OR, The Tukn Out. 11 



of testing any speciality, he will give his unbiased judgment 

 of its merits for the guidance of his readers, who may rely 

 upon the opinions expressed, as they will be given only 

 after a careful and painstaking examination or thorough 

 testing of the articles, as the case may be. It is intended 

 that, either now or at a future time, this department shall 

 form a standard register or book of reference to the advertise- 

 ments shown at the end of the work, which shall consist 

 only of specialities of genuine merit and real utility to 

 which intending purchasers can with confidence turn. 

 Referring to the one continuous stream of praises and com- 

 plimentary encomiums passed upon the previous editions of 

 this work, the Author would here mention one brief opinion 

 sent by a gentleman who prides himself upon the number 

 and value of his horses. He says : " Your book, * Centaur,* 

 is a real life saver, and a copy of it ought to be chained to 

 every stable door." 



It is gratifying to find that an efibrt is being made to 

 encourage the carters and others employed by the Railway 

 Companies and other large proprietors to treat their horses 

 with systematic kindness, and to keep the stables and 

 harness in proper order. This is a step in the right direc- 

 tion, and one which this work will render an easy task for 

 those who make themselves acquainted with its directions and 

 arguments. 



In adding a chapter on cycles, the Author thinks such 

 observations peculiarly adapted to the times in which we 

 live, and to the present issue of " Centaur." Since the first 

 edition of the work appeared, bicycles and tricycles have 

 made immense strides in perfection of manufacture, and have 

 indeed become a permanent institution of the road ; so much 

 so, that now in all our rides and drives, with horse, carriage, 

 or team, the modern machine has to be bargained for, and 

 its noiseless approach claims special observance of the " Rule 

 of the Road," which applies as strictly to one as to the other, 

 the bicycle being no longer a toy, but a recognised and 

 welcome motive-power, and in thorough harmony with the 

 requirements of this fass and go-a-head age ; therefore 



