WAGES AMD CO ACHAT EN. 365 



neither do I think I ever shall. I always take care to 

 have a good deal of the drag about me. A neat pair of 

 boots, and knee-caps, if cold weather ; a good drab 

 surtout — if not a poodle ; a benjamin or two about the 

 coach, and little of the spot about the neck. For the first 

 mile I always observe a strict silence, unless broken by 

 coachee ; but at this time he generally runs mute. He 

 is perhaps but just awake, or is considering about his 

 way-bill — reckoning his passengers, thinking what he has 

 to do on the road ; and, if a workman, looking over his 

 team to see if all is right. Leave him alone for a short 

 time, and when his mind is at ease he will look you over 

 as you sit beside him. He will begin with your boots, 

 proceeding upwards to the crown of your hat ; and if he 

 likes you, and you make a remark or two that pleases 

 him, and shows you to be a judge of the art, the first 

 time he stops, he will say — ' Now, sir, have you got yottr 

 driving gloves on ? would you like to take 'em.' I am 

 here alluding to country work, and not to the roads near 

 London. 



Homer appoints a Providence over brutes, and 

 doubtless they are, on every consideration, well worth 

 our protection ; but we have lately been pestered with 

 some lessons on humanity too expansive for general 

 practice, or for the limits of our species. This has been 

 very properly denominated humbug, and is, I think, 

 losing ground. As far, however, as humanity towards 

 horses is connected with my present subject, I recommend 

 the practice of it most strongly to coachmen ; and that 

 the recommendation may have the greater weight, I will 



