232 LADIES ON HOESEBACK. 



riding-school, but from my own experience I 

 strongly advise all girls beginning to ride 

 on the road never to mount their steeds 

 without a sharp spur on their left boot. The 

 second time I went out riding, when I was 

 fourteen, my cob, startled by some noise, 

 suddenly began to rear and pitch vigorously. 

 I appHed my whip sharply across his flank, 

 but without effect. I then gave him a series 

 of sharp pricks with my spur, which com- 

 pletely subdued him. Had I been without a 

 spur I should probably have been thrown and 

 severely injured. I should certainly prefer a 

 spur with a rowel as ** Southern Cross " 

 recommends, but would it not be apt to tear 

 the habit ? 



I am, &c. 



Mabel Florence Eaynb. 

 The Firs, Cheltenham, 

 November 1, 1880. 



Sir, — ^A correspondent in your last number 

 advises ladies to use a rowel spur, with five 



