MODES OF SWIMMING A HOESE. 63 



the poor animal's equilibrium by pulling even an ounce 

 at his bridle. Indeed, in crossing a broad stream, the 

 most effectual way to prevent over-balancing him, and 

 also to stop his grunting, is either to slip sideways from 

 his back, and then, half-swimming, to be dragged along- 

 side him by a lock of his mane firmly entwined among 

 the fingers of the right hand, or, as is invariably practised 

 by the red Indians, to be towed by his tail, in which 

 case the man floating on the surface of the water is quite 

 safe from the heels of the horse struggling many feet below 

 him. By this plan, of course, the water, instead of the 

 horse, sustains the weight of the man. 



JUDICIOUS BIDING. 



In a closely-enclosed country, with slow hounds, a cold 

 scent, and a fat huntsman, a good jumping nag is what 

 is mainly required. But to follow fleet hounds across 

 large grass fields, however excellent may be a horse's 

 jumping, however clever at doubles, safe at timber, bold at 

 water ; and though to all of these accomplishments be 

 added every qualification of hand, heel, head, and heart, 

 which an experienced rider can possibly possess, "the 

 tottle of the whole " must inevitably amount to " disap- 



