LEAPING WALLS WITH DITCHES. 265 



The same instructions to the horseman hold good 

 with regard to stone walls as to timber fences, at 

 least to those met with in England, which are loose, 

 and without ditches. But in several parts of Scot- 

 land the case is different, as the sportsman very 

 frequently has to encounter walls with ditches on 

 one side or the other of them. In consequence of 

 their being placed at some distance from the wall, 

 to prevent the water which runs down them under- 

 mining the foundation of it, there is frequently 

 room, when the ditch is on the rising side, for a 

 horse to leap the ditch, and take a second spring 

 from the intermediate space, and so clear the wall. 

 But when he has to leap the wall, with the ditch 

 on the landing side, it becomes a very difficult 

 fence, and must be ridden at with judgment. If 

 the ditch be not too far from the wall, to come 

 within the stretch of a hunter, he should be ridden 

 quickly at it, and well roused by the rider, to make 

 him extend himself sufficiently ; but if it be too 

 far, he should be put very slowly at the wall, so ay 

 to enable him to drop with his hinder-legs at least, 

 on the intermediate space, and thence spring over 

 the ditch. This fence is very trying to horses not 

 accustomed to it ; and with those which are, one 

 fact becomes apparent, namely, that the mere hold- 

 ing the reins of a bridle does not constitute what 

 is called " a hand" on a horse. A workman with 

 a " finger" is wanted here. 



In riding at every description of timber, your 

 seat as well as your hand requires attention. You 

 have already been told on what part of your horse 



