TRYING YKAIU.INGS. 241 



about ; and, as they arc kind in their tempers, I 

 have no doubt they will all go straight enough to 

 the end, therefore you need not go farther with 

 them than to see them all settled in their stride ; 

 you may then take a pull, and gradually or im- 

 perceptibly, as it were, decline running on with 

 them, but just take care to wait as far in the 

 rear of them as to see how each of the boys gets 

 on with his colt. I shall be waiting for them 

 about the winning-post." The groom is next to 

 give his orders to the boys who are to ride the 

 colts, either in the stable, or as he is going along 

 with them to the ground. He says—'* You must 

 mind, boys, what you are about this morning, in 

 riding your colts in their trial ; mind what Charles 

 will presently tell you; and, as you are walking 

 up to the starting-post, be sure you are all ready 

 with your reins knotted, and keep a steady hold of 

 your colts' heads, so that when he gives you the 

 word to come off with him, take all the care you 

 possibly can to come away together; do not, on 

 any account, let any thing like a false start hap- 

 pen to any of you. But now, boys, you must 

 mind, after you are all well off, not to get pull- 

 ing or holding of your colts as if you were riding- 

 horses in a race; you must be sure not to do that 

 sort of thing." The groom, now addressing him- 



VOL. 11. R 



