322 TYPES OF STABLE SERVANTS. 



these servants bring them in contact with ladies, it is abso- 

 lutely necessary that they should be neat in appearance, 

 respectful, obedient and thoughtful. 



The men who choose the position of coachman or 

 groom as a means of earning their livelihood should cheer- 

 fully accept all the conditions demanded by either vocation. 

 They should obey without demurring, be respectful, endeavor 

 to oblige by attentions, and be sober and honest to an ex- 

 tent that will warrant the fullest confidence of those whom 

 they serve. A coachman who understands his work thor- 

 oughly and can offer these personal qualifications will al- 

 ways be able to secure a situation where his merits will be 

 appreciated. But the life of those men who fall short of 

 these requirements is one of uncertainty, a mixture of hard- 

 ships and idleness. 



"There are several kinds of stable servants. There are coachmen, 

 grooms, hunting-grooms, training-grooms, head-grooms, head-lads, boys, 

 strappers, ostlers, carters, and many more of smaller note. Taken alto- 

 gether, they form a class which cannot be easily described. Some of them 

 are very decent men, filling their station with respectability ; and often 

 at the close of a long and useful servitude, receiving the approbation and 

 reward which their conduct deserves. Some are humane to their horses, 

 dutiful, careful and vigilant ; many know their business well, and are able 

 to teach it so admirably, that I have often thought it a pity there should be 

 no school where these men might practically instruct others." John 

 Stewart, " Stable Economy," p. 67. 



TYPES OF STABLE SERVANTS. 



Stable servants, especially coachmen, may be divided 

 into four distinct classes, according to their ability and char- 

 acter. The line of demarcation separating these classes is 

 not very clearly defined, but the representative characters 

 from each exhibit a strong contrast. 



