BIPEDS AND QIJADIIUPEDS. 161 



ridden) without such distress as to call forth our 

 feelings of commiseration; but I most cordially join 

 in the opinion of Mr. Harrison, that where fences 

 are made purposely of so formidable a character as 

 to call forth powers or judgment that the animal 

 does not possess, should a fatal accident occur, it 

 is virtually unpremeditated murder, arising from the 

 improper conduct of those placing such obstacles in 

 the way. 



His observations on the real owner of some 

 horses being often uncertain, is quite correct ; and I 

 have, in more than one instance, heard directions 

 given to a rider, at which humanity would, and man 

 should, unquestionably blush. 



I feel quite certain it would be beyond the powers 

 of the pen of the ablest writer, to change prevailing 

 opinion in anything, far less to put down any amuse- 

 ment that has taken firm hold of public taste ; 

 any attempt to do so would defeat its own object^ 

 produce decided resistance, and a dogged and de- 

 termined pertinacity to the cause deprecated. The 

 more politic measure is, not to totally deprecate the 



M 



