120 Centaur ; 



Therefore, the Author trusts he will be readily forgiven 

 by the reader, and at the same time understood, whilst 

 interesting himself in the horsemanship of the past, diverg- 

 ing as it were, somewhat, by blending his feelings with his 

 country's history. And it will be always interesting for 

 the reader in learning of the best and most modern appli- 

 ances, to study at the same time the various systems and 

 complications of the olden days. 



The Writer does not intend in these final lines to thia 

 chapter to refer so much to the Stable Fittings in use 

 centuries ago as to the equipments for horse and rider, but 

 when the latter were used the former must, in some shape 

 or other, have existed. 



The principal study in connection with the trappings 

 and harness for man and horse in those days, was the many 

 complications, and peculiarities and fixings, for the difierent 

 parts ; their uses, the materials of which they were made, 

 who made them, and the great weight to be carried. 



The ancient records of England contain many documents 

 relating to the stores used in times of peace and in times of 

 war, specimens of which stores are still in existence, and 

 can be seen at the Tower of London. Such a display of 

 historical associations does not exist elsewhere, hence the 

 pride all Englishmen feel in their national Institution ; and 

 the great interest taken in the Tower by foreign visitors, 

 particularly the millionaires of America, who can and do 

 afibrd special trips for the purpose of visiting the siirhts oi 

 the Old Country, and the lower of London in particular. 



The original Horse Armoury is taken down, and the 

 armour is now placed in the White Tower. 



Life-sized equestrian statues of our Kings and Queens 

 are ranged in proper historical order, which most minute 

 detail fully endorses the pages of history, commencing 

 with the period of the Norman Conquest ; when the 

 body armour of the warriors was made of leather, and 

 beautifull}'- painted in various colours. 



It is said that the plated armour of the time of Edward III. 

 became so splendid that the knights were killed for the sake 

 of their spoil, instead of being taken prisoners. 



