14 RIDING RECOLLECTIONS. 



without anger, even a difference of opinion in conversa- 

 tion is sufficient to rouse their bile ; but such are seldom 

 winners in argument or in fight Let them also leave 

 education alone. Nature never meant them to teach 

 the young idea how to shoot or hunt, or do anything 

 else ! 



It is the cold-blooded and sagacious wrestler who 

 takes the prize, the calm and imperturbable player who 

 wins the game. In- all struggles for supremacy, excite- 

 ment only produces flurry, and flurry means defeat. 



Who ever saw. Mr. Anstruther Thompson in a passion, 

 though, like every other huntsman and master of hounds, 

 he must often have found his temper sorely tried ? And 

 yet, when punishment is absolutely necessary to extort 

 obedience from the equine rebel, no man can administer 

 it more severely, either from the saddle or the box. 

 But whether double-thonging a restive wheeler, or 

 "having it out" with a resolute buck-jumper, the 

 operation is performed with the same pleasant smile, 

 and when one of the adversaries preserves calmness 

 and common sense, the fight is soon over, and the 

 victory gained, 



It is not every man, however, who possesses this 

 gentleman's iron nerve and powerful frame. For most 

 of us, it is well to remember, before engaging in such 



