LEAKNING. 15 



more unnecessary than an outlay of labour 

 upon a portion of the article which is always 

 concealed beneath the rider's right leg. There 

 might be some sense, although very little, in 

 decorating the off-side and imparting to it 

 something of an ornamental appearance ; but 

 in my opinion there cannot be too much 

 simplicity about everything connected with 

 riding appointments. A plainness, amounting 

 even to severity, is to be preferred before any 

 outward show. Eibbons, and coloured veils, 

 and yellow gloves, and showy flowers are alike 

 objectionable. A gaudy " get up " (to make 

 use of an expressive common-place) is highly 

 to be condemned, and at once stamps the 

 wearer as a person of inferior taste. There- 

 fore avoid it. Let your saddle be, like your 

 personal attire, remarkable only for its perfect 

 freedom from ornament or display. Have it 

 made to suit yourseK — neither too weighty, 

 nor yet too small — and if you want to ride 

 with grace and comfort, desire that it be 

 constructed without one particle of the 

 objectionable dip. There is a very old- 

 established and world-noted firm in Piccadilly 



