42 Four-in-Hand in Britain, 



for anything which called our eyes and our attention 

 from the rapid succession of pretty cottages, fine flow- 

 ers, the birds and lowing herds, the grand lights and 

 grander shadows of that uncertain fleecy sky, the luxu- 

 riance of the verdure, flowery dells and dewy meads, 

 and the hundred surprising beauties that make England 

 England. 



These bind us captive and drive from the mind 

 every thought of anything but the full and intense 

 enjoyment of the present hour; and this comes without 

 thought. Forgetful of the past, regardless of the fu- 

 ture, from morn till night, it is one uninterrupted season 

 of pure and unalloyed joyousness. Never were the 

 words of the old Scotch song as timely as now : 



*' The present moment is our ain, 

 The neist we never see." 



Having got the party fairly started, let me tell you 

 something of our general arrangements for the cam- 

 paign. The coach, horses, and servants are engaged at 

 a stipulated sum per week, which includes their travel- 

 ling expenses. We have nothing to do with their bills 

 or arrangements, neither are we in any wise responsible 

 for accidents to the property. Every one of the party 

 is allowed a small hand-bag and a strap package ; the 

 former contains necessary articles for daily use, the lat- 

 ter waterproofs, shawls, shoes, etc. The Gay Chariot- 

 eers march with supplies for one week. The trunks 



