206 



down hill. I have witnessed more falls in hunting 

 from checking a horse at his leaps, than from any 

 other cause ; and I believe for the same reason that 

 he stumbles in descending a hill, when the bridle 

 is tight in hand. 



It is very desirable to inform oneself speedily of 

 any peculiarities in a horse that has been recently 

 purchased. An instance of the awkward predica- 

 ment in which one may unexpectedly be placed by 

 tricks, partly playful and partly vicious, lately oc- 

 curred to myself. I was mounted on a very good 

 horse, but of a temper somewhat uncertain. He 

 is well known to my private friends by the name 

 of Caliban. I was proceeding leisurely from tht 

 House of Commons just at that period of the da^ 

 when the street is usually crowded by the members 

 carriages : the result was a complete blockade o1 

 the whole way as far as Charing Cross. I threaded 

 the carriages successfully, till I arrived at New 

 Street, when Caliban was startled by the abrupt 

 and hurried approach of a landau, passing two or 

 three yards before us, directly across our course. 

 He immediately retreated at speed, but with his, 

 face to the enemy ! I spurred, I flogged, I kicked 

 him with all my energy, but in vain ; the more I 

 spurred, the more resolutely he retrograded ! I 

 endeavoured to turn him on either side, but he 



