BIOGRAPHY. 77 



Waterton was much too kind-hearted to convert the 

 open gates into doors, and so to shut out the cattle from 

 social intercourse. So he suspended a stout chain on the 

 weak side, so that the cattle might lean against it and rest 

 upon the gate. As the chain was fastened by a staple at 



GATE AND CHAIN. 



one end, and hitched over a strong hook at the other, it 

 could easily be dropped when the gate had to be opened 

 for traffic, and replaced after it was shut. 



The last ' dodge ' which we can mention is that of the 

 carriage-pond. It was about four feet wider than an ordi- 

 nary carriage, and edged with broad, flat stones. At each 

 end it sloped gradually downwards until in the centre it was 

 just deep enough to allow the water to reach rather above 

 the axletrees. When a carriage or a cart had to be 

 washed after being used it was gently wheeled into the 

 pond at one end, while men with brooms washed the 

 wheels as they turned. In the centre of the pond the 

 men had command over every part of the carriage, which 

 was then drawn gently out, the mops and brooms being 

 at work until it came upon level ground. 



Horses could thus be washed as well as carts and car- 

 riages, and very much they seemed to enjoy their bath. 



IT is impossible to conclude the memoir of this accom- 

 plished naturalist without allusion to his rooted abhorrence 

 of scientific names. I do not think that this antipathy 



