28 translator's preface. 



the indifference and afterwards opposition of 

 the Duke de Nemours, were the principal 

 causes that prevented the sj^stem of M. Bau- 

 cher from being adopted for the cavalry of 

 the whole French army. The former was 

 an ardent admirer of the system, while the 

 latter was an equally ardent admirer of a 

 rival professor of horsemanship. 



Extract from a letter of M. de Gouy, 

 Colonel of the 1st Hussars, to M. Bau- 

 cher : — 



*^ So far from the horse's muscular power 

 being lessened by the repetition of the flex- 

 ions, is it not increased by having all the 

 advantage of exercise over repose, of work 

 over indolence? Does not the muscular 

 system develop itself, physiologically speak- 

 ing, in proportion to these conditions ? Will 

 not address and vigor be the result of these 

 gymnastics ? Has the habitual difference be- 

 tween the forces of the right and the left arm 



