HATS OFF. 113 



quire one. He does all we can ask a horse to do, 

 carrying his head properly. If he does this, it must 

 be quite clear that an undue elevation of the head is 

 quite unnecessary in any necessary exertion, and that 

 preventing a loose-necked horse doing that which no 

 perfect horse ever attempts, can in no way curtail 

 his powers or action on the road or in the field. In 

 short, he can do every thing at his ease, except look 

 out for the Aurora Borealis ; and I conceive his as- 

 tronomical researches can be dispensed with without 

 prejudice to his value. 



I have been led to a much greater length than I 

 intended by this subject. I shall therefore only make 

 another remark or two upon it. Let it be remem- 

 bered, that, if we do confine a horse too much by 

 a martingal, it can only arise, first, from its being 

 put on too short, and, next, from the rider's want of 

 judgment and hands. The man who possesses these 

 always can and will give his horse all the liberty 

 required for his safety and comfort as well as that of 

 his rider, while hunting or on the road. I shall only 

 add, that I would never put a bad rider on a horse of 

 my own without a martingal : for then, give him an 

 easy snaffle, he may keep his hands where he pleases, 

 up to his ears, or in his pockets, my horse's mouth 

 will not be affected by them. God forbid it should ! 



Finding now that my pen has* got her head up, 

 and has for some time been going away with me much 

 farther than I intended she should have done, the 

 reader will, I dare say, be glad to find that I here 

 punish her by clapping on martingal No. 4. This 

 has stopped her career, and affords me the oppor- 

 tunity of very respectfully taking my leave. 



VOL. I. I 



