W f t^l r 



■ «' 



THE BARB AND THE BRIDLE. 



CHAPTER I. 



Riding, considered as a means of recreation, as a promoter of health, 

 or as the best mode in which to display to the greatest advantage 

 beauty and symmetry of face and form, is perhaps unequalled among 

 the many accomplishments necessary to a lady. 



Out of doors croquet may be interesting as a game, and fasci- 

 nating enough when a lady has an agreeable partner, but as an 

 exercise physically its healthf ulness is doubtful. 



There is too much standing about, often on damp grass, too little 

 real exertion to keep the circulation up properly, and too many 

 intervals of quiescence, wherein a lady stands perfectly still (in a 

 very graceful attitude no doubt) long enough in the chill evening air 

 to create catarrh or influenza. 



Archery, although a far more graceful exercise than croquet, is 

 open to the same objection as regards danger of taking cold. 



Skating, though both healthful and elegant, is so seldom avail- 

 able as scarcely to be reckoned among the exercises beneficial to 

 ladies. Moreover, it is attended with considerable danger in many 

 ■cases. 



To he well is to look well. Healthy physical exertion is irdispen- 

 sable to the former state, and in no way can it be so well secured as 



B 



