TWO ACCIDENTS. 119 



One was the fall of an enormous cart-horse at the 

 foot of Ludgate Hill. The animal had struggled, 

 and slipped, and slidden all the way down the hill, 

 until the level ground was reached at Farringdon 

 Street. 



Just when everything was apparently safe, away 

 flew all the four legs to the right, and down came 

 the animal on its side with a tremendous thud, 

 falling upon the chain trace. Instantly the animal 

 plunged and struggled to its feet, and again fell upon 

 the chain in a similar manner. The movements were 

 so quick and unexpected, that the horse fell four 

 times before anyone could approach, and so heavy 

 were the falls upon the chain, that I doubt whether 

 the animal survived the injuries. 



The other accident occurred to the horse of a 

 hansom cab, nearly opposite the General Post Office. 

 It was in the winter time, and a slight thaw had 

 been followed by a sharp frost, so that the road 

 was exceedingly slippery. On account of the state 

 of the road, the driver was only walking his horse, 

 the high calks with which the shoes were supplied 

 being of little if any use upon the icy surface. 



Suddenly the horse fell as if shot, and, slow as 

 was the pace at which the animal had been going, 

 the fallen horse slid for some few yards, drawing the 

 cab after it. 



