THE RIDING HABIT. 65 



or overlooked, even by the most skillful lady 

 riders, and that is, expertness in holding the 

 riding skirt easily and gracefully when not in 

 the saddle. In this attainment the Parisian 

 horsewoman far excels all others ; her manner 

 of gathering up the folds of her riding skirt, 

 while waiting for her horse, forms a picture of 

 such unaffected elescance, that it would be well 

 for other riders to study and imitate it. She 

 does not grab her skirt with one hand, twist it 

 round to one side, allow it to trail upon the 

 ground, nor does she collect the folds in one un- 

 wieldy bunch and throw it brusquely over her 

 arm. Instead of any of these ungraceful acts, 

 she quietly extends her arms down to their full 

 length at her sides, inclines her body slightly 

 forward, and gathers up the front of her skirt, 

 raising her hands just far enough to allow the 

 long part in front and at the sides to escape the 

 ground ; then by bringing her hands slightly 

 forward, one being held a little higher than the 

 other, the back part of the skirt is raised. 

 While accomplishing these movements her whip 

 will be held carelessly in her^ right hand, at a 

 very short distance below the handle, the point 

 being directed downwards, and somewhat ob- 

 liquely backwards. The whole of this graceful 

 manoeuvring will be effected readily and art- 



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