Applying Scientific Principles 21 



practice, proper riding-masters for the Army; 

 though I am thoroughly apprized, as the celebrated 

 Mr. Bourgelat observes, that an ill-founded pre- 

 judice partially directs the judgment of the greater 

 part of those people, who call themselves connois- 

 seurs. I know full well that they suppose that 

 practice alone can insure perfection, and that in their 

 arguments in favor of this their deplorable system, 

 they reject with scorn all books, and all authors: 

 but Equitation is confessedly a science; every science 

 is founded upon principles, and they must indispen- 

 sably be necessary, because what is truly just and 

 beautiful cannot depend upon chance. What indeed 

 is to be expected from a man, who has no other 

 guide than a long-continued practice, and who must 

 of necessity labor under very great uncertainties? 

 Incapable of accounting rationally for what he does, 

 it must be impossible for him to enlighten me, or 

 communicate to me the knowledge which he fancies 

 himself possessed of. How then can I look upon 

 such a man as a master? On the other hand, what 

 advantages may I not obtain from the instructions 

 of a person whom theory enables to comprehend 

 and feel the effects of his slightest operations, and 



