504 DRIVING GROOM'S DUTIES. 



that a foot or more hits the horse ; but the whip should 

 never be snapped at the animal. It is very unworkmanlike 

 to keep the horses up to their work by clicking or calling 

 to them, especially in the city where the noises make it 

 necessary to shout at horses. Another common error in 

 driving is the jerking of the reins when it is desired to in- 

 crease the speed. This custom is dangerous, as very often 

 when there is need of abruptly stopping the horse he mis- 

 takes the pressure on the reins to mean an increase in the 

 speed. In drawing up at the house the servant should know 

 on which side the owner desires to sit, and bring the car- 

 riage around in such a position that if a gentleman assists 

 the lady into the carriage he will not have to pass in front 

 of her; and in stopping the servant should bring the car- 

 riage around so that the gentleman may alight first. When 

 the servant is about to turn to the right he should apprise 

 the drivers following him by circling the whip lash on his 

 right-hand side, and if turning to the left the same move- 

 ment of the whip should be made on the left hand. If the 

 speed is to be materially lessened or the horses stopped the 

 whip lash should be circled over the coachman's head. 



A groom should take the same position as that described 

 for the coachman, with the exception of his hands, which 

 should be placed together, palm downward against the inner 

 sides of the legs, the fingers of the left hand over those of 

 the right hand, but the thumb of the left under the palm of 

 the right hand. When the carriage arrives at the house the 

 groom should notify the house servant that the carriage is 

 waiting, and then taking the robe from the carriage, stand 

 a little forward of the rear hub, with the robe folded over 

 the left arm, the left knee slightly bent, the heels together, 



