230 Tally ho. 



tion he had experienced ; and I came to the conclu- 

 sion that the way to be well served is to treat those in 

 whom you place trust, in a generous spirit. 



Returning to the subject of Mr. Behrens^ stud, 

 there is one pleasing feature, namely, the association 

 of birds and animals with the horses. The first to 

 attract my attention was a handsome goat, which 

 accompanied Mr. Hughes into every stall, in perfect 

 confidence that these highly-bred and high-condi- 

 tioned nags would not harm him. Then I saw several 

 bantams flying about and perching on the back of any 

 horse they might fancy ; and a splendid owl, who, 

 retiring from general observation, ensconces himself in 

 a gloomy corner, ready, nevertheless, to be down 

 upon any stray kitten or unfortunate chicken that 

 may come within the grasp of his powerful claws; 

 whilst a handsome fox terrier roams about apparently 

 on excellent terms with everything. 



I have never seen a number of animals so quiet as 

 these. Not unfrequently the occupants of loose 

 boxes, when stripped for examination, have a tendency 

 to lash out with their hind legs, and to exhibit many 

 playful little ways, suggestive of a not too close 

 approach to their heels, and I wonder whether the 

 association with these unusual companions had any- 

 thing to do with their gentleness. I think it not 

 improbable, as I believe that what is often treated as 

 a vicious act on the part of a horse is in reality simply 

 the result of nervousness. Kindness, and the exhibi- 

 tion of confidence, will do more, in my opinion, to 

 render animals gentle and tractable than any amount 

 of blows and brutality. But now it is time to return 

 o the George to meet my bucolic friends, and join in 



