THE LADY'S DRESS ON HORSEBACK. 53 



even the most skilful tailor, unless the wearer of the 

 habit is ready to seat herself on horseback, or on a block 

 horse, for his benefit and assistance. The necessity for 

 this is obvious, as the precise position of the bands, or loops, 

 must be regulated by the rider's length of limb, otherwise 

 they may be altogether wrongly placed, and, when used, 

 have only the unsatisfactory effect of dragging the skirt 

 completely out of form. Some authorities have censured 

 me for advocating this plan at any cost, declaring it to be 

 highly dangerous in case of a fall. I should like to know 

 how it is so, seeing that it does not involve the possibility of 

 dragging, or place a lady in any sort of peril. The theory 

 is about as sensible as others of the kind, which ignorant 

 persons — or men who attempt to write for ladies — not un- 

 frequently lay down. For riders who are, nevertheless, 

 apprehensive of danger from this source, reassurance may 

 be found by using NicoU's patent safety-band for the right 

 foot opening with a spring — so that, in the event of a fall, 

 the rider is not kept in a cramped position upon the ground, 

 but can at once make an effort to regain her feet, without 

 trouble to herself or damage to her garments. 



Ladies who ride much in the country, especially in 

 summer weather, will derive comfort from the possession 

 of a gingham habit, or one of very lightest dust-coloured 

 summer cloth. I have had one of the latter myself, and it 

 wore splendidly — bearing a couple of washings into the 

 bargain when disfigured by dust on which a shower of rain 

 had fallen. I would have it borne in mind, however, that 

 cheap though the material may be, it must be tailor-made, 

 otherwise it will not be fit to wear. 



