50 RIDING FOR LADIES. 



some of them quite startling in colour and design. The 

 fashion is, in my opinion, not one to follow. The nicest 

 shaped bodice for a lady is one made closely buttoned up, 

 almost to the throat, showing merely a small linen collar 

 above the braid or neck-band, with the addition of a neat 

 tie of no conspicuous colour. The bodice itself should be 

 entirely free from ornament of any sort whatever. 



I think it a good plan, although some tailors reject it, 

 to have two large strong hooks attached to the back of the 

 bodice, with eyes of corresponding size affixed in proper 

 position to the band of the skirt. When these are fastened 

 there can be no danger of getting " out of gear." 



Bodices which open much at the throat are very apt to 

 give colds and coughs to the wearers of them. There is 

 an old saying that pride feels no pain, and certainly ladies 

 who fancy their own appearance in this particular style 

 of garment are unfortunately only too apt to forget, or over- 

 look, its tendency to admit the chill blasts and treacherous 

 breezes which frequently make havoc with the most 

 delicate portion of the frame. Nobody could condemn 

 the practice of muffling up the throat more heartily than 

 I do myself, but to leave the chest exposed to harsh wintry 

 ^yinds— as I frequently see done— with only a trifle of silk or 

 muslin to serve as a protector, seems to me to be positively 

 suicidal. I therefore recommend that when open bodices 

 are worn in chilly weather, a fold of chamois, or warm soft 

 flannel, should be placed across the chest. 



A habit-bodice should fit closely, without crease or 

 wrinkle, but ought not to be by any means tight ; if it be so, 



