ON HARNESSING. » 195 



but, as the fixing of them depends upon so many circum- 

 stances, no general rule can be applied. In this, how- 

 ever, consists the ' sine qiui non ' of horses going well 

 and straight in harness, and a judge will soon observe the 

 alteration of a single hole. I once had the pleasure of 

 seeing this effect produced, off-hand. I was going by a 

 coach, the proprietors of which I knew, and was in the 

 act of getting on the box with the reins in my hand, 

 when a celebrated performer from another coach re- 

 quested I would let the coachman take them, as he was 

 going, by the desire of his master (who was also Johnny- 

 raw's master), to put his team a bit straight for him, as 

 his horses were sinking for want of being better put 

 together. The importance with which these words were 

 uttered, added to the pleasure I was likely to receive, 

 brought me to the ground again, and Johnny started his 

 coach as soon as all was right. ' The artist ' looked on, 

 but said nothing till we had proceeded about four miles, 

 when, desiring him to pull up, he got down, and made 

 the necessary alterations. The effect was immediately 

 visible. The horses were brought closer to their work, 

 their heads put into their proper places, and their power 

 applied where it ought to be. 



With respect to coupling coach horses, I have always 

 been of opinion that their heads, particularly wheel 

 horses, should not be too closely confined. I admit that 

 it looks well to see them ' well coupled up,' as the song 

 says, with their heads close together, running boldly up 

 to their bits ; but if you confine them too much, they 



cannot apply all their power to the collar. Wheel horses 



o 2 



