64 RIDING FOR LADIES. 



" Fine feathers make fine birds," and though in riding 

 costume the plumage, save in the hunting-field, must be 

 of sombre tint, it must be unruffled and lie perfectly 

 flat. There are Habit-makers and Habit-makers; a very 

 few as perfect as need be, more mediocre, most arrant 

 bunglers. Of late years legions of so-called ladies'-tailors 

 have sprung into being, not one in a hundred possessing 

 the faintest idea of what is wanted. A Habit-maker 

 is a genius not often met with, and when come across 

 should be made a note of. A perfect fitting habit, 

 though not quite " a joy for ever," is a very useful, long- 

 wearing, and altogether desirable garment. Particular 

 attention must be given to the cutting of the back of the 

 neck to secure plenty of play, and to prevent that disagree- 

 able tightness so often experienced, which completely mars 

 the easy and graceful movement of the head. While giving 

 absolute freedom to the figure, the well shaped body will fit 

 like a glove. A tight habit gives a stiff, inelegant appearance 

 to the whole figure, and produces a feeling of being 

 "cribbed, cabined, and confined," tantamount to semi- 

 suffocation. A too long waist is certain to ride-up and 

 wrinkle. For winter wear there is nothing like the double- 

 breasted body. The choice to select from is a wide one. 



To my mind and eye no one understands the whole art of 

 habit-making so well as Mr. W. Shingleton, 60, New Bond 

 Street, London, the inventor of the patent "Zenith" skirt, 

 an ingenious arrangement which should be universally 

 patronized for its absolute safety, if for no less weighty 

 reason. Any lady wearing this clever and smart combina- 

 tion of skirt and trousers, seated on one of Messrs. Champion 

 and Wilton's safety side-saddles, may set her mind completely 

 at rest as to the possibility of being "hung up" on the 

 pommel, or dragged by it or the stirrup. Perfect freedom 



