78 THE POCKET AND THE STUD. 



and estimate the modesty of Miss Grimalkin, that 

 induces her to rush down the rack like " one pos- 

 sessed," and the chivalry of Sir Thomas that 

 brings him head foremost after her, the sober 

 steeds are thrown in most admired disorder, and 

 stand for the next half hour snorting their wonder 

 at the ardour of these proceedings. 



But there is a greater objection still to hay 

 being kept in lofts. Unless they have skylights, 

 at certain times of the year it gets dark in such 

 places before the horses get their hay for the 

 night ; and though the groom or coachman may be 

 a careful man, an extra glass may be enough to 

 throw him off his guard, though not off his legs ; 

 and a dry loft is a bad place for sparks from a 

 candle, or from a public-house either. And here 

 let me most strenuously recommend the use of 

 gas in stables, in lieu of oil or candles ; its safety, 

 cleanliness, certainty of properly proportioned 

 light, and, where much is used, its economy, are 

 beyond all praise. I had it in fifteen different- 

 sized stables and seven boxes, all at the same time, 

 for several years ; so I am tolerably well able to 

 judge of its advantages. 



I do not make the same objections to straw 

 being kept over the horses; in one way it has 

 even some advantage in the summer season, as it 

 keeps off the heat of the tiles or slates. And 

 straw never should be wanted at night ; for two 



