13° 



ANtiALS OF THE ROAD. 



of his is good appears from the well-known fact, viz., that 

 the brightness of his harness is never defaced by soap- 

 lather, although they may have trotted by fourteen or 

 fifteen mile-stones at no slow pace. The baronet's own 

 coachman may also be considered by no means an un- 

 skilful artist, but he is seldom to be seen on the box, as 

 Sir John is one of the " right sort," regarding neither 

 wind nor weather. He, therefore, never allows his 

 coachman to drive him, but always takes the ribands in 

 hand, whether wet or dry. Thus it is that he knows the 

 different qualities of his cattle, and which is the proper 

 situation for each. 



' The present age, I lament to say, is much too 

 refined. By many persons the gentleman who takes a 

 delight in the style of his team and in " the rattling of the 

 bars," is considered a rough unaccomplished clown. But 

 greatly indeed are they mistaken, for no doubt the 

 character of the coachman and the polite gentleman may 

 be blended. Is it not far better for the English gentle- 

 man to be living at his private domain (which will be the 

 case with him who takes pleasure in the science of the 

 whip), and spending his income in his own neighbour- 

 hood to the benefit and comfort of the poor of his 

 parish, than to be sauntering in Hyde Park, or wasting 

 his estate within the walls of a gaming house ? Most 

 certainly it is. What a happiness it would be for the 

 country at large if noblemen of the present age would 

 but be of my opinion ! But, Mr. Editor, times are 

 changed. I can only say I lament the misfortune, and 



