CONCLUSION. 243 



the latter, but would dispense with the 

 onerous obligations which appertained to an 

 elevated rank. The desire of showing off 

 in public places, or motives still more frivo 

 lous, sometimes lead gentlemen of our times 

 to commence the study of horsemanship; 

 but soon wearied of a work without satisfac 

 tory results, they find only a monotonous 

 fatigue where they sought a pleasure, and 

 are satisfied that they know enough, as soon 

 as they can stick passably well in the saddle. 

 So insufficient a knowledge of horsemanship, 

 as dangerous as it is thoughtless, must neces 

 sarily occasion sad accidents. They then 

 become disgusted with horsemanship and 

 horses ; and as nothing obliges them to con 

 tinue the exercise, they give it up nearly 

 altogether and so much the more easily, as 

 they naturally care very little about the 

 breeds of horses and their perfection. We 

 must then, as a preliminary measure in the 



