The obstinate postboy. 



CHAPTER XVI. 



POSTING IN ENGLAND. 



BY THE DUKE OF BEAUFORT, K.G. 



IN writing of driving it would be scarcely possible to pass over, 

 without some short notice, the posting which, in ante-railroad 

 days, was the only method of locomotion open to those who 

 did not travel by public conveyances. Though a journey by 

 mail-coach in England, and by the malJe-poste or diligence in 

 France, was often most enjoyable, the pace all that could be 

 desired, the driving brought to the greatest perfection, and 

 accidents very rare, there was always the disadvantage of being 

 tied to particular times, and the inability of choosing one's 

 company. Posting in private carriages with post-horses in 

 England on the main roads was by far the most comfortable 



