RIDING — ENTERING FOR A RACE. 205 



not be perfection, yet, as all must be judged 

 by comparison, it is not improbable that his 

 and many others are much worse ; consequently, 

 instead of being discomfited, always give plenty 

 of encouragement to whoever intrudes his cri- 

 tical remarks, strictly coinciding in their general 

 correctness ; and when the first pause occurs, 

 ask, (if you know your horse,) what odds he 

 will give against the ill-proportioned one? If 

 he takes the bet kindly, do not be in a hurry ; 

 wait a day or two, then offer to double it: in 

 this way you turn the tables on him genteelly. 

 Every person has a right to look at your horse 

 going his rounds, and also at rubbing down 

 afterwards, when done on the public course. 

 A bystander can never dive into the real state 

 of his condition by a few minutes' superficial 

 glance at the external appearance ; it is more 

 likely to puzzle and mislead, — so rather court 

 than avoid inspection here. Your " dark" horse 

 will not grow lighter by this little piece of com- 

 plaisance ; but if ever you admit either stranger, 

 acquaintance, or friend inside his stable for half 

 a second without being present yourself, it will 

 be useless your denying your relationship to our 

 " useful" friend at p. 272. 



