38 ANNALS OF THE ROAD. 



1805 and 1 81 5 (a memorable period for the English 

 arms) ' was on those occasions when we went down from 

 London with the news of victory.' 



Daily each part of every coach was very critically 

 inspected by a regular inspector ; every morning they 

 were thoroughly cleaned ; every morning the horses were 

 groomed up to a degree of perfection not usually at- 

 tained ; and altogether the sight was one which no one 

 seeing could ever forget. Thus, in De Ouincy's words : 

 ' The absolute perfection of all the appointments about 

 the carriage and the harness, their strength, their brilliant 

 cleanliness, their beautiful simplicity, but, more than all, 

 the royal magnificence of the horses, were what first 

 fixed the attention.' 1 



Before 1834, in England only three passengers were 

 allowed by Act of Parliament outside the mails : one on 

 the box seat, and two on the roof immediately behind 

 the box. None were allowed near the guard behind ; 

 this was by way of precaution against robbers. The 

 load on the roof was also regulated by Act of Parlia- 

 ment. Beyond the Scottish Border, however, four 

 passengers were allowed outside, one on the box seat, 

 and three immediately behind it. The guard's dress 

 was, of right, the Royal livery; the coachman would 

 obtain the same honorary distinction after long service. 

 The colour of the mails was crimson (the royal colour) ; 

 the under carriage, box seat, and footboard were painted 

 red ; they bore on their door panels the royal arms only. 



1 ' Selections, Grave and Gay.' 



