riding1 #cj ,tips 7shoes71 #bcf ,toepieces1 #bcd ,tongue over the mouthpiece1 #gc ,training1 #bib ,training hunters to follow1 #baf ,trap-door1 #bef ,trappings for colt1 #bie ,trappy jumping1 #aed ,trappy obstacles1 #aec ,travelling saddle1 #cad ,treatment after hunting1 #bbi ,treatment after physic1 #bff ,treatment of tired hunters1 #bbi ,trotting1 #abi ,trousers1 #ed1 #ahb ,turning corners1 #abj ,twitch1 #bfd ,underclothing1 #eg ,unknowing ones1 #cbd ,up-jumping1 #aed ,upland hay1 #bdf ,upper jaw bit1 #ccf ,uses of the whip1 #aai ,valise 7to carry71 #bbj ,variety in feeding1 #bdh ,vegetable diet1 #bdf ,veils1 #ei ,ventilation1 #bec ,veterinary quacks1 #caa ,vices1 #acg ,vicious horses1 #aae ,voice1 #aad ,walking paces1 #abg ,wall-licking1 #cba ,walls1 #bdh1 #bea ,washing silk articles1 #bjj ,waste in stables1 #bde ,water for hunters1 #bbb ,water-jumping1 #aee ,water ponds1 #bfj ,water pots1 #beh ,water stains1 #cbf ,weaning1 #bhi ,weighty shoes1 #bcd ,wheelers1 #ccj1 #ccd ,whips1 #ei ,whistling1 #bga ,width of mouthpiece1 #ge ,wielding whip1 #ccc ,windows1 #bed ,wisdom in riding1 #bbg ,wisping1 #bgd ,worms1 #bga ,wounds1 #bgf ,yards1 #beg ,yearlings1 #bia ,youngsters in leading reins1 #adi ,,london3 ,,printed ,,by ,,william ,,clowes ,,and ,,sons1 ,,limited1 ,,stamford ,,street ,,and ,,charing ,,cross4 ,,advertisements4 ,,wm4 ,,scott ,,co41 ,,ladies' ,,tailors1 #cg1 ,,duke ,,street1 ,,st4 ,,james',s1 ,,london4 ,illustration ,,wm4 ,,scott ,,co41 ,,habit ,,makers ,,to ,,the ,,authoress4 7,for ,specimen see ,frontispiece47 ,,sole ,,makers ,,of ,,the ,,royal ,,meath ,,habit4 #cg1 ,,duke ,,street1 ,st4 ,,james',s1 ,,london1 ,and at ,,sackville ,,street1 ,,dublin4 ,,best ,,quality1 ,,hand-,,sewn ,,boots ,,and ,,shoes1 ,at #cj per cent4 less than ,west ,end prices4 ,,estab4 #ahci4 ,n4 ,,thierry4 ,,estab4 #ahci4 ,illustration3 ,ladies' ,riding-,boots1 ,all ,patent ,leather1 #ebs4 ,illustration3 ,ladies' ,riding-,boots1 ,all ,patent ,leather1 #ejs4 ,the ,largest ,stock and ,largest ,sale in ,england of ,,ladies' ,,riding ,,boots4 ,,every ,,description ,,of ,,boots ,,and ,,shoes ,,made ,,to ,,order ,,in ,a ,,few ,,days4 ,,special ,,lasts ,,kept ,,for ,,every ,,customer4 ,london1 #gj1 ,,regent ,,street1 ,,quadrant1 ,w4 #dh1 ,,gresham ,,st41 #aca1 ,,fenchurch ,,st41 ,e4,c4 ,,manchester1 #b1 ,st4 ,ann's ,square4 ,,liverpool1 #e1 ,bold ,street4 ,,illustrated ,,catalogues ,,post ,,free4 ,,prices ,,of ,a ,,few ,,articles1 ,,ladies' ,,department4 ,,boots4 ,button or ,lace #af_/f ,do4 do4 ,polish1 ,louis ,,xv4 ,heels1 #ba_/- ,do4 ,alpine or ,tourist1 #bc_/- to #be_/- ,,shoes4 ,oxford ,tie ,morocco1 #aj_/f2 ,glac1 #ab_/f ,do4 do4 ,glac ,kid1 ,louis ,,xv4 ,heels1 #ag_/f ,patent ,dress ,court ,shoes #g_/f ,a ,,large ,,stock of ,children's ,boots and ,shoes1 very durable and comfortable1 at ,moderate ,prices1 and ,,every ,,variety ,,of ,,gentlemen',s ,,riding1 ,,shooting1 ,,walking1 ,,and ,,dress ,,boots ,,and ,,shoes4 ,,an ,,old ,,boot ,,is ,,sufficient ,,guide ,,for ,,size ,,to ,,ensure ,a ,,good ,,fit4 ,,please ,,note6--#gj1 ,quadrant1 ,regent ,street1 as there is another house same name in the street4 8,the most noted firm of ,ladies' ,tailors in the world1 and be it said the most original40--,,court ,,journal4 ,illustration ,by ,special ,appointments to ,her ,majesty the ,queen4 ,h4,r4,h4 the ,princess of ,wales4 ,h4,r4 and ,i4,h4 the ,duchess of ,edinburgh4 ,h4,r4,h4 the ,princess ,louise4 ,h4,r4,h4 the ,princess ,mary of ,teck4 ,by ,special ,appointments to ,h4,i4,m4 the ,empress of ,russia4 ,h4,m4 the ,queen of ,denmark4 ,h4,m4 the ,queen of ,portugal4 ,h4,r4,h4 the ,duchess of ,connaught4 ,h4,r4,h4 the ,princess ,beatrice4 ,,redfern1 ,,ladies' ,,tailor1 #bf1 ,,conduit ,,street1 ,,london1 ,w4 ,,riding ,,habits1 ,,with ,,all ,,the ,,latest ,,improvements4 ,for ,,hunting4 ,for ,,the ,,row4 ,their new ,safety ,skirt1 cut on an entirely new principle1 combines with elegance the greatest comfort and security to the wearer4 8,habits are still worn short 99 99 99 ,,redfern has introduced a novelty which1 while giving greater freedom to the pommel knee and rendering the risk of the habit catching much less than usual1 fits to a nicety40--,daily ,news1 ,nov4 #bcrd1 #ahhb4 ,,specialities ,,in ,,covert ,,driving ,,coats4 ,branches--,,cowes 7,i4,w471 ,,paris1 and ,,new ,,york4 ,to ,ladies living in the country and abroad1 ,messrs4 ,,redfern forward ,patterns of the newest materials for habits1 c4 post free on application1 and guarantee a perfect fit without a personal interview4 ,,henry ,,peat ,,co41 ,,saddlers ,,and ,,harness ,,makers1 ,by ,appointment to ,h4,r4,h4 the ,prince of ,wales1 #agc1 ,,piccadilly1 ,,london4 ,,saddlery ,,of ,,every ,,description ,,for ,,india1 ,,america1 ,,and ,,the ,,colonies4 ,,james ,,mcmillan1 ,,hunting ,,boot ,,maker1 #ajd1 ,,jermyn ,,street1 ,,piccadilly1 ,s4,w4 ,,ladies' #8,,economical1' #8,,park1' #8,,cross ,,country1' #8,,tropical1' #8,,newmarket1' ,,and ,,all ,,kinds ,,of ,,riding ,,boots4 ,,hoare ,,sons1 ,specialit ,habit ,makers ,ladies' ,tailors1 #beb #bec1 ,,high ,,holborn1 ,,london4 ,,established #ahdg4 ,illustration 8,ladies looking for high-class ,tailoring at reasonable charges for ,cash payment would do well to give this old-established ,house a visit40 8,evidently1 only the most careful and experienced ,foremen ,tailors and best ,workmanship obtainable are employed40 ,habits for ,park or ,country1 from #e to #h ,guineas4 ,specialit 8,,princess0 ,habit1 as worn by ,h4,i4,m4 the ,empress of ,austria4 ,,hoare ,,sons' own ,registered ,shape1 from #f to #i ,guineas4 ,walking or ,travelling ,gowns1 #d to #h ,guineas4 ,ulsters1 from #c ,guineas4 ,covert ,coats1 from #b ,guineas4 ,specialit for ,travelling--,lady's ,ocean ,coat 7regd471 with ,removable ,cape and ,hood1 from #d ,guineas4 ,,country ,,orders4 ,ladies can now be fitted as perfectly as if in ,town by the assistance of a ,pattern ,bodice 7which can be sent by post71 and a few measures taken by our ,registered ,system1 thereby avoiding trouble and delay4 ,this department is under the personal supervision of a member of the ,firm1 and has proved most successful in every instance4 ,patterns1 ,estimates1 and ,illustrations of the ,newest ,fashions ,post ,free4 ,,if ,,you ,,desire ,,really ,,well-,,polished ,,boots1 ,,use ,e4 ,,brown ,,son',s ,,royal ,,meltonian ,,blacking4 ,it renders them beautifully soft1 durable1 and waterproof1 while its lustre equals the most brilliant patent leather4 ,e4 ,,brown ,,son',s ,,nonpareil ,,de ,,guiche ,,parisian ,,polish for ,dress ,boots and ,shoes1 is more elastic and less difficult in its use than any other4 ,e4 ,,brown ,,son',s ,,waterproof ,,varnish1 for ,hunting1 ,shooting1 and ,fishing ,boots1 is strongly recommended to all ,sportsmen4 ,e4 ,,brown ,,son',s ,,brown ,,top-,,boot ,,fluid1 ,,polish1 and ,,powders of all ,colours4 ,e4 ,,brown ,,son',s ,,meltonian ,,cream1 for ,renovating all kinds of ,patent ,leather1 ,furniture1 c4 ,e4 ,,brown ,,son',s ,,royal ,,kid ,,reviver for all kinds of ,black ,kid1 ,leather1 c4 ,e4 ,,brown ,,son',s ,,waterproof ,,harness ,,polish is far superior to all others6 it requires neither ,oil nor ,dye4 ,,manufactory3 #g1 ,,garrick ,,street1 ,,covent ,,garden1 ,,london1 ,w4,c4 ,and at #bf1 ,rue ,bergere1 ,paris4 ,illustration ,illustration ,e4 ,,brown ,,son1 ,purveyors to ,her ,majesty1 ,,were ,,awarded ,,the ,,prize ,,medal1 #ahfb4 ,retail ,everywhere4 ,telephone1 #cgfe4 ,,richard ,t4 ,,martin1 ,,ladies' ,,tailor ,,and ,,costumier1 ,,to ,,the ,,nobility ,,and ,,gentry ,,of ,,great ,,britain ,,and ,,ireland1 #he #hf ,,grafton ,,street1 ,,dublin4 ,,celebrated ,,for ,,travelling ,,and ,,walking ,,costumes1 ,,gowns1 ,,coats1 ,,dolmans1 ,,and ,,riding ,,habits4 ,a large ,assortment of all the leading ,home and ,foreign ,materials always in ,stock4 ,an ,inspection ,solicited4 ,,alfred ,,manning1 ,,robes1 ,,modes1 ,,nouveaut,s1 ,,to ,,her ,,royal ,,highness ,,the ,,princess ,,of ,,wales1 ,,and ,,the ,,irish ,,court1 #ajb and #ajc1 ,,grafton ,,street1 ,,dublin4 ,,mr4 ,,john ,,freeman1 ,f4,r4,c4,v4,s41 ,veterinary ,infirmary1 #cb1 ,,dawson ,,street1 ,,dublin1 ,,and ,,george',s ,,street1 ,,kingstown4 ,t4 ,h4 ,,fielder1 #gh1 ,,grafton ,,street1 ,,dublin1 ,late of ,,london1 ,,paris and ,,new ,,york1 ,,ladies' ,,tailor1 ,,noted ,,for ,,mantles1 ,,furs1 ,,walking1 ,,travelling1 ,,tennis1 ,,and ,,yachting ,,gowns1 ,,jackets1 ,,coats1 ,,and ,,ulsters4 ,,costumes ,,from ,,stock ,,and ,,to ,,order4 ,,ladies ,,tailor ,,to ,,her ,,excellency ,,countess ,,of ,,aberdeen1 ,,countess ,,of ,,carnarvon1 ,,and ,,the ,,nobility ,,and ,,gentry ,,of ,,great ,,britain ,,and ,,ireland4 ,ladies living at a distance can rely on a ,,perfect ,,fit by sending a ,bodice for size4 ,,the ,,best ,,materials1 ,,thoroughly ,,shrunk4 ,full ,sets of ,patterns and ,designs ,post ,free4 ,,riding ,,habits ,,to ,,order1 ,,fitted ,,in ,,the ,,saddle4 ,perfection of ,cut and ,style4 ,accurate ,fit ,guaranteed4 ,,moderate ,,prices4 ,discount #e per ,cent4 for ,cash4 ,all ,garments produced under the ,personal ,supervision of ,t4 ,h4 ,,fielder1 #gh1 ,,grafton ,,street1 ,,dublin4 ,w4 ,,thacker ,,co41 ,,london4 ,,thacker1 ,,spink ,,co41 ,,calcutta4 8,splendidly ,illustrated ,record of ,sport40--,,graphic4 ,in ,demy #dto4 ,thirty ,plates and ,map1 #b #bs4 ,,large ,,game ,,shooting ,,in ,,thibet ,,and ,,the ,,north-,,west4 ,,by ,,colonel ,,alexander ,a4 ,,kinloch4 ,illustration 8,colonel ,kinloch1 who has killed most kinds of ,indian game1 small and great1 relates incidents of his varied sporting experiences in chapters1 which are each descriptive of a different animal4 ,the photogravures of the heads of many of the animals1 from the grand gauer1 popularly miscalled the bison1 downwards1 are extremely clever and spirited40--,times4 ,illustration ,,sterndale',s ,,mammalia ,,of ,,india4 ,,one ,,hundred ,,and ,,seventy ,,illustrations4 #ahs4 #j;d4 ,illustration ,in ,imperial #afmo4 ,uniform with 8,riding10 8,hindu ,mythology10 and 8,riding for ,ladies40 #ahs4 #j;d4 ,a ,,natural ,,history ,,of ,,the ,,mammalia ,,of ,,india4 ,,by ,r4 ,a4 ,,sterndale1 ,f4,r4,g4,s41 ,f4,z4,s41 c4 ,,author ,,of 8,,seonee10 8,,the ,,denizens ,,of ,,the ,,jungle10 8,,the ,,afghan ,,knife10 ,,etc4 ,,with #agj ,,illustrations ,,by ,,the ,,author ,,and ,,others4 ,illustration 8,the notices of each animal are1 as a rule1 short1 though on some of the larger mammals--the lion1 tiger1 pard1 boar1 c4--ample and interesting details are given1 including occasional anecdotes of adventure40--,the ,times4 8,has contrived to hit a happy mean between the stiff scientific treatise and the bosh of what maybe called anecdotal zoology40--,the ,daily ,news4 8,the very model of what a popular natural history should be40--,knowledge4 ,illustration ,illustration3 ,,denizens ,,of ,,the ,,jungles4 7,reduced from ,original47 ,,by ,r4 ,a4 ,,sterndale1 ,f4,r4,g4,s41 ,f4,z4,s41 ,,etc4 ,oblong ,imperial #dto4 #afs4 ,,denizens ,,of ,,the ,,jungles3 ,a ,series of ,sketches of ,wild ,animals1 ,,illustrating ,,their ,,forms ,,and ,,natural ,,attitudes4 ,,with ,,letterpress ,,description ,,of ,,each ,,plate4 ,,by ,r4 ,a4 ,,sterndale1 ,f4,r4,g4,s41 ,f4,z4,s41 ,,author ,,of 8,,natural ,,history ,,of ,,the ,,mammalia ,,of ,,india10 8,,seonee10 ,,etc4 ,i4--,denizens of the ,jungles4 ,aborigines--,deer--,monkeys4 ,,ii4--8,on the ,watch40 ,tiger4 ,,iii4--8,not so ,fast ,asleep as he ,looks40 ,panther--,monkeys4 ,,iv4--8,waiting for ,father40 ,black ,bears of the ,plains4 ,v4--8,rival ,monarchs40 ,tiger and ,elephant4 ,,vi4--8,hors de ,combat40 ,indian ,wild ,boar and ,tiger4 ,,vii4--8,a ,race for ,life40 ,blue ,bull and ,wild ,dogs4 ,,viii4--8,meaning ,mischief40 ,the ,gaur--,indian ,bison4 ,,ix4--8,more than ,his ,match40 ,buffalo and ,rhinoceros4 ,x4--8,a ,critical ,moment40 ,spotted ,deer and ,leopard4 ,,xi4--8,hard ,hit40 ,the ,sambur4 ,,xii4--8,mountain ,monarchs40 ,marco ,polo's ,sheep4 8,the plates are admirably executed by photo-lithography from the author's originals1 every line and touch being faithfully preserved4 ,it is a volume which will be eagerly studied on many a table4 ,mr4 ,sterndale has many an amusing and exciting anecdote to add to the general interest of the work40--,broad ,arrow4 8,the ,volume is well got up and the ,drawings are spirited and natural40--,illustrated ,london ,news4 ,illustration ,,lays ,,of ,,ind4 ,by ,,aliph ,,cheem4 ,,comic1 ,,satirical1 ,,and ,,descriptive4 ,poems ,illustrative of ,anglo-,indian ,life4 ,seventh ,edition4 ,enlarged4 ,cloth1 gilt4 #ajs4 #f;d4 8,this is a remarkably bright little book4 #8,aliph ,cheem1' supposed to be the nom-de-plume of an officer in the #ahth ,hussars1 is1 after his fashion1 an ,indian ,bon ,gaultier4 ,in a few of the poems the jokes1 turning on local names and customs1 are somewhat esoteric2 but1 taken throughout1 the verses are characterised by high animal spirits1 great cleverness1 and most excellent fooling40--,the ,world4 8,highly amusing ballads and songs1 which have already in a former edition warmed the hearts and cheered the lonely hours of many an ,anglo-,indian1 the pictures being chiefly those of ,indian life4 ,there is no mistaking the humour1 and at times1 indeed1 the fun is both #8fast and furious4' ,many portions remind us of the #8,bab ,ballads4' ,one can readily imagine the merriment created round the camp fire by the recitation of #8,the ,two ,thumpers1' which is irresistibly droll40--,liverpool ,mercury4 8,one of the most superb little presentation books we have ever seen40--,indian ,mail4 8,the #8,lays' are not only ,anglo-,indian in origin1 but out-and-out ,anglo-,indian in subject and colour4 ,to one who knows something of life at an ,indian #8station' they will be especially amusing4 ,their exuberant fun at the same time may well attract the attention of the ill-defined individual known as #8the general reader4'0--,scotsman4 ,uniform with 8,lays of ,ind10 8,riding10 c4 #ajs4 #f;d4 ,illustration ,,hindu ,,mythology3 ,,vedic ,,and ,,puranic4 ,,by ,,rev4 ,w4 ,j4 ,,wilkins1 ,,of ,,the ,,london ,,missionary ,,society1 ,,calcutta4 ,illustrated by very numerous ,engravings from ,drawings by ,native ,artists4 ,,reviews4 8,his aim has been to give a faithful account of the ,hindoo deities such as an intelligent native would himself give1 and he has endeavoured1 in order to achieve his purpose1 to keep his mind free from prejudice or theological bias4 ,to help to completeness he has included a number of drawings of the principal deities1 executed by native artists4 ,the author has attempted a work of no little ambition1 and has succeeded in his attempt1 the volume being one of great interest and usefulness2 and not the less so because he has strictly refrained from diluting his facts with comments of his own4 ,it has numerous illustrations40--,home ,news4 8,mr4 ,wilkins has done his work well1 with an honest desire to state facts apart from all theological prepossession1 and his volume is likely to be a useful book of reference40--,guardian4 8,in ,mr4 ,wilkins' book we have an illustrated manual1 the study of which will lay a solid foundation for more advanced knowledge1 while it will furnish those who may have the desire1 without having the time or opportunity to go further into the subject1 with a really extensive stock of accurate information40--,indian ,daily ,news4 ,in ,imperial #afmo41 uniform with 8,lays of ,ind10 8,riding10 8,riding for ,ladies10 c4 #hs4 #f;d4 ,,the ,,tribes ,,on ,,my ,,frontier3 ,an ,indian ,naturalist's ,foreign ,policy4 ,,by ,,eha4 ,,with ,,fifty ,,illustrations ,,by ,f4 ,c4 ,,macrae4 ,illustration3 ,,tiffin4 ,this remarkably clever work most graphically and humorously describes the surroundings of a ,mofussil bungalow4 ,the twenty chapters embrace a year's experiences1 and provide endless sources of amusement and suggestion4 ,the numerous able illustrations add very greatly to the interest of the volume1 which will find a place on every table4 ,,the ,,chapters ,,are-- ,i4 ,a ,durbar4 ,,ii4 ,the ,rats4 ,,iii4 ,the ,mosquitos4 ,,iv4 ,the ,lizards4 ,v4 ,the ,ants4 ,,vi4 ,the ,crows4 ,,vii4 ,the ,bats4 ,,viii4 ,bees1 ,wasps1 et hoc genus omne4 ,,ix4 ,the ,spiders4 ,x4 ,the ,butterfly3 ,hunting ,him4 ,,xi4 ,the ,butterfly3 ,contemplating ,him4 ,,xii4 ,the ,frogs4 ,,xiii4 ,the ,bugs4 ,,xiv4 ,the ,birds of the ,garden4 ,,xv4 ,the ,birds at the ,mango ,tope4 ,,xvi4 ,the ,birds at the ,tank4 ,,xvii4 ,the ,poultry ,yard4 ,,xviii4 ,the ,white ,ants4 ,,xix4 ,the ,hypodermatikosyringophoroi4 ,,xx4 ,etcetera4 8,always amusing and never dull40--,field4 8,full of accurate and unfamiliar observation40--,saturday ,review4 8,has the advantage of needing no preliminary knowledge of ,natural ,history for its enjoyment40--,westminster ,review4 ,imperial #afmo4 #ahs4 #j;d4 ,uniform with 8,lays of ,ind10 8,hindu ,mythology10 8,riding10 8,natural ,history of the ,mammalia of ,india10 c4 ,a ,,popular ,,handbook ,,of ,,indian ,,ferns4 ,,by ,,colonel ,r4 ,h4 ,,beddome1 ,,author ,,of 8,,the ,,ferns ,,of ,,british ,,india10 8,,the ,,ferns ,,of ,,southern ,,india40 ,illustration 8,it is the first special book of portable size and moderate price which has been devoted to ,indian ,ferns1 and is in every way deserving of the extensive circulation it is sure to obtain40--,nature1 ,june #adth1 #ahhc4 8,i have just seen a new work on ,indian ,ferns which will prove vastly interesting1 not only to the ,indian people1 but to the botanists of this country40--,indian ,daily ,news4 8#8,the ,ferns of ,india4' ,this is a good book1 being of a useful and trustworthy character4 ,the species are familiarly described1 and most of them illustrated by small figures40--,gardeners' ,chronicle4 8,those interested in botany will do well to procure a new work on the #8,ferns of ,british ,india4' ,the work will prove a first-class text-book40--,free ,press4 ,,three ,,hundred ,,illustrations ,,by ,,the ,,author4 ,uniform with 8,,riding ,,for ,,ladies40 ,second ,edition4 ,revised and ,enlarged4 ,imperial #afmo4 #ajs4 #f;d4 ,,riding3 ,,on ,,the ,,flat ,,and ,,across ,,country4 ,a ,guide to ,practical ,horsemanship4 ,,by ,,capt4 ,m4 ,h4 ,,hayes4 ,,profusely ,,illustrated ,,by ,,sturgess4 ,illustration ,illustrated ,sporting and ,dramatic ,news4--8,the book is one that no man who has ever sat in a saddle can fail to read with interest40 ,the ,field4--8,the general directions are in most cases in accordance with our own opinions2 and ,mr4 ,hayes has supplemented his own experience of race-riding by resorting to ,tom ,cannon1 ,fordham1 and other well-known jockeys for illustration4 #8,the ,guide' is1 on the whole1 thoroughly reliable2 and both the illustrations and the printing do credit to the publishers40 ,the ,sporting ,life4--8,it has1 however1 been reserved for ,captain ,hayes to write what in our opinion will be generally accepted as the most comprehensive1 enlightened1 and #8all round' work on riding1 bringing to bear as he does not only his own great experience1 but the advice and practice of many of the best recognised horsemen of the period40 ,in ,imperial #afmo4 ,illustrated4 #hs4 #f;d4 ,,indian ,,racing ,,reminiscences3 ,,being ,,entertaining ,,narratives ,,and ,,anecdotes ,,of ,,men1 ,,horses1 ,,and ,,sport4 ,,illustrated ,,with ,,twenty-,,two ,,portraits ,,and ,a ,,number ,,of ,,smaller ,,engravings4 ,,by ,,capt4 ,m4 ,,horace ,,hayes4 ,,author ,,of 8,,riding ,,on ,,the ,,flat ,,and ,,across ,,country10 8,,veterinary ,,notes ,,for ,,horse ,,owners10 8,,training ,,and ,,horse ,,management ,,in ,,india10 ,,etc4 ,illustration 8,the book is full of racy anecdote4444 ,he is well known as an authority on everything connected with the horse and horse-racing40--,bell's ,life4 8,all sportsmen who can appreciate a book on racing1 written in a chatty style and full of anecdote1 will like ,captain ,hayes' latest work40--,field4 8,the book is valuable from the fact that many hints on the treatment of horses are included40--,illustrated ,sporting and ,dramatic ,news4 8,many a racing anecdote and many a curious character our readers will find in the book1 which is very well got up1 embellished with many portraits40--,baily's ,magazine4 ,second ,edition1 in ,crown #hvo1 ,illustrated4 #ajs4 #f;d4 ,,veterinary ,,notes ,,for ,,horse-,,owners4 ,,an ,,every-,,day ,,horse ,,book4 ,,by ,,capt4 ,m4 ,,horace ,,hayes4 ,illustration ,,opinions ,,of ,,the ,,press4 ,saturday ,review4--8,the work is written in a clear and practical way40 ,the ,field4--8,of the many popular veterinary books which have come under our notice1 this is certainly one of the most scientific and reliable4 ,the author tells us1 in the preface to the first edition1 that any merit which the book may possess is to be ascribed to the teaching of the ,principal and ,professors of the ,new ,veterinary ,college at ,edinburgh1 where he studied4 ,it is much to be desired that every student would make so much use of his opportunities as ,capt4 ,hayes has done4 8,some notice is accorded to nearly all the diseases which are common to horses in this country1 and the writer takes advantage of his ,indian experiences to touch upon several maladies of horses in that country1 where veterinary surgeons are few and far between4 ,the description of symptoms and the directions for the application of remedies are given in perfectly plain terms1 which the tyro will find no difficulty in comprehending2 and1 for the purpose of further smoothing his path1 a chapter is given on veterinary medicines1 their actions1 uses1 and doses4 ,this information will be most acceptable to the majority of horse-owners1 and may be invaluable on an emergency when no advice better than that of the village cow doctor can be obtained40 ,crown #hvo4 #gs4 #f;d4 ,a ,,tea ,,planter',s ,,life ,,in ,,assam ,,by ,,george ,m4 ,,barker4 ,,with ,,seventy-,,five ,,illustrations ,,by ,,the ,,author4 ,illustration3 ,,naga ,,woman4 ,this book aims at conveying to all interested in ,india and the ,tea industry an entertaining and useful account of the topographical features of ,assam2 the strange surroundings--human and animal--of the ,european ,resident2 the trying ,climate2 the ,daily ,life of the planter2 and general details of the formation and working of ,tea ,gardens4 ,the illustrations1 by the ,author1 add greatly to the interest of the work4 ,illustration3 ,,assamese4 8,mr4 ,barker has supplied us with a very good and readable description1 accompanied by numerous illustrations drawn by himself4 ,what may be called the business parts of the book are of most value40--,contemporary ,review4 8,cheery1 well-written little book40--,graphic4 8,a very interesting and amusing book1 artistically illustrated from sketches drawn by the ,author40--,mark ,lane ,express4 ,fourth ,edition1 ,crown #hvo4 7in preparation74 ,a ,,manual ,,of ,,gardening ,,for ,,bengal ,,and ,,upper ,,india4 ,,by ,,thomas ,a4 ,c4 ,,firminger1 ,m4,a4 ,,thoroughly ,,revised ,,and ,,brought ,,down ,,to ,,the ,,present ,,time ,,by ,j4 ,h4 ,,jackson1 ,editor of 8,the ,indian ,agriculturist40 ,,part ,i4 ,,operations ,,of ,,gardening4 ,chap4 ,i4--,climate--,soils--,manures4 ,chap4 ,,ii4--,laying-out a ,garden--,lawns--,hedges--,hoeing and ,digging--,drainage--,conservatories--,b etel ,houses--,decorations--,implements--,sha des--,labels--,vermin--,weeds4 ,chap4 ,,iii4--,seeds--,seed ,sowing--,pot ,culture--,planting--,cuttings--,layers- -,gootee--,grafting and ,inarching--,budding--,pruning and ,root ,pruning--,conveyance4 ,chap4 ,,iv4--,calendar of ,operations4 ,illustration ,,part ,,ii4 ,,garden ,,plants4 #a4 ,culinary ,vegetables4 #b4 ,dessert ,fruits4 #c4 ,edible ,nuts4 #d4 ,ornamental ,annuals4 #e4 ,ornamental ,trees1 ,shrubs1 and ,herbaceous ,perennials4 ,crown #hvo4 #gs4 #f;d4 ,,manual ,,of ,,agriculture ,,for ,,india4 ,,by ,,lieut4 ,f4 ,,pogson4 ,illustration ,illustration #a4 ,origin and ,character of ,soils4--#b4 ,ploughing and ,preparing for ,seed4--#c4 ,manures and ,composts4--#d4 ,wheat ,cultivation4--#e4 ,barley4--#f4 ,oats4--#g4 ,rye4--#h4 ,rice4--#i4 ,maize4--#aj4 ,sugar-producing ,sorghums4--#aa4 ,common ,sorghums4--#ab4 ,sugarcane4--#ac4 ,oil ,seed4--#ad4 ,field ,pea ,crops4--#ae4 ,dall or ,pulse4--#af4 ,root ,crops4--#ag4 ,cold ,spice4--#ah4 ,fodder4--#ai4 ,water-,nut4--#bj4 ,ground-,nut4--#ba4 ,rush-,nut or ,chufas4--#bb4 ,cotton4--#bc4 ,tobacco4--#bd4 ,mensuration4--,appendix4 ,,reviews4 8,,pogson',s ,,agriculture4 8,the work seems to us both in thoroughness of execution and in clearness of arrangement entirely to fulfil all the hopes that have been formed of it4 ,we cannot doubt that the ,government will heartily take up this most valuable book1 and circulate it both in the original and vernacular translations throughout the length and breadth of the land2 nor should a moment be lost1 for it represents one of the most important and most promising lines on which we can meet that terrible ,malthusian difficulty40--,allen's ,indian ,mail4 8,a work of extreme practical value40--,home ,news4 8,mr4 ,pogson's advice may be profitably followed by both native and ,european agriculturists1 for it is eminently practical and devoid of empiricism4 ,his little volume embodies the teaching of a large and varied experience1 and deserves to be warmly supported40--,madras ,mail4 ,complete in ,one ,volume1 #ajs42 ,interleaved1 #aas4 ,a ,,text ,,book ,,of ,,indian ,,botany3 ,,morphological1 ,,physiological1 and ,,systematic4 ,,by ,w4 ,h4 ,,gregg1 ,,lecturer ,,on ,,botany1 ,,hughli ,,college4 ,,with #bdj ,,illustrations4 ,illustration ,illustration ,illustration ,crown #hvo4 #ds4 #f;d4 ,the ,indian ,cookery ,book4 ,illustration ,a ,,practical ,,handbook ,,to ,,the ,,kitchen ,,in ,,india3 ,,adapted ,,to ,,the ,,three ,,presidencies4 ,containing ,original and ,approved ,recipes in every department of ,indian ,cookery2 ,recipes for ,summer ,beverages and ,home-made ,liqueurs2 ,medicinal and other ,recipes2 together with a variety of things worth knowing4 ,,by ,a ,,thirty-,,five ,,years' ,,resident4 ,third ,edition1 ,revised4 ,training and ,horse ,management in ,india4 ,,by ,,captain ,m4 ,,horace ,,hayes1 ,author of 8,veterinary ,notes for ,horse ,owners10 8,riding10 c4 ,third ,edition4 ,crown #hvo4 #hs4 #f;d4 8,no better guide could be placed in the hands of either amateur horseman or veterinary surgeon40--,the ,veterinary ,journal4 8,a useful guide in regard to horses anywhere4444 ,concise1 practical1 and portable40--,saturday ,review4 ,prepared for the use of the ,survey ,department of ,india1 and published under the authority of the ,government of ,india4 ,royal #hvo4 #cjs4 #j;d4 ,illustration ,a ,manual of ,surveying for ,india3 ,,detailing ,,the ,,mode ,,of ,,operations ,,on ,,the ,,trigonometrical1 ,,topographical1 ,,and ,,revenue ,,surveys ,,of ,,india4 ,,compiled ,,by ,,sir ,h4 ,l4 ,,thuillier1 ,k4,c4,s4,i41 ,,royal ,,artillery1 ,,and ,,lieut4-,,col4 ,r4 ,,smyth1 late ,,bengal ,,artillery4 ,illustration ,one ,vol4 ,small #hvo4 #es4 #j;d4 ,,tales ,,from ,,indian ,,history3 ,,being ,,the ,annals of ,india retold in ,narratives4 ,,by ,j4 ,,talboys ,,wheeler4 ,forms a complete ,history of ,india from the earliest period to the present day1 drawn up as a series of 8,narratives0 for general reading in schools and families4 ,so far it will resemble the history of ,scotland as told in ,sir ,walter ,scott's 8,tales of a ,grandfather10 omitting all details and disquisitions which are sufficiently given in the author's larger histories of ,india1 and seeking to tell the progress of events in the most simple and attractive manner4 ,reviews of ,wheeler's #8,tales from ,indian ,history4' 8,while the work has been written for them 7natives71 it has also been written for the people of ,england1 who will find in the volume1 perhaps for the first time1 the history of our great dependency made extremely attractive reading4 ,mr4 ,wheeler's narrative is written in a most graceful style2 indeed1 he is master of the ,english language4 ,he does not confine himself to the mere dry details of history1 but tells the adventures of ,indian heroes and heroines in legends of love and war2 describes the village communities of ,india1 their organization and self-government2 delineates the results of caste1 infant marriage1 and other ,hindoo institutions and usages as seen in the family and social life of the people in villages and towns1 as well as in courts and palaces4444 ,the work also contains valuable observations on the foreign relations of the ,indian ,empire with ,persia1 ,russia1 ,turkey1 and ,china4 ,altogether this is a work of rare merit40--,broad ,arrow4 8,in going through an interesting book1 the reader will be furnished with a good general notion of ,indian history1 and learn besides something about ,indian modes of life40--,queen4 8,will absorb the attention of all who delight in thrilling records of adventure and daring4 ,it is no mere compilation1 but an earnest and brightly-written book40--,daily ,chronicle4 8,this little volume contains a history of ,india in the form of tales and narratives1 intended by the author for the people of ,india as well as for those of the ,british ,isles40--,army and ,navy ,gazette4 8,no young reader who revolts at the ordinary history presented to him in his school books will hesitate to take up this4 ,no one can read a volume such as this without being deeply interested40--,scotsman4 ,,entirely ,,re-,,written4 ,eighth ,edition4 ,crown #hvo4 #ajs4 #f;d4 ,,the ,,management ,,and ,,medical ,,treatment ,,of ,,children ,,in ,,india4 ,,by ,,edward ,a4 ,,birch1 ,m4,d41 ,surgeon-,major ,bengal ,establishment4 ,second ,edition2 being the ,eighth ,edition of ,,goodeve',s 8,hints on the ,management of ,children in ,india40 ,dr4 ,goodeve4--8,i have no hesitation in saying that the present edition is for many reasons superior to its predecessors4 ,it is written very carefully1 and with much knowledge and experience on the author's part1 whilst it possesses the great advantage of bringing up the subject to the present level of ,medical ,science40 ,the ,medical ,times and ,gazette1 in an article upon this work and ,moore's 8,family ,medicine for ,india10 says3--8,new editions of these two well-known works have recently appeared4 ,they are both intended to supply in some measure the medical wants of our numerous countrymen in ,india1 who may be either far from professional help in emergencies of sickness or of accident1 or destitute of medical advice regarding the proper management of their own health1 and especially that of their children1 in the trying climate of ,hindostan4 ,although we are1 as a rule1 very much opposed to popular medical instruction1 believing that the result is most frequently a minimum of serviceable knowledge along with a vast preponderance of what is but partial1 misleading1 and dangerous1 yet the peculiar circumstances of many of our countrymen in ,india1 together with the special and insidious dangers of its varying climate1 fully justify the publication of a few trustworthy popular works to warn the unwary new-comer1 before it be too late1 of the dangers he has to encounter1 and to give judicious counsel to solitary individuals and families who cannot enjoy the advantages of personal professional advice4 ,moreover1 the two works before us are in themselves probably about the best examples of medical works written for non-professional readers4 ,the style of each is simple1 and as free as possible from technical expressions4 ,the modes of treatment recommended are generally those most likely to yield good results in the hands of laymen2 and throughout each volume the important fact is kept constantly before the mind of the reader1 that the volume he is using is but a poor substitute for personal professional advice1 for which it must be discarded whenever there is the opportunity4 ,written with such objects1 and in such a spirit1 these volumes cannot fail to be of the greatest service2 and that they are appreciated is shown by the rapid appearance of successive editions1 the second mentioned and elder treatise having now reached the seventh edition4 ,we would add1 that although they are specially written for lay readers1 there are few young medical officers proceeding to ,india who would not receive several useful hints from these unpretentious volumes4 ,but it is to parents or to the guardians of ,european children in ,india that they must be of pre-eminent service40 ,published ,annually1 in ,thick ,royal #hvo41 ,price #a #afs4 ,,thacker',s ,,indian ,,directory ,,embracing ,the whole of ,india and ,burmah4 ,,the 8,,times40 8,the fact that this work1 originally known as the #8,directory of ,bengal1' has now reached its #bdth annual issue1 is sufficient to recommend it to all those who are brought into contact1 in a military1 civil1 or commercial sense1 with the civilization and intelligence of our ,eastern dependencies4 ,no longer confined to the narrow limits of ,bengal1 ,messrs4 ,thacker furnish us with complete and detailed information respecting not only ,calcutta1 but also the citizens of ,bombay and ,madras4 ,the parts which relate to the yearly almanac1 public holidays1 stamps1 telegraphs1 and customs are pretty much one and the same2 but in most other matters we have before us separate and distinct information as to the various departments of ,government and the arrangements of commerce1 education1 charitable societies and hospitals1 clubs1 railways1 and companies4 ,there is also a separate ,army list1 we note1 for each of the three ,presidencies4 ,the alphabetical list of residents1 comprising as it does a full record of all those of our countrymen who have taken up their permanent abodes in any of the ,indian ,presidencies1 will be found of the greatest use to those in ,england who have lost all clue to their relatives and friends in the far ,east and wish to discover their whereabouts40--,aug4 #bh1 #ahhf4 ,,the ,,calcutta 8,,englishman40 8,before everything1 the volume before us is in reality what it professes to be--a ,directory for ,india4 ,besides an enormous mass of information of the purely ,directory kind1 which must have taken a world of labour to collect and collate1 the volume comprises complete ,army ,lists for ,bengal1 ,madras1 and ,bombay1 including the ,volunteers2 lists of officers in the various ,government ,departments2 lists of the ,tea1 ,indigo1 ,coffee1 and other estates in the country2 and much valuable information regarding the ,telegraphs1 ,postal ,rules1 ,law ,courts1 ,charities1 and a host of other subjects4 ,nothing more strikingly represents the change that has come over ,india in recent years than this great ,directory40 ,,the 8,,manchester ,,guardian40 8,the ,directory now includes every district and principal town in ,british and ,foreign ,india1 every ,native ,state1 and in fact aims at being a directory to the whole of ,india4 ,it contains separate classified and street directories of each of the cities of ,calcutta1 ,bombay1 and ,madras1 a remarkably comprehensive and detailed ,mofussil ,directory1 and a vast amount of general information relating to ,india1 its ,government1 commerce1 postal arrangements1 festivals1 and official establishments4444 ,the expansion of the work will be welcomed as a response to the growing requirements of commerce with ,india40 ,,advertisements4 ,,alexander ,,scott1 ,,riding-,,habit ,,maker1 #ae1 ,,south ,,molton ,,st41 ,,grosvenor ,,square1 ,w4 ,,speciality--,,safety ,,skirts4 ,,new ,,works ,,by ,,captain ,,hayes2 ,,in ,,the ,,press4 ,,in ,,demy #hvo4 ,,soundness ,,and ,,age ,,of ,,horses4 ,with ,one ,hundred and ,seventy ,illustrations4 ,a ,complete ,guide to all those features which require attention when purchasing ,horses1 distinguishing mere defects from the symptoms of unsoundness1 with explicit instructions how to conduct an examination of the various parts4 ,,chapters4 ,i4--,soundness4 ,,ii4--,defects which are ,absolute ,unsoundness4 ,,iii4--,defects which are not necessarily ,unsoundness4 ,,iv4--,method of ,examination4 ,v4--,how to ,handle a ,horse4 ,,vi4--,examination of the ,mouth4 ,,vii4--,examination of the ,eyes4 ,,viii4--,examination of the ,head1 ,neck1 and ,trunk4 ,,ix4--,examination of the ,limbs4 ,x4--,lameness4 ,,oblong #d,,to4 ,,the ,,points ,,of ,,the ,,horse4 ,a ,,familiar ,,treatise ,,on ,,equine ,,conformation4 ,,illustrated ,,by ,j4 ,h4 ,,oswald ,,brown4 ,describing the ,points in which the perfection of each class of ,horses consists2 illustrated by very numerous reproductions of ,photographs of ,living ,typical ,animals1 forming an invaluable ,guide to ,owners of ,horses4 ,,henry ,,heath1 #aje1 #ajg1 #aji1 ,,oxford ,,st41 ,w4 ,,only ,,one ,,address 8,,the ,,manufactory40 ,,over ,,against ,,newman ,,st4 ,established in the ,reign of ,king ,george the ,fourth4 8,henry ,heath1 of #aje1 #ajg1 and #aji1 ,oxford ,street1 has a very sensible invention in the shape of a soft-banded hat for riding4 ,the painful sensation experienced from the pressure of the usual hard hat is quite obviated in the hat manufactured by ,henry ,heath40--,vide ,the ,queen4 8,the ,hunting ,hats made by this ,firm deserve commendation40--,vide ,the ,queen1 ,nov4 #ba1 #ahhe4 ,prices #ajs4 #f;d41 #abs4 #f;d41 #afs41 #ahs4 #f;d41 c4 ,in all ,colours1 to match ,habit4 ,,new ,,show ,,rooms ,,for ,,ladies' ,,hats4 8,one of the chief features of ,mr4 ,henry ,heath's manufactory1 at #aje-ajg-aji1 ,oxford ,street1 is that hats are exactly fitted to the heads of the customer4 ,this is ensured by a very ingenious patented invention in the shape of a soft metal band1 which takes the form as well as the size of the head40 ,post-free upon application4 ,illustration3 ,,henry ,,heath 7,registered47 ,,the ,,melton4 ,illustration3 ,lady's ,tropical ,hat ,no4 #aej4 ,henry ,heath ,prices #bas41 #bes41 c4 ,,thomas ,,sons' ,,riding ,,habits ,illustration ,,as ,,recommended ,,by ,mrs4 ,,power ,o',,donoghue1 the most modern authority on female equitation1 are cut on the most improved ,safety ,principle1 and are unsurpassed for ,fit1 ,style1 and ,durability4 ,a ,list of their ,reasonable ,charges will be sent on application4 ,the ,latest ,novelties in ,tailor-,made ,costumes1 ,coats1 and ,jackets4 ,thomas ,sons1 ,tailors and ,habit ,makers1 #dh1 ,,south ,,molton ,,street1 ,,new ,,bond ,,st41 ,w4 99 99 99 99 99 ,transcriber's ,notes4 ,italic text is denoted by underscores and bold text by equals signs4 ,variant spelling1 punctuation1 and inconsistent hyphenation have been preserved as printed2 simple typographical errors have been corrected4 ,the following list shows the changed text below the original text4 ,table of ,contents3 ,introduction ix ,introduction xi ,page xi3 ,,introduction4 ,,introduction ,page #de3 subject with which it is engaged4 subject with which it is engaged ,page #fj3 in a tranverse direction in a transverse direction ,page #aee3 there in nothing more conducive there is nothing more conducive ,page #afj3 for ladies fo ride for ladies to ride ,illustration #baf-;f 7full-page73 8,,come ,,along1 ,,old ,,man6' 8,,come ,,along1 ,,old ,,man60 ,page #bde3 ,an excellant sample ,an excellent sample ,page #bhc3 most carefully weighed4 most carefully weighed ,page #bib3 shy1 nervous1 and rething shy1 nervous1 and retiring ,page #cea3 ,specialite ,habit ,makers ,specialit ,habit ,makers