128 LADIES ON HORSEBACK. 



look for apples, and licks my hands and face 

 like a dog ; yet I have done nothing to 

 induce all this, except treating him with 

 uniform justice and kindness. He has carried 

 me most brilliantly through three successive 

 seasons without one single display of sulk or 

 bad temper. He knows not the totich of a 

 whip. I carry one, that the long lash, passed 

 through his bridle, may assist him when 

 necessary in getting over a trappy fence, at 

 which I may deem it prudent to dismount, but 

 the sight of it never inspires him with fear ; 

 if I showed it to him, he would probably lick 

 it, and then gaze inquiringly at me to see 

 if I were pleased with the novel performance. 

 To me, this noble and beautiful creature is 

 a priceless companion ; yet, strange to say, 

 nobody else (not even the most accompHshed 

 rider) can obtain any good of him. It is not 

 that he displays vice, but he simply will not 

 allow himseK to be ridden. I once happened 

 to mention this fact at our private dinner- 

 table, in presence of a distinguished major, 

 who had been boasting largely of his prowess 

 n the saddle, and who at once offered to lay 



