30 UNASKED ADVICE. 



with the master if he neglects to return your bow as he 

 canters past. He probably never saw you, being perhaps 

 looking at that man shooting over dogs a field off the 

 gorse, or at that gentleman who, trying the speed of a 

 dealer's horse, is rapidly circumnavigating the covert, 

 apparently with the unconcealed intention of spoiling his 

 own and everyone else's sport. Though able to open 

 your own gates, make some one do them for you ; then, 

 if the gate is an awkward one, it isn't your fault. If you 

 mean riding, have a pilot, but don't follow him too closely. 

 Give everyone room to fall. I was once ridden over by a 

 lady who is the ornament of every society she appears in. 

 I had rather it had been she than a bagman out for a 

 holiday, but on the whole the sensation was unpleasant. 

 Don't go and do likewise. 



Remember, and, so far as possible, act up to, the pro- 

 verb concerning discretion. If you see men, unless you 

 know them them to be very bad form over a country, 

 avoiding a place, don't have it. There is very likely a 

 danger that you don't know of. Even if you get over 

 and pound them, you will only excite the admiration of 

 such as are on the right side. The others will never 

 forgive you. Keep as much as possible out of people's 

 way ; you will get *i/3 for not giving trouble. Your 

 escort, however, is an exception to the rule ; make him 

 useful ; that is what he is there for. Don't let him per- 

 suade you to go on when you are tired, or to do anything 

 you don't like ; at the same time, if he says don't jump 

 any particular place, humour him, unless you see your 

 way unusually clearly. In charging a fence ride on the 

 snaffle, and don't interfere with your horse. If he is fit 

 to carry you he will know all about it. But when you 

 know it to be a wide place you may rouse him a little, 



