This book is included in the Self Reliance Ranching section.
Preface A FEW LINES only are necessary to explain the object with which these volumes are put forth. There is no modern encyclopaedia to which the inexperienced man, who seeks guidance in the practice of the various British Sports and Pastimes, can turn for information. Some books there are on Hunting, some on Racing, some on Lawn Tennis, some on Fishing, and so on; but one Library, or succession of volumes, which treats of the Sports and Pastimes indulged in by Englishmen and women is wanting. The Badminton Library is offered to supply the want. Of the imperfections which must be found in the execution of such a design we are conscious. Experts often differ. But this we may say, that those who are seeking for knowledge on any of the subjects dealt with will find the results of many years' experience written by men who are in every case adepts at the Sport or Pastime of which they write. It is to point the way to success to those who are ignorant of the sciences they aspire to master, and who have no friend to help or coach them, that these volumes are written. To those who have worked hard to place simply and clearly before the reader that which he will find within, the best thanks of the Editor are due. That it has been no slight labour to supervise all that has been written he must acknowledge; but it has been a labour of love, and very much lightened by the courtesy of the Publisher, by the unflinching, indefatigable assistance of the Sub-Editor, and by the intelligent and able arrangement of each subject by the various writers, who are so thoroughly masters of the subjects of which they treat. The reward we all hope to reap is that our work may prove useful to this and future generations. THE EDITOR. AUTHOR'S PREFACE. A FEW EXPLANATORY WORDS seem advisable in issuing the present volume the eleventh of the Badminton Library. The task of writing the book on Driving was originally undertaken by the late Major Henry Dixon, whose lamented death occurred when he had only written or sketched out a comparatively few pages. It was not an easy matter to select another author possessed of the necessary qualifications, among which I deemed essential an experience of the road in the old coaching days, together with a knowledge of modern developments and practice; and, finally, I decided to write myself such reminiscences of former days and comments on the coachmanship of to-day as seemed to further the object of the book, and to ask those of my friends who had special knowledge of particular subjects to contribute chapters on matters which they were peculiarly competent to treat. I may anticipate a possible criticism that, in the 'Hints to Beginners' and in one or two other places, something in the nature of repetition will be found. As just explained, however, the work of writing chapters on the art of driving was committed to several hands. If the various writers all agree in emphasising certain points and rules, it will be understood that these are matters upon which it seems desirable that emphasis should be laid; and it has been thought well, therefore, to let the different contributors offer their advice and experience in their own words. In the present volume there will be found more anecdote and personal reminiscence than in the previous books, the reason being that we have believed instruction and advice were thus conveyed in more interesting and agreeable fashion than if a balder and more didactic style had been employed. My thanks are due to those who have so readily come forward to assist me in the composition of this volume; to my old friend Lord Algernon St. Maur, whose experience of bygone days cannot fail to entertain all who are interested in driving; to Lady Georgiana Curzon, who speaks with authority as well as lucidity on the subject of Tandem- driving; to Lord Onslow, for his practical chapter; to Sir Christopher Teesdale, for his amusing and graphic reminiscences; to Colonel H. Smith-Baillie, for the instructive summary of the principles of coachmanship; to Mr. G. N. Hooper, for a treatise full of information; and to the late Major Dixon. BEAUFORT. Table of Contents. Chapter I. INTRODUCTION By the Duke of Beaufort, K. G. Chapter II. CARRIAGES By Alfred E. T. Watson. Chapter III. THE CARRIAGE-HORSE By the Earl of Onstow, G. C. M. G. Chapter IV. THE COACH-HORSE By the Duke of Beaufort, K. G. Chapter V. THE COACH-HOUSE, HARNESS-ROOM, AND DRIVING APPLIANCES By the late Major HenryDixon, W. C. A. Blew, and Others. Chapter VI. THE COST OF A CARRIAGE By Alfred E. T. Watson. Chapter VII. HINTS TO BEGINNERS. PART I. By the late Major Henry Dixon. PART II. By Colonel Hugh Smith-Baillie. Chapter VIII. SINGLE HARNESS By Lord Algernon St. Maur. Chapter IX. TANDEM-DRIVING By Lady Georgiana Curzon. Chapter X. QUOUSQUE TANDEM? By Major- General Sir C. Teesdale, R.A.,V.C., K. C. M. G. Chapter XI. OLD COACHING DAYS By Lord Algernon St. Maur. Chapter XII. 'ON THE BOX' By the Duke of Beaufort, K. G. Chapter XIII. THE BRIGHTON, BATH, AND DOVER ROADS By the Duke of Beaufort, K. G. Chapter XIV. DRIVING CLUBS, OLD AND NEW Chapter XV. THE COACHING REVIVAL Compiled by W. C. A. Blew. Chapter XVI. POSTING IN ENGLAND By the Duke of Beaufort, K.G. Chapter XVII. POSTING IN FRANCE By the Duke of Beaufort, K G. Chapter XVIII. SLEIGHING By Major- General Sir C. Teesdale, R.A.,V.C.,K. C. M. G. Chapter XIX. MODERN CARRIAGES By George N. Hooper. THE BIBLIOGRAPHY OF DRIVING INDEX End of Preview. 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