86 Penelope. 



though indeed they may understand the purport 

 and read between the lines as they could not un- 

 der the shadow of the elms of Alma Mater, so 

 Patroclus, for instance, is by no means as clever 

 in the intricate steps of his School performances 

 as he was when fresh from his education. But 

 the result is there ; and for all the purposes of 

 actual use in the saddle, the training he has had 

 at all times bears its fruit. 



After this weary exordium of theory, Tom, for 

 which my apologies, let us turn to a bit of prac- 

 tice. 



XXVI. 



And first about the horse himself. If you buy 

 one, do so under such advice as to get soundness, 

 intelligence, courage, and good temper. Our 

 American horses, unless spoiled, generally have 

 all these in sufficient measure, and can be made 

 everything of. You have been exceptionally for- 

 tunate in your purchase of Penelope. She is 

 light gaited, not long and logy in her movements, 

 and carries her own head. She has remarkable 

 good looks, an inestimable quality after you get 

 performance ; but beware of the May-bird which 

 has good looks alone. She is fifteen three, nearly 

 as high at the rump, and with tail set on right 

 there, fine-bred, but with barrel enough to weigh 

 about a thousand and twenty pounds. She looks 

 like a thoroughbred hunter, Tom, every inch of 



