26 RIDING RECOLLECTIONS. 



The "slug," a thorough-bred one, we will say, with 

 capital hind-ribs, lop ears, and a lazy eye, must be 

 managed on a very different system from the foregoing. 

 You need not be so particular about his bridle, for the 

 coercion in this case is of impulsion rather than re- 

 straint, but I would advise yoif to select a useful cutting- 

 whip, stiff and strong enough to push a gate. Not that 

 you must use it freely one or two " reminders " at the 

 right moment, and an occasional flourish, ought to carry 

 you through the day. Be sure, too, that you strike 

 underhanded, and not in front of your own body, lest 

 you take his eye off at the critical moment when your 

 horse is measuring his leap. The best riders prefer 

 such an instrument to the spurs, as a stimulant to 

 increased pace and momentary exertion. 



You will have little trouble with this kind of hunter 

 while hounds are drawing. He will seem only tod 

 happy to stand still, and you may sit amongst your 

 friends in the middle ride, smoking, joking, and holding 

 forth to your heart's content. But, like the fox, you 

 will find your troubles begin with the cheering holloa of 

 " Gone away ! " 



On your present mount, instead of avoiding the 

 crowd, I should advise you to keep in the very midst of 

 the torrent that, pent up in covert, rushes down the 



