DRIVING. 133 



perspiration, the linings ouglit to be thoroughly dried, and as 

 thoroughly cleaned by scraping and brushing ; while the 

 leathers will be more supple, durable, and comfortable by 

 frequent applications of pure neat's-foot oil. 



DRIVING. 



Skilful driving from a carriage implies the possession of 

 those qualities which a skilful rider alone possesses, among 

 which good strong hands, quick eyes, a cool head, judgment, 

 courage, and patience are the most essential; while a good 

 knowledge of horse nature is requisite to make the driver 

 accomplished, and capable of undertaking the management of 

 high-spirited horses. 



To handle the reins properly is no mean art, and can only 

 be acquired by experience added to natural qualifications. As 

 has been already said, a driver of horses should understand 

 harness and harnessing, and before mounting to the " box " or 

 clriving-seat, he ought to assure himself that the harness is all 

 right and properly put on, and that the horse or horses are 

 ^' put in " as they should be. Whetlier there be one or two or 

 more horses, the reins should be in the left hand before as- 

 cending, though held loosely. 



Unless the animal is an extraordinarily quiet one, some 

 person should be in front of him holding his head, until the 

 driver is fairly seated and the reins gathered up. The seat of 

 the driver is an important matter, especially if one or more 

 spirited horses are to be controlled. It should neither be high 

 nor low, the driver being in such a position that, while sitting 

 comfortably, he can use his body, arms, and legs to the best 

 advantage in restraining and supporting his charge without 

 feeling insecure. The body should be maintained upright and 

 easy, the arms vertical, elbows near the sides, and hands in 

 front of but not far from the body, and kept there. 



