308 THE AMERICAN HORSEWOMAN. 



the imperceptible dampness of which will penetrate the cloth- 

 ing and, perhaps, implant the germ of some serious malady. 

 Riding upon a country road in the noon heat of a summer 

 day, where there is little or no shade, will tan and roughen 

 the finest complexion, will overheat the blood, and will occa- 

 sion fatigue instead of pleasure. An hour or two after sun- 

 rise or before sunset will be found the more pleasant and 

 healthful periods of the day for this exercise. Riding in the 

 country, when enjoyed at proper hours, is a sure brightener 

 of the complexion, aerates and purifies the blood, and im- 

 parts wonderful tone to the nervous and muscular systems. 

 Yet, in their great fondness for this exercise, ladies fre- 

 quently carry it to excess, making their rides far too long. 



(31.) What to do with the whip, when making a call, has 

 puzzled many a lady rider. Shall it be left outside, where 

 it may be lost, or shall it be taken into the parlor, where 

 its belligerent appearance will be entirely out of place ? 

 This much mooted question can soon be settled by the gen- 

 tleman who assists the lady to dismount ; he will usually 

 understand what is required, and take charge of it himself. 

 Or, in the absence of a cavalier, the whip may be handed to 

 the groom who attends to the horse, or to the porter who 

 waits upon the door. But should no groom or porter be 

 present, it may be placed in some convenient and secure 

 spot, as would be done with a valuable umbrella. 



(32.) Before mounting her horse, a lady should always 

 pat his head and speak kindly to him, and, after the ride, 

 should express her satisfaction in the same manner. The 

 horse will fully appreciate these manifestations. Many per- 

 sons consider a horse a mere living, working machine, yet it 

 has been satisfactorily ascertained, by those who have inves- 

 tigated the matter, that this machine has feeling, affection, 

 and a remarkable memory ; that it appreciates favors, has a 

 high sense of gratitude, and never forgets an injury. 



