aight, at their fences. It is most
dangerous to ride an animal in this manner; because, if he makes a
mistake and falls, he will come down on his side and may roll over on to
his rider in his efforts to regain his feet. We may observe that when a
horse is lying on his side he invariably makes a preparatory half roll
in rising from that position.

The first thing to do when a horse comes down, is to try to get clear as
soon as possible, and to let go the reins, unless the rider can retain
them without any risk. She is so encumbered by her skirt, even if it is
only an apron, that she will probably get kicked or trodden on, if she
hangs on to the reins. "Scrutator" wisely remarks that "so long as there
is a chance of holding him together, the pigskin should not be
abandoned, but when that chance is gone, by your horse's fore-legs
getting into the ditch on the other side, throw yourself clear of him to
avoid a pommelling." In such times of difficulty and danger, a lady
should remember to leave her horse's mouth alone, and not frighten him,
at a moment when her life may depend on his remaining quiet. Whatever
happens, she should never utter a startled cry, for that will do no good
and may lead to disastrous results. Professor Sample, the American
"Horse Tamer," once found himself underneath a cart, while breaking a
horse to harness with the long reins. Enveloped as he was in his driving
reins, a bad accident might have resulted if he had not kept his
presence of mind, while his faithful "Jo," whom he called to his
assistance as if nothing had happened, came and helped him out of his
dangerous position. He then turned to the audience and calmly told them
that he was showing them "how not to do it!" When a lady gets a bad fall
out hunting, and we see her attended by men only, we should at once go
to her assistance, whether we know her or not; because it is always
better for a woman to have one of her own sex to help her and, if
necessary, unloosen any garments which are matters that men know nothing
about.

CHAPTER XVII.

RIDING AND HUNTING ABROAD.

I now turn to the pleasant subject of riding and hunting abroad, with
special reference to India, where almost all our fellow countrymen and
women ride and own horses. Even in lonely up-country stations which
contain only a few white residents, gymkhanas are often got up by
officers who train and ride their own horses and ponies. Nothing seems
to give these good sports