buggy on to the ground, through the breaking of the reins ; 

 in fact, it had been his constant boast that the horse did 

 not require traces, but could pull the vehicle by the reins 

 alone. Some persons hold the reins close to the body, or 

 up to the chin, with only the first finger between them ; this 

 is very unsafe in the event of the horse stumbling, par- 

 ticularly if they themselves indulge in the habit of keeping 

 their legs under the seat, which is altogether a very 

 helpless position, and calculated to land the driver in the 

 gutter on turning the first corner. The occupier of the 

 box should be particular in pulling up gradually before 

 arriving at his destination ; and in turning corners by 

 giving a full sweep ; going wide where there is room and 

 all clear, and the fact should be kept constantly to the 

 front, that the driver's position behind the horse is exactly 

 the same as the man at the wheel of a vessel. The 

 frequent use of the horse's name is a very important 

 item in travelling long journeys, it being not only cheering 

 to the animal, but company for him ; and the same practice 

 is of very great service when the horse is standing in the 

 street at doors. In driving along, should anything occur 

 ahead to necessitate your stopping or pulling up suddenly, 

 the whip should be elevated as a signal to those who may 

 be in the rear. 



The following is an illustration of flourishing starts 

 on the part of drivers : 



A doctor acquaintance of the writer's was in constant 

 danger of his life, and could not account for it. After 

 each call throughout the day, the moment on opening the 

 carriage door, the horses would bounce off at express 

 speed, sometimes rearing or swerving round, and in- 

 variably landing the doctor's hat against the top of the 

 door-way. The cause of this very restive starting on the 

 part of the horses was not discovered until a change of 



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