36 IN THE BIDING-SCHOOL. 



civilian or soldier by rolling on the grass at 

 Framingham. 



The truth is, that the number of persons 

 able to judge of riding is smaller than the num- 

 ber able to ride, and that number is rather less 

 than one in a hundred of those who appear on 

 horseback either in the ring or on the road ; but 

 Boston could furnish a legion of men and women 

 who find healthful enjoyment in the saddle, and 

 who look passably well while doing it, and possi- 

 bly you may add yourself to their ranks after a 

 very few lessons, although there is — You are 

 ready ? Come, then ! 



Into the saddle well enough, thanks to your 

 master, but why that ghastly pause ? Turn in- 

 stantly, place your knee over the pommel and 

 thrust your foot into the stirrup, if you possibly 

 can, without waiting for assistance. Teachers 

 of experience, riding masters, dancing masters, 

 musicians, artists, gymnasts, will unite in telling 

 you that unless a pupil's mental qualities be 

 rather extraordinary, it is more difficult to im- 

 part knowledge at a second lesson than at 

 the first, simply because the pupil gives less 

 attention, expecting his muscles to work me- 

 chanically. 



