But now, or in the perfect time, we know
The joy returns while labor yet abides;
Life’s round and fair, and, delving deep below,
We find the joy that early pleasure hides.
—The Journal of Speculative Philosophy.
[DRIVING.]
There is now no branch of outdoor education of greater importance than that of an ability to “handle the ribbons.” Not a man or woman but would be ashamed to say that they were incompetent, if in fair health and strength, to pilot their own carriage. And yet, though so large a proportion of society can boast a smattering of the science, there is no pursuit in which perfection is proportionately so rarely attained.
The first requisite for a tyro is to learn to sit well, and so to acquire the proper scope for his own power over his horse.
The seat should be above, or at least on a level, with the horses’ heads, not below them; and it should, moreover, be so placed that the driver can use his legs and feet to restrain the pull of the horses if necessary, and that can not be done if the reins pull down over the splash-board into the driver’s lap.