IN THE FIELD. 323 



would do well to lean forward and catch hold of her 

 horse's mane, if he has one, or of the breastplate, so as 

 to avoid letting her weight make the saddle slip, and 

 also to put her weight well forward and thus assist the 

 horse. She should let him take a zigzag course, and 

 should on no account interfere with his head by pulling 

 on the reins. We may notice that a waggoner with a 

 heavy load always takes his horse in a zigzag direction 

 up a steep hill, as it is easier for the animal, and 

 allows him occasional intervals for rest, if necessary. 

 We should ride slowly and save our mount as much 

 as possible on such occasions. 



When we go a-hunting we should not forget to 

 provide ourselves with a pocket-handkerchief of a 

 useful size ; for a dab of mud on the face is a 

 common occurrence. Our noses and often our eyes 

 require ** mopping " on a cold day, and as the small 

 square of lace bedecked or embroidered cambric 

 which usually does duty as a handkerchief, is totally 

 unable to meet the various calls made upon it, it is 

 ridiculously out of place. If a watch is needed, it is 

 most conveniently carried in a leather wristlet made 

 for the purpose, as it can then be consulted at any 

 moment, by merely raising the hand, without having 

 to fumble for a watch-pocket. 



I must not omit mention of the necessary flask 

 and sandwich case, which are generally given into 

 the charge of the second horseman ; but if a one- 

 horse lady goes home at the change of horses, she 

 will not require a *' snack." 



21* 



