148 DRIVING. 



certainly some cause for their searching remarks, especially if 

 they are afflicted with that unfortunate complaint, ' want of nerve.' 

 But to those I would reply, if they will have patience to read a 

 few remarks, which are the result of long experience, that the 

 dangers of tandem-driving can always I may say invariably 

 be traced to one of three things : either badly-broken horses, 

 improper harnessing, or, last, but by no means least, inefficiency 

 on the part of many drivers. If these three items are thoroughly 

 attended to, I can confidently assert that the dangers of the 

 tandem are so minimised that they are m7, and this charming 

 and speedy mode of driving is rendered as safe as any other 

 form of conveyance. But without these precautions I confess 

 the strongest nerve will be shaken. Strange as it may appear, 

 although so many can see and delight to enlarge upon the 

 dangers of a tandem, these all-important matters are often entirely 

 disregarded. 



Frequently I have heard venturesome people say, ' I have 

 got two ponies ' or horses, whichever it may be * why not 

 start a tandem ? It would be rather fun.' These are, indeed, 

 people with iron nerves, and no wonder they terrify those who 

 are minus that quality. These daring individuals would not, in 

 all probability, suggest ' starting a team of four horses,' in this 

 sort of way, without knowing how to train the horses, nor how 

 to harness them, probably even how to hold the reins. And 

 yet these people will, with the greatest confidence, ' rush in 

 where angels fear to tread/ and endeavour to make two un- 

 trained animals do a thing which no experienced driver would 

 attempt without great care ; for tandem-driving is just as diffi- 

 cult to accomplish with safety as driving four horses. The two 

 arts are in reality but one ; the principles are the same, as I 

 hope to show, only with a tandem the driver requires the greatest 

 quickness and a very light hand. Of course, sooner or later a 

 shocking accident is sure to be the result of inexperienced 

 handling, and the tandem is then condemned. 



I will now point out the way danger is to be avoided, explain 

 the best manner of harnessing a tandem, and the different little 



