Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1874-05-26
NO. 1876.
#isfella,
A WOMAN AND A BALKY HORSE.
BY GRACE WEBSTER HINsDALE.

In front of physicians resi-.
colored servant. The doctor had evident
the horse, on the contrary, wanted to stop.
l will not attempt to imagine what the
necessities of the case might have been;
l can think Of good many things which
might appear to demand haste on the part
of the doctor, and an entire self-abnega-
ton on the part Of horse but my reader
must be content with the fact that the ami
NAL of which / write was almost human in
his abominable selfishness, and wouldn't
bulge.
1t was an occasion to stir and exasper-
ate all the evil humors in the breasts Of
those two men. One expended his wrath
in the most effective way he knew how,
while he held the reins, the other indulged
himself in an extravagant exercise of his
boots. In fact, they made IAN exhaus-
tive statement of their opinion" to that
balky animal in the most explicit language
which they knew how to address to the
BRUTE still, that defiant horse maintained
his independence of all coersion, and stood
before the door waiting his own consent
to depart. 1t would not come! The ne
gro at the bride and the doctor in the gig
were in a pitable, not to say ridiculous,
condition Of dismay and discouragement.
My sympathy was about equally divided
between the doctor and his patient and the
horse for the irritated descendent of Ham
who used his boots with such incessant
and unmitigated severity. felt no anxiety
or tenderness.
With proud consciousness of my abil-
ity to start the doctor on his errand and
the horse on the road, advanced to the
edge of the sidewalk and called out
to the man who held that triumphant ami
NAL by the head. Down went his upraised
foot, while, in as concise manner as
possible, presented my views of the diff
Guilty and its probable relief.
l remarked (what the poor fellow al
ready knew that the horse was determined
not to go; but then, after this apparently
unnecessary introduction, l advised a
prompt and absolut diversion of the animal
from his present state of mind. enquired
if he had string in his pocket; fortunate
ly he had just what was needed. "Now"
l said, "wind that little cord pretty tight
ly round one of the horses ears, and,
think, the trouble for this time will be
over"
With q curious expression, which l
should enjoy seeing we'll represented on
canvas, the man obeyed. What faith the
doctor had don't know. but he lifted the
reins invitingly, and without the slightest
acknowledgement to me drove down the
avenue. The negro looked after him in
utter amazement, once in awhile turning
to gaze at the woman who had ventured
suggestion. The horse had wide-awake
expression about his ears and in his action,
but behaved with all evidence of good-na-
ture-his mind was diverted effectually,
though not in manner to frighten him or
to rouse his vicious qualities.
A grocer stopped his cart to enjoy the
contest, and seeing the stubborn creature
so simply controlled, he jumped from his
wagon, and coming close to me. exclaimed
"Well, l never saw the beat of that ~
You can try it, said, land very often
you'll succeed; if horse balks, divert his
mind from his determination. Tying
string round his ear (and leaving it there,
not pulling iD, will set him thinking about
that, and he will forget that ne meant TO
stand still all the afternoOn"
Did you ever try this principle of diver
sion on balky children ?-HearM and
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