58 RIDING FOR LADIES. 



to it by-and-by. Ribbons ought not to be used as ties, 

 especially gaudy ones — nor ought anyt/wtg coloured 

 (including veils and flowers) ever be worn by a lady 

 rider who desires to lay claim to the possession of even 

 ordinary good taste. In this I am strongly opposed 

 to the opinions of " Vielle Moustache " and other well- 

 known authorities ; but every man, and of course every 

 woman, has a full and just right to his and her own views 

 upon all such matters, and when we put them in print for 

 the benefit of others, it is with the object of directing and 

 advising by the reasonableness of them, rather than of 

 coercing by their weight or power. 



Gloves should be of doeskin — or strong, fine quality 

 leather. They should be double-stitched in every part, 

 have at least two buttons, and be amply large, in order to 

 allow full play for the fingers and the muscles of the hand, 

 as likewise to admit of circulation going freely forward — 

 for extremities soon become chilled if cramped up in 

 coverings in which they cannot be easily and freely moved 

 about. I do not like white gloves, or yet black ; a nice 

 dark shade of tan looks well — and some black stitching on 

 the backs is a decided improvement. 



No ornaments ought to be worn when riding. A small 

 stud should fasten the collar : never a brooch ; ear-rings 

 and bangles should be left at home ; a watch-chain should 

 not be seen crossing the breast of a habit-bodice, nor 

 should a handkerchief ever be worn protruding from the 

 front of the bosom. This latter custom is simply an 

 abomination, which no rider of good taste would ever dream 



