HORSE DEALERS. 51 



again." I requested tlie gentleman to accompany me to 

 his stable. He did so, and mth his permission I asked 

 the coachman to harness the pair. I saw where the 

 trouble was instantly. The harness was an old-fashioned 

 set with long bar bits and curb straps which were short 

 and the reins being buckled down in the lower bar 

 made it very severe ui)on a high-spirited horse with a 

 tender mouth. The horse became restiye before being 

 put to the carriage. I took the curb strap off altogether 

 and buckled the reins in the cheek ring and with the 

 gentleman on the box beside\me, drove out. The horse 

 acted splendidly, indeed I could not get him to go 

 wrong. The gentleman was satisfied and wisely com 

 eluded to keep the horse and dispose of the coach- 

 man. He certainly made a change for the best. 



