APPENDIX 243 



be best controlled, to become a principal feature in the 

 enjoyment and display of a driver who is supposed to 

 have a perfect management of the four-in-hand, either 

 singly or collectively. This would apply equally to those 

 who were entrusted with the animal for a more useful, 

 though less brilliant purpose. 



It is an old saying, and a very true one, as I have my- 

 self experienced, that four horses well put together are 

 half driven ; therefore, no man can be a proficient in the 

 art without paying the nicest attention to the bitting, 

 bridling, harnessing, putting to and coupling his team ; 

 and without such attention, as well as to the proper length 

 of each trace, the pole-chains, and a projDer adjustment 

 of the curb, and seeing that the collar, pads, and harness 

 fit in every part — that every buckle and strap is in its 

 right ]Dlace — no man can drive in crowded streets with 

 precision or safety. By this attention too, the horse 

 goes with more ease to himself, and is less likely to gall 

 and chafe, which will frequently make the best-tempered 

 animal fretful and fractious in harness. 



I do not j)retend ever to have been a perfect master of 

 this useful as well as fashionable and exhilarating art. 

 I knew my own inferiority, at the same time I could j^ro- 

 nounce upon the merits of others ; and though I might 

 not, like that celebrated writer on the road, " Kimrod," 

 tell a coachman by the manner he drew his right-hand 

 glove on — the way in which he took hold of the reins 

 and mounted his box would give me some little idea 

 whether he was an adept in the art or not. The conse- 

 quence and the necessity of paying a strict attention to and 

 acquiring a perfect knowledge of these early rudiments 



