164 DRIVING AS I FOUND IT. 



tator. It was on the morning of the celebration of the 

 Centennial, in 188S. An old-fashioned Concord coach 

 was brought from the West to take part in the pro- 

 cession. It had been previously advertised in the daily 

 press as being a true representation of the Western 

 coach, and was to be driven by a regular A\'estern 

 driver. I happened to be on the corner of Fifty-fourth 

 street and Sixth avenue when the coach with six horses 

 came down Fifty -fourth street to\^'ards the avenue on 

 its way to join the parade. The driver was sitting on 

 the box-seat in; a half stooping position, with his hands 

 and arms extended over the foot-board, grasping three 

 reins in each hand and the whip with the thong tied in 

 a bow helplessly resting in the ^vhip-socket. I shall 

 never forget the look of despair which the driver ex- 

 hibited when reaching the corner, which I presume he 

 wished to turn, judging by the orders he gave the two 

 men who were evidently acting as running footmen — 

 one on each side of the leaders. With their assistance 

 the corner was turned with difficulty, the driver never 

 once altering or shortening his reins. He apDeared to 

 have no idea of knowing how to make a turn, and it 

 was reall}^ distressing to see him at Avork. I have, 

 however, been repeatedly told stirring stories of the 

 dexterity of these Western six-horse drivers, and a 

 little incident which occurred not very long ago is 



