THE LADY'S HORSE. 21 



spoiling the set of the skirt, and also of looking frightful 

 when any opening of the habit discloses a hideous red 

 petticoat, or an equally objectionable white one. Such 

 things are not to be thought of; and, indeed, far from 

 adding to propriety, they have a directly contrary 

 effect. (Fig. 6.) 



Of the next article of dress I will only say that it or fliey 

 must be of the same colour as the habit, and be strapped 

 under the boots, so that the strap can be depended on not 

 to give way. Nothing is more unpleasant than this last 

 casualty, especially when far from home. I have seen 

 such articles as I have darkly alluded to, leathered, like 

 a dragoon's, just over the foot, but I cannot see the 

 advantage. 



The boots that look best are Wellingtons, made large 

 enough to admit of warm and thick stockings; they not 

 only look neater, but are more comfortable in riding than 

 any other. 



For hunting in rough weather, the body of the habit 

 must not be too tight, and if it be not an absolutely tight 

 fit, it will allow of a knitted woollen " chest preserver/' 

 which in every point except material resembles a habit- 

 shirt. It makes all the difference in the world on a cold 

 day, and, as far as warmth goes, beats all the petticoats 

 that ever went over (or under) a crinoline. 



Most horses require a spur out hunting, though I 

 should not call them " ladies' horses," if they want much 

 rousing. The old-fashioned spur was buckled on the foot 

 and worked through a hole in the skirt, the latter being 

 secured round the ankle by a string, which, where 

 appearances were an object, had to be fastened and 

 undone after mounting and before descending from the 

 pigskin. Of course being tied to one's skirt by anything 



