CONCLUSION". 243 



the latter, but would dispense with the 

 onerous obligations which appertained to an 

 elevated rank. The desire of showing off 

 in public places, or motives still more frivo- 

 lous, sometimes lead gentlemen of our times 

 to commence the study of horsemanship; 

 but soon wearied of a work without satisfac- 

 tory results, they find only a monotonous 

 fatigue where they sought a pleasure, and 

 are satisfied that they know enough,- as soon 

 as they can stick passably well in the saddle. 

 So insufficient a knowledge of horsemanship, 

 as dangerous as it is thoughtless, must neces- 

 sarily occasion sad accidents. They then 

 become disgusted with horsemanship and 

 horses ; and as nothing obliges them to con- 

 tinue the exercise, they give it up nearly 

 altogether — and so much the more easily, as 

 they naturally care very little about the 

 breeds of horses and their perfection. We 

 must then, as a preliminary measure in the 



