THE HORSE AND HIS RIDER. 109 



thousand horses. Notwithstanding all these draw- 

 backs, however, the tabunshick, if he were vigilant 

 and careful, might always save money; but few of 

 them do so, and it rarely happens, that when invalided, 

 they have hoarded together a little capital to enable 

 them to embark in any more quiet occupation. 



The hardships to which they are constantly exposed, 

 and the high wages which they receive, make the 

 tabunshicks the wildest dare-devils that can be 

 imagined ; so much so, that it is considered a settled 

 point, that a man who has had the care of horses for 

 two or three years, is unfit for any quiet, or settled 

 kind of life. No one, of course, that can gain a tole- 

 rable livelihood m any other way, will embrace a 

 calling that subjects him to so severe a life ; and the 

 consequence is, that it is generally from among the 

 scamps of a village that servants are raised for this 

 service. They are seldom without money, and when 

 they do visit the brandy-shop, they are not deterred 

 from abandoning themselves to a carouse by the 

 financial consideration likely to restrain most men in 

 the same rank of life. They ought, it is true, never 

 to quit the taboon for a moment, but they will often 

 spend whole nights in the little brandy-houses of the 

 Steppe, drinking and gambling, and drowning in their 

 fiery potations all recollections of the last day's en- 

 durance. When their senses return with the return- 

 ing day, they gallop after their herds, and display 



