222 DUTIES OF THE COACHMAN. 



breast-bone, by which means the whole weight and 

 force of his body can at any moment be applied by 

 kicking the foot board, and throwing the shoulders 

 well back, simultaneously. 



He should always keep his horses well in hand ; so 

 that he may have thorough command of them at what- 

 ever pace they are going, which should never — except 

 under extraordinary circumstances — exceed ten miles 

 within the hour. But many carriage horses cannot do 

 so much ; and therefore the coachman must be guided 

 by his horses' powers entirely ; always keeping them 

 well within their pace, and making them go collectedly, 

 easily, and well; for if they be out-paced they will 

 lose their action, roll about, and present but a slovenly 

 appearance, however neat their appurtenances may be. 



A good coachman will never go fast round a corner ; 

 for if he does so, the horses will have to scramble, and 

 may cross their legs and come over. A slow and well 

 collected jog-trot is the only pace at which it is safe to 

 turn a sharp corner with a pair of horses. On meeting 

 any carriage or vehicle, it is always desirable to allow 

 as much room as possible ; for though a good coachman 

 may be able to guide his own horses to great nicety, 

 this art will avail him nothing, if the driver of the 

 opposing vehicle come dashing along, and allow his 

 horses — either through carelessness or bad driving — to 

 swerve right on to him. 



The safest way is to keep in the centre of the road, 

 so as to force the driver meeting you to pull out ; and 

 immediately he does so to pull out yourself, so that by 



