198 RIDING FOR LADIES. 



the practice, for instance, of tucking up a mantle rather 

 than sitting upon it — of smoothing the back of the skirt 

 before taking a seat — of guarding the hands from contact 

 with any object that may possibly impart a soil to the 

 gloves — and so forth, all of which are signs of lack of 

 breeding, and are, as a rule, peculiar to persons unac- 

 customed to mix in society, — but the opposite extreme 

 is quite as little to be admired. The best bred are those 

 who appear wholly unconscious of having anything on that 

 is worth fussing about : just as the best dressed are invari- 

 ably those upon whose costume no onlooker would ever 

 pass a remark. 



To have a set place for everything is economy of both 

 time and substance : you will then know precisely where 

 to look and where to find. You should have neat trees 

 made for your boots, and insist upon the regular use of 

 them being observed. Brush your riding-habit carefully 

 yourself, unless you have a maid who can be trusted to do 

 it properly : namely, in a downward direction always, and 

 never from hand to hand. Should it be wet, hang it 

 in a cool, dry place, but not close to a fire — and place a 

 stick across the skirt on the inside, in order to aid the 

 drying process. Do not attempt to brush off mud spots 

 until the cloth is perfectly dry. 



Stretch your gloves upon block hands, made the size and 

 shape of your own, and if they have been wxt, be all the 

 more careful about doing so. Make a frequent inspection 

 of the stitching of them, and mend with a fine needle 

 and silk any portions that may have given way, or 



