68 DRIVING. 



An old driving maxim may be added, though not 



recommended by the metre : — 



" Up the hill spare me ; 

 Down the hill let me run and bear me ; 

 On the level never fear me." 



Or, 



" Walk me a mile out and a mile in ; 

 Up the hill spur me not, 

 Down the hill I'll walk or trot ; 

 On the plain spare me not ; 

 In the stable forget me not." 



I have driven a great deal in my life, and have never 

 met with an accident from driving at a fair trot down 

 a moderate hill, with plenty of road-room, and no turn- 

 ing to be made till after gaining the level, the team 

 being well in hand throughout. 



This observation applies equally to any number of 

 horses ; but with tandem or four-in-hand the wheelers 

 should be held particularly tight, and the leaders pulled 

 back. 



If, in descending a hill, the wheel can be drawn along 

 rough stones without the horses being also brought on 

 them, it is desirable to avail of such a drag. 



In such hilly countries as Wales, Devon, &c, the 

 constant use of a skid is indispensable. The uniniti- 

 ated may not quarrel with me for reminding them of 

 the necessity for keeping always to their own or the left 

 side of the road (the right on the Continent, in America, 

 and other countries). In turning a corner, however, if 

 it be to the left you intend going, before you make 

 your turn get from your proper side of the road a little 

 towards the right, if possible, and from thence make 

 your turn, by which means you will more easily reach 

 the left, or your proper side, of the new route you in- 

 tend to take, besides being able to see everything that 



