THE DKESS. 297 



be becoming and sufficiently dark. For country riding it 

 may be bordered a foot deep with leather. A habit oi' the 

 same should be worn in winter, adapted in shape to the 

 figure of the lady. If she be short and plump, the more 

 closely it fits the figure the better, particularly the sleeves, 

 which should never be large. If she be slight, the dress 

 may be opened in front and the sleeves loosened at the 

 wriist, with white linen chemisette and sleeves. No basque, 

 or a very slight one, should be worn, nor anything else 

 which will flutter in the wind. No ornament is needed. A 

 good effect of color and form is all that is seen or that is 

 desirable. 



" The fashion of a waistcoat of light material for summer, 

 revived from the fashion of the last century, is a decided 

 improvement, and so is the over-jacket, of cloth or seal- 

 skin, for rough weather. It is the duty of every woman to 

 dress in as becoming and attractive a manner as possible ; 

 there is no reason why pretty young girls should not in- 

 dulge in picturesque riding costume so long as it is appro- 

 priate. 



" Many ladies entirely spoil the set of the skirts by re- 

 taining the usual impedimenta of petticoats. The best 

 dressed horsewomen wear nothing more than a flannel che- 

 mise with long, colored sleeves, under their trousers. 



" Ladies' trousers should be of the same material and color 

 as the habit, and if full, flowing like a Turk's and fastened 

 witli an elastic band round the ankle, they will not be dis- 

 tinguished from the skirt. In this costume, which may bo 

 made amply warm by the folds of the trousers, plaited like 

 a Highlander's kilt, — fastened with an elastic band at the 

 waist,— a lady can sit down in a manner impossible for 

 one encumbered by two or three short petticoats. It is the 

 chest and back which require double folds of protection 

 during, and after, strong exercise." 



