One more example I may adduce--which, had I not been an eye-witness of it, I should find it difficult to believe--illustrates the courage of the horse and the folly of the man. A dealer was showing a horse, in harness, to a customer who, after a short trial, finding that the animal was likely to suit him, inquired if he would jump. Being assured that he would, the intending purchaser requested that a hurdle might be set up. Another gentleman, probably Irish, then assumed the vacant seat in the tilbury, and to the dealer's utter amazement the horse was dashed at the obstacle. There was no refusal; the obedient animal bounded at the hurdle (a good stiff one), was brought up by the wheels and shafts of the gig, and tumbled backwards into the vehicle, uninjured. The results to the gentlemen were less than their folly deserved--a broken collarbone apiece--sprained wrists, and various contusions, at least severe enough to confine them to their beds for several days. * * * * * I now humbly submit these my Road Scrapings to the reader, in the earnest hope that I may have, in some measure, cleared the way for those who are disposed to avail themselves of my suggestions, and enlivened it for those who are not. THE END. CHARLES DICKENS AND EVANS, CRYSTAL PALACE PRESS. FOOTNOTES: [1] This coach was managed and driven by Captain Laurie and Captain Haworth. [2] This mare was in the English stud-book under the name of the "Lawyer's Daughter." [3] It is always desirable that the wheelers should start the load, as the leaders, if free starters, may jump into their work, and either spring a bar or bring the coach so suddenly on the wheel-horses that the trial may be too great for the weight of their heels. [4] Silver-mounted harness, with red morocco collars. [5] Heavy road parcels were frequently stowed underneath the coach upon a swinging shelf, called "the cellar." [6] Possibly tied to it. [7] Corresponding with Tally-ho in fox-hunting, to announce a view. [8] Russell's "waggons took twelve days between Falmouth and London, drawn by eight powerful horses--the driver riding a pony. [9] A part of the waggon kept for passengers. [10] The term "shouldering" referred to many short shillings which were not put upon the way-bill, consequently perquisites of coachmen and guards. [11] So primitive was the manner in which draught-horses were used that I know an instance of horses being attached to a plough by the hair of their tails. [12] The requisition fee for a party in those days was accompanied by the tender of a guinea to the officer in command. ERRATA. Page 5. For "Cheny Angel," _read_ "Cherry Angel." " 10. } " 25. } For "tenet," _read_ "terret." " 52. } " 36. For "Tynemouth," _read_ "Teignmouth." " 60. For "now the Bride," _read_ "now the Buda." " 132. For "Bamby Moor," _read_ "Barnby Moor." TINSLEY BROTHERS' NEW PUBLICATIONS.