86 . DRIVING. 



second-rate man may have to suffice in some establishments, 

 the owner must remember that the mud should be removed 

 before it dries on the carriage. While it is soft it comes off 

 without difficulty ; does not need scrubbing, or picking off with 

 the finger-nails (an operation which is sure to scratch the 

 panel) ; and does not leave a stain behind it. Then, when 

 the mud has "been removed, and water has been thrown over 

 the carriage, the latter should be carefully dried, as the drops 

 of water, if allowed to dry on, spoil the panels. 



The writer w r ould here suggest that the inexperienced horse- 

 owner would do well, at the outset of his career, to look on 

 while his carriage, horses, and harness are being cleaned after 

 use on a muddy day. His presence may, in the first place, 

 lead to the work being done thoroughly, and as it should be 

 done ; while, secondly, and more important still, the owner 

 will discover, if he did not know it before, that the cleaning 

 of an equipage is a lengthy process. As neither horses, car- 

 riage, nor harness should ever be sent out dirty, the master will 

 realise the fact that to constantly have his carriage in and out 

 for short journeys is unfair both to his servants and his 

 property. If, however, he insists upon being driven to the 

 station in the morning, hands over the carriage to his wife for 

 afternoon purposes, and requires to be taken to theatre or 

 dinner in the evening, he must man his establishment accord- 

 ingly, if he would have justice done to himself and his chattels. 

 We would protest in the strongest manner against things being 

 half done. A carriage which is merely rubbed over on half a 

 dozen occasions for every one that it is thoroughly washed ; 

 bits that are burnished one day and just wiped the next, will 

 never look well, and never do credit to the stable servants. If 

 you are so situated or inclined as to need a conveyance at short 

 intervals throughout the day, for what may approximate to 

 business purposes, get a cheap cart, a rough pony, and inexpen- 

 sive harness, and do not pretend to keep any of them up to the 

 mark. The turn-out will then look what it is, merely a conveni- 

 ence ; but do not get good horses, carriages, and let us hope 



