68 Centauh ; 



generally speaking", his horse is well-cared for, and never to 

 be seen distressed or neglected. There is sometimes a risk 

 in allowing the faithful animal to hurry home in the evening, 

 almost on its own responsibility, the driver being in a kind 

 of semi-sleep, after his very long and laborious day's work, 

 which generally commences with the daylight in the summer 

 time and long before the dawn in the winter time. 



The writer has known several cases of complete smash-up, 

 which in one or two instances could have been easily 

 avoided, had not obstinacy on the one part and vacancy on 

 the other prevailed. 



Those in charge of gigs, traps, dog carts, carriages, or 

 other vehicles, should always be prepared to take either side 

 (although there is only one proper side), or go clean off' the road 

 altogether (where practicable) in cases of emergency, taking 

 care to be in constant readiness and on the look out for 

 runaways, or heavily laden waggons that may be slowly 

 trudging along on the wrong side, and the attendant some 

 distance in the rear ; likewise for " sleepy " drivers, 

 ''ignorant" drivers, and ^'indifferent and amateur" drivers, 

 all of which are frequently to be met with on the road. 



The writer thinks the Shakesperian lines (which he 

 once saw nailed up in a certain nobleman's harness-room) 

 peculiarly apj)licable to the foregoing remarks, namely, that 

 " 'Tis a cruelty to load a falling man," and " Good words 

 are better than bad strokes." 



The art of driving can be summed up and condensed into 

 a few simple rules, viz. : — 



1st. Always mind your own {near or left) side, except 

 when passing a vehicle, which takes 3^ou by the right or off' 

 side. 



2nd. Never turn round a corner at full speed, but always 

 pull gently in beforehand, and take a full sweep, to give 

 clear space to any vehicle that may be coming. 



3rd. "When you pull up or turn round in crowded 

 thoroughfares, always intimate your intention to probable 

 drivers behind, by holding up your right hand or whip, as 

 a danger signal. 



4th. In driving down hill, hold the horse well in hand, 

 by keeping the grip somewhat short, and the reins com- 



