152 THE POCKET AND THE STUD. 



hesitation in obeying, and discussion on the pro- 

 priety of any that may be subsequently given. 



To prevent such an unpleasantness on the part 

 of a lady, or one unaccustomed to horses, the 

 mode can be prescribed in very few words. We 

 will, of course, suppose that the horses and their 

 accompaniments are wished to look as they should 

 do for the purpose for which they are wanted. 

 The first thing the owner should do, is to learn 

 what proportion of work it is reasonable to expect 

 from horses in their different capacities, and the 

 mode in which, and times at which, such work 

 should be called for. We will, of course, suppose 

 they are to have a comfortable stable, comfortable 

 clothing, and the man to have proper time to do 

 his business, and all that he requires in reason to 

 do it with; the next thing is the proper and 

 liberal allowance of provender of different sorts 

 that is necessary to keep up the required condi- 

 tion. Having learned this, and that the horses 

 are in good health at the time the man takes to 

 them, there can be nothing unkind, unreasonable, 

 and still less overbearing, in her addressing her 

 servant in something like the following strain : 

 " I give you charge of my horses in good health 

 and condition. I shall only use them in such a 

 way as authorises my expecting them to be kept 

 so, I make such an allowance of provender as I 

 am told by those who perfectly understand such 



