"By the above scale, it will be seen that each horse has his thirty pounds of provender in twentyfour hours, which I maintain is full as much as any horse ought to eat, and more than some can eat. The two ounces of salt will be found an excellent stimulus to the horse's stomach, and should on no account be omitted. When a horse returns from labour, perhaps the groom will see the propriety of feeding him from his tub more largely, in order that he may be sooner satisfied, and lie down to take his rest. "Whenever oat-straw can be procured, it is generally preferred, and some like to have it cut into chaff, without thrashing out the oats: but this is a bad plan; for in preparing a quantity of this food, unequal proportions of oats will be found in each lot; so that one horse will have too large a portion, whilst others have less than they ought, although the portions are accurately weighed. The only certain method then is, to let the grain, of whatsoever description, be weighed separately from the straw, and the keeper of horses will soon satisfy himself that his cattle are in want of nothing in the feeding line. "Many people object to potatoes, and think them unfit for working-horses; but from many years' experience, I am enabled to recommend them as a constituent part of the thirty pounds, and am convinced that it is as wholesome and nutritious a food as can be procured for labouring horses, which are called upon sudden emergencies to perform great tasks, as has been abundantly proved by "Wiveliscombe, Sept. 11, 1826." dickey, or rumble-tumble, behind, in which sit the two servants, whose appearance seems to testify that they are by no means unwor thy of such an honour-for the neat kerseymere breeches, with boot tops white as snow, are all in a piece with the rest of the equipage, whilst their agility and quickness when wanted by their SIR JOHN FAGG ON THE ROAD. master, is a plain proof that they SIR, Was much pleased with NIMROD's account, in your last Num ber, of those gentlemen who pride themselves in being adepts in the art of driving. He has handled the subject with that perspicuity and exactness so generally to be found in his valuable letters. It being in my power to say a few words on one individual, whose whole heart and soul is centred in the whip, I take pen in hand to trespass a few moments on the patience of your readers. The individual to whom I allude is Sir JOHN FAGG, living within a few miles from Canterbury, and who may justly boast of as neat a turn-out as any in East Kent. The tout ensemble is imposing at the very first glance. The worthy Baronet, in his entire establishment, appears to preserve the “modus în rebus," and aim after the attainment of a neat equipage, not a gaudy one. Greys are his favorite colour, and the resplendent brass, together with the smooth shining leather, speak volumes in praise of the industry of his domestics. No small share of labour must be expended in preserving such extreme neatness. The vehicle Sir John is in the habit of driving is a landau, with a are of the "right sort." Nothing, I think, is more disgusting than to see a lazy rascal creeping down from a carriage, as if afraid of breaking his stupid pate, and with mouth wide open hesitating to perform the wishes of his master. How different is the conduct of these agile fellows, who, when approaching a gate or any thing of the kind, are to be seen jumping with readiness from their seats, although their master may be tooling away at the rate of ten miles an hour. Sir John, I understand, is a good master; and thus it is that his servants are so attentive to his wishes. In short, that which to others would be considered a toil, is to them a pleasure. Sir John Fagg has a great partiality to cattle of a moderate size, deeming horses of about fifteen hands one or two inches more capable of going the pace than others of a larger stamp. I think that he has proved his opinion to be a true one, not only from theory but from practice, for his team, which now consists of small horses, can go their nine or ten miles an hour, and keep on at the same rate without any appearance of fatigue; indeed, he preserves his cattle in such rare condition, that with great difficulty are they to be sewn up." He drives mares or *See Curwen's Agricultural Hints, 1809. VOL. XIX. N. S.-No. 110. C geldings just as they may chance ther, although they may have trot-: The present age, I lament to say, is much too refined. By many persons the gentleman who takes a delight in the style of his team, and in the “ rattling of the bars,' is considered a rough unaccomplished clown; but greatly indeed are they mistaken, for no doubt the character of the coachman and the polite gentleman may be blended. Is it not far better for the English gentleman to be living at his private domain (which will be the case with him who takes pleasure in the science of the whip), and spending his income in his own neighbourhood, to the benefit and comfort of the poor of his parish, than to be sauntering in Hyde Park, or wasting his estate within the walls of a gaming house? Most certainly it is. What a happiness would it be for the country at large, if Noblemen of the present age would but be of my opinion! But, Mr. Editor, times are changed: I can only say I lament the misfortuno; and wishing long health and happiness to Sir John Fagg and his friends, remain yours sincerely, AN AMATEUR. |