W1LK1NS HOUSE. 421 



boldly for a large class, promising every man his money 

 back if the horse could not be made perfectly gentle to 

 drive in harness in forty minutes. Being compelled to 

 work in a barn, which was entirely unsuitable for such an 

 experiment, the treatment had to be limited to Second and 

 Third Methods, the Third being depended upon the most. 

 He submitted to treatment in about thirty minutes, and 

 drove to harness with entire success. Considering the pre- 

 vious character of the horse, the success of the experiment 

 was really remarkable, and far better than was expected 

 by any one ; still there were a few jockeys who were bound 

 to find fault. They claimed that the horse would not stay 

 broken, and offered to bet $100 that he could not be han- 

 dled or driven the next day. This I promptly met by of- 

 fering to put up $500 against it that it could be done in a 

 week from that time, when they backed down. 



Two days later, on my arrival at Russel, eight miles 

 distant, I found the people had been so prejudiced by the 

 parties named, that it was necessary to make a special ef- 

 fort there. To counteract such an impression, which I 

 knew would spread and destroy confidence in my work, I 

 telegraphed the owner to bring the horse there at my ex- 

 pense and risk, which he did, leading him behind an open 

 buggy. Upon testing him, which I did carefully, I found 

 him perfectly gentle, hitched him before my buggy, with 

 the breeching-straps loose, and drove him up and down hill, 

 and through the streets generally with perfect satisfaction. 



CASE 6. WILKINS HORSE. 



This is in some respects one of the most interesting 

 cases which has been referred to, on account of the 

 peculiar character and notoriety given him by the condi- 

 tions of his subjection by me (specially referred to in Per- 

 sonal Experience, page 51]). The last effort to break him 



