" HANDFULS." 65 



But although it is a noble sport to mark the incompetent 

 rider, and, if possible to incite his steed to further in- 

 subordination, it is universally conceded that the delights 

 of the game are one-sided, and that it is excessively poor 

 fun to be the object of this sort of attention which is 

 incontestibly pleasanter to give than to receive. There- 

 fore let us consider how, in the event of finding one's 

 hands full in face of a critical assembly, it is feasible to 

 combine safety and self-respect, and to prevent the latter 

 quality from dwindling to the dimensions which it is apt 

 to assume under the circumstances aforesaid. And let it 

 be remembered that whatever in reason the horse does, 

 if the man only looks happy and comfortable, he will be 

 regarded with admiration, or, at the worse, as one 

 suffering in a good cause. Far different is the case when 

 his appearance shows him to be at once aware of his 

 danger and unable to see his way out of it. Now there 

 are several kinds of handfuls several ways in which 

 hunters, without absolutely jeopardising one's life, can 

 make it for the time being a burden to one. The most 

 pleasing variety (to one's friends) is the course of action 

 taken by a horse who is exceedingly fresh. A steady- 

 going individual, possessing a proper regard for comfort 

 and appearances, need never mount one of his own stud 

 who is suffering from suppressed vitality, so to speak. 

 But there are dangers which no one can be guarded 

 against : there are such things as country-house visits 

 and lawn meets, at the end of frosts of more or less 

 duration ; and when his host kindly offers to mount, say, 

 Mr. Brown, who is known to be a keen foxhunter and 

 decent performer (on an easy and confidential nag), how 

 can Brown decline the honour ? He is fond of hunting, 

 he is away from home ; here is a new pack to see, and a 



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