88 HORSEMANSHIP FOR WOMEX. 



ventional that no courageous, kind-hearted, and sensible 

 young girl, however inexperienced, need be afraid of 

 committing any fatal solecism. The reason of this is 

 that the element of danger is never entirely absent, and 

 that the importance of assuring the safety and comfort 

 of yourself and companions, to say nothing of lookers- 

 on and passers-by, or of the noble and valuable animal 

 you ride, far transcends that of observing any mere 

 forms and ceremonies. 



DRESS. 



Fashion at present, both in this country and in Eng- 

 land, requires that the whole riding costume be as sim- 

 ple as possible, and entirely without ornament. For- 

 merly much more latitude was allowed, and very pretty 

 effects were produced with braid trimming across the 

 breast, a little color at the neck, and a slouched hat with 

 long feather or floating veil — witness the picture of the 

 Empress Eugenie when Countess Montijo, and many a 

 charming family portrait besides — but now fashion pro- 

 nounces all that sort of thing " bad form," and a word 

 to the wise is sufficient. The habit itself must be quite 

 dark, or even black, perfectly plain in the waist, with 

 black buttons up to the neck, and with a scant, short 

 skirt only just long enough to cover the feet. The 

 cuffs and collar must be of plain linen, no color or flut- 

 ter of ribbon being anywhere permissible. The hand- 

 kerchief must not be thrust in the breast, but kept in 



