356 WITH BELGIAN OFFICERS. 



I ought to mention that in Belgium no one ever thought of 

 blaming me for riding in a circus, which is considered in that 

 country to be the only place for equestrian work, and that it 

 is as natural for a horseman to ride in a circus, as for a lyric 

 artist to show himself at the opera, or for an Academician to 

 dress himself in green, in order to croak out an address under 

 the cupola of the Institute. I ought also to mention that at 

 Brussels I did not meet any military distrust of civilians. 

 The people only required a riding master to thoroughly 

 know what he taught. Cavalry officers are obliged to learn 

 not only riding, but also an infinite number of other things 

 which make it very difficult for them to afford time to study 

 equestrian science to its utmost limits. Hence the necessity 

 for specialising, as well for the instruction of the military rider 

 as for others. I believe I faithfully convey the opinions, on 

 these matters, of the Belgian cavalry officers whom I had the 

 honour of meeting. 



