1 8 HOW TO EDUCATE HORSES. 



four years old, but she was almost a confirmed balker 

 and kicker. I asked leave to teach this mare, and re- 

 ceived his consent. I named her Topsy, and, with the 

 assistance of John Page, son of the postmaster of 

 West Townsend, in four days taught her to drive 

 without reins. When I asked my father for the use 

 of this horse, his reply was: "Yes; if you are de- 

 termined you will go into the business." In Septem- 

 ber, 1876, with Topsy, the wagon, straps, etc., I started 

 on a travelling tour. On bidding good-by to my 

 father, he said, " You will be back in about six 

 months." " Not without a fortune," I replied. He 

 offered me money to take with me, but I declined it, 

 and left with just seventy-five cents in my pocket, and 

 have never been to West Townsend since. 



At West Brattleboro' I remained one day, gave a 

 lecture, and received just money enough to defray 

 expenses. My first hand-hills, 6x4, were struck off at 

 Halifax, where I hired a boy, for twelve dollars peY 

 month, to go with me. Here I was surprised and much 

 pleased by a call from Professor D. Wilder, of the 

 firm of Rockwell, Hurlburt, Williams & Wilder, and 

 an old friend of my father. This gentleman was so 

 much interested in me and my mission that he sat up 

 all night giving me information and advice, which have 

 been of great value to me since. He gave me a copy 

 of his book, and showed me the hand-bills he had 

 used on his tours since i860. I shall never forget his 

 kindness in giving me " points," which have proved 

 of great assistance. Mr. Wilder was the owner and 

 educator of the famous Black Hawk stallion, known 

 throughout the country as one of the most wonder- 

 fully trained performing horses. 



Passing through Colerain, Shelburne Falls, Green- 

 field, Deerfield, and Holyoke to Hazardville, I made 



