SCIENCE OF FOXHCJNTING. 407 



saddle ? Little air and less exercise can be expected 

 from the former ; whereas nothing can be more de- 

 lightful than a brisk canter over downs, or through 

 green lanes, on a fine balmy spring morning. In 

 these days, also, of crinolines and wide-flowing 

 dresses, it is quite reviving to see a good figure in a 

 riding habit, which sets off the form to the greatest 

 advantage. 



Out of the large number of ladies, however, who 

 ride to meet or follow hounds, there are very few 

 Dianas who really enjoy the sport, and can take a 

 line of their own across country. When a man falls 

 at a fence his misadventure excites little or no com- 

 passion from his brothers in pink more often a 

 laugh but when a woman comes to grief there is no 

 gentleman in the field who would not give up his 

 place to render her every assistance in his power. 

 Such acts of gallantry and attention show the feel- 

 ings of a true sportsman, as well as of a well-bred 

 man. We confess our anxiety on their account 

 when seeing them in full chase, riding at fences 

 which many men would decline, and with a spirit 

 characteristic of their sex; for the minds of these 

 gentle creatures, when aroused to acts of daring and 

 activity, are not only on an equality, but often 

 surpass the most courageous of the sterner sex. 



It has been remarked over and over again that 

 horses, however fractious with men, become suddenly 

 quiet and tractable when handled by women one 

 cause of which may be attributed to their holding 

 the reins as if with a silken thread, and the other 

 their more gentle treatment ; the suaviter in modo 



