232 ANNALS OF THE ROAD. 



a place in heaven was awarded to such as had mainly 

 contributed to the comforts and conveniences of life : so 

 is our gratitude due to those of our own times who have 

 directed their ability and labour to such happy results. 



A writer to the ' Sporting Magazine,' speaking of 

 French post horses, says, ' A few lessons from Nimrod 

 on coupling-up, etc., would be of considerable utility. I 

 have always admired beyond anything the perfect ease 

 and liberty with which the French and Italian post-horses 

 go, and I have in the same degree lamented the torture 

 to which horses in this country are put by the bearing 

 reins being so tight : it may do very well for London 

 carriage horses, for it helps to give them what is termed 

 a grand appearance ; but for posters I am persuaded it is 

 anything but of service. 



' A friend of mine, much accustomed to driving, once 

 told me he could drive his horse ten miles farther without 

 than with bearing reins, and five miles farther with 

 snaffle bridles than he could with bits. Some years since 

 I travelled post through France and Italy, and back to 

 Calais, and, strange to say, I observed but one horse 

 make anything like a serious trip, and I attributed this 

 entirely to the freedom given to their heads. 



' I wish some of your correspondents conversant with 

 such matters would give us their opinions on them. In 

 all other countries but England horses in harness are 

 allowed the full liberty of their heads. As to the appear- 

 ance that is given by bearing up, that is all custom — a 

 very short time would familiarise the eye to a contrary 

 system. The question then only is, what is best ? ' 



