O. S. Pratt

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INTRODUCTION—EARLY LIFE—THIRST FOR KNOWLEDGE—FIRST ATTEMPTS IN BUSINESS—SUCCESS—MARRIAGE.

In the social interchanges of life it is always pleasant to possess some knowledge of the antecedent history of the ones we meet; to know who and what they are; while to one who feels that there is something in his own career not unworthy of notice, there is a satisfaction in recounting the steps by which his success has been attained; especially, if in gaining it he has been called to contend with difficulties and vanquish obstacles which opposed his progress. Such narratives may prove helps and encouragements, as they show what energy and perseverance have achieved, and thus stimulate others to stronger and more successful endeavors. This was taught by the greatest of our American poets in his well-known lines:

“Lives of great men all remind us

We may make our lives sublime;

And, departing, leave behind us

Foot-prints on the sands of time.”

Although few men may lay claim to greatness in its military, political or literary sense, there is something in every earnest life which will interest and instruct other men, and which may prove an assistance to some, who, with failing hearts are engaged in life’s stern battle. With this brief explanation of his design, the author of the following pages trusts to receive the favorable attention of his readers as he proceeds to recount the leading incidents of a somewhat eventful career.

I was born in the town of Darien, Genesee County, in the State of New York, on the seventh day of December, A. D. 1835. There, amidst the quiet and elevating influences of nature, the bright days of my infancy and childhood were passed, until my boyhood’s days were over, and my fifteenth year of life was reached.

My father owned the farm on which we lived, besides being the proprietor of several mills, and, like many other purely practical men, he had a higher appreciation of material than of intellectual advantages. As a consequence, he was more desirous that I should early engage in the active business of the farm, than that I should employ hours, which might be made profitable in work, in studies which paid no immediate profit.

At the age of eight years I was often sent after the cows, barefooted, and a distance of nearly a mile through the woods, coming home after the shades of night had fallen, and being obliged to trace my way by following the cows in the narrow path made by them. Day after day, in my great desire to secure an education, I would beg my father to send me to school, but always he had work for me to do, and thus my endeavors were foiled. But such was my determination to secure an education, that I resolved, at all hazards, to go to school, and often did I jump from my bed-room window and run a distance of half a mile to the school-house. My greatest ambition was to be a merchant, and I knew that I must procure at least a limited scholastic education to enable me to succeed in my anticipated calling. But, while I was laying my youthful plans for the future, my father would lay plans for work, and often, on returning at night from school, I would hide in the barn till after dark, dreading the punishment which awaited me for having gone to school in place of working.

THE OLD HOMESTEAD, DARIEN, GENESEE CO., N. Y.

At the age of ten years I have taken a team, gone alone into the woods and loaded saw-logs on a sleigh, using the horses to draw up the logs. As my father owned a saw-mill as well as a farm, it seemed to him necessary that every effort should be put forth to keep both branches of business going; therefore, no time was allotted to his children for securing an education. Many times have I approached him, timidly and with tears, humbly requesting to be allowed to go to school, when, instead of responding to my desire, he would send me to the saw-mill to work; and at the age of twelve or thirteen I ran the mill alone, though, while doing so, I have had to mount on the lever and load it with extra weight, as I was not heavy enough to raise the water-gate. Thus I labored on from month to month, until I was fourteen, in the meantime going but little to school. Many times I would lay plans to run away, believing that I could do for myself, and make my own mark in the world.

Money, in those times and in that region, was not plentiful, and I was early taught its value, a lesson of great practical value to a youth who has to hew his own path through life. Many times I have traveled miles on a special errand for a neighbor, or for some traveler, and received as compensation a single penny. Money, so hardly acquired, was not to be expended lightly, and I saved my little earnings till the accumulated sum amounted to four dollars. This seemed to me like quite a fortune. I now felt myself to be a capitalist, and, naturally, the desire to use my riches to advantage led me to seek some profitable investment which would increase my wealth. My earliest speculation was the purchase of a gun; but after the first pleasure of its possession had passed, I saw my mistake in having expended money for something that would yield me no increase, and began to look around for an opportunity to retrieve my error. Soon a chance occurred for me to trade the gun off for a cow. I saw there was “money in it,” and closed the bargain, thus turning my first mistake into a profitable investment. Having become the owner of a cow, my ambition was awakened to increase my stock, and I kept my attention fixed in that direction until I was the sole proprietor of three cows. I had now entered on my fifteenth year, and having learned one day, in conversing with my father, that his intention was soon to sell his farm and stock, and remove to the Far West, I proposed to him to allow me to carve my own way in the world. I felt ambitious to strike out for myself, and “paddle my own canoe.” To this my father consented, when, after selling my cows and receiving the money, with all my fortune in my pockets, I bade farewell to the parental roof and its many pleasant associations, looking for the last time upon the

“Old family Bible that lay on the stand,”

and taking that decisive step by which I was to become the architect of my own fortune.

Having an uncle who resided in the town of Byron, I turned my steps in that direction, and for the ensuing winter found a home beneath his roof. During that season I devoted myself to study, attending the village school under the superintendence of Mr. Bennum, whom I greatly esteemed, and whose many acts of kindness linger in my memory to the present hour.

On the opening of spring my thoughts turned towards commercial life, and I devoted my time to becoming better acquainted with various business avocations, intending to adopt some profitable employment. After reflecting well, I took the money I had accumulated and with it purchased a horse, wagon, and harness. Then, through the kindness of a dear friend, who became responsible for me, I was loaned one hundred dollars, and with this as my working capital I commenced traveling over the country, buying produce and shipping it to Buffalo and New York.

I continued in this business until the year 1855, when, having arrived at the age of twenty, I began to think of enlarging my operations. Influenced by this desire, I directed my course to the beautiful and flourishing town of Batavia, where I secured a store and became a dealer in all kinds of produce, shipping it, as before, to Buffalo and New York.

FIRST STORE IN BATAVIA, N. Y.

The cut here given is an accurate representation of my first place of business, and speaks for itself in regard to the size and general appearance of the place. It was, however, as it proved, insufficient for the business which flowed in upon me and increased so greatly that soon I found it necessary to secure larger and more commodious premises. At the time of doing this I determined to still further extend my business by opening a wholesale and retail grocery and provision store. Fortune smiled on my endeavors, and all evidences encouraged the belief that I was on the direct road to wealth.

Having thus attained a good position in business, my mind began to make excursions in another direction. The wisest of men has said that “Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing,” and, having a natural liking for “a good thing,” I found my thoughts led to the important subject of marriage, until I finally determined to try the experiment of trading in the matrimonial market. After thus deciding, it took me but a short time to reach the important object contemplated, for, it would seem, I was specially directed in my course. I formed the acquaintance of Miss Northrop, an estimable and accomplished young lady, the only daughter of the late Dr. Northrop, and soon the fair one was led to the hymeneal altar and became the wife and partner of O. S. Pratt.

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CHAPTER II.

ENLARGING BUSINESS—ATTACHMENT TO THE HORSE—VISITS TO BATAVIA OF RAREY AND HAMILTON—MY OWN SYSTEM—GOING BEFORE THE PUBLIC—EARLY SUCCESSES.

Having now made myself a home and feeling permanently settled, I desired to still further increase my business, but finding my capital somewhat too limited for the amount I wished to transact, I sought assistance from an esteemed friend, Elandus Dotey, Esq., banker. The aid I sought was given with a cheerfulness that added to its value, and enabled me to carry into execution the plans which I had formed. The accommodations I received frequently amounted to from ten thousand to twenty-five thousand dollars, thus placing ample means in my hands for extended operations and enabling me to do a large and remunerative business in which I continued up to the year eighteen hundred and sixty-seven.

BRICK STORE.

During these business years in Batavia my attachment for that noble animal, the horse, gradually increased, and learning that a horse trainer by the name of Rarey, intended visiting the town, I was one of the first to seek for and obtain what knowledge I could from him; but finding his system to be not at all practical, I applied myself to the investigation of the subject, and began experimenting with a view to the discovery of a better, simpler and more certain system.

Some years later it was rumored that a gentleman named R. P. Hamilton, who was self-announced as “the great renowned horse trainer,” would give instruction on the subject. He soon made his appearance, and, with others, I attended his lectures. Mr. Hamilton advanced some valuable ideas which I gladly adopted and added to my former knowledge, and when I had grasped all that was valuable in his instructions, and united it to the results of my own experiments, I felt assured that, ere long, I should reach the height of my ambition and develop a system of educating the horse far in advance of anything then known, and by which my name would be handed down to coming generations as one who, more than any other, had befriended that noble but greatly abused animal. Often in my retired moments my thoughts would go forward to the time when I should be able to present my perfected system to the public, and as I looked down the vista of time to the period when I should announce my system, my mind pictured to itself the success I since have realized. I was fully conscious of its value to the world, and thousands have since then freely acknowledged the practicability and excellence of my system of educating the horse.

In the autumn of eighteen hundred and sixty-seven I felt myself sufficiently master of my new and unequaled system to commit myself unreservedly to its public advocacy: so, after selling out my stock in trade, I made my preparations to travel for the purpose of bringing it before the world. Previous to leaving Batavia I had purchased from a perambulating horse dealer my favorite horse, “Tom Thumb,” then partly trained.

Feeling now tolerably well equipped, I came before the public with my new and perfect system, confident that it needed only to be known to be welcomed with pleasure by every intelligent friend of the horse. In the month of January, eighteen hundred and sixty-eight, I made my debut at the town of Geneva, erecting, at considerable cost, an academy for the exhibition of my system of training. My success was immediate; friends and well-wishers clustered about me; the hand of encouragement was extended on every side, and in a little while my class in that place numbered seventy-five members. The reader can scarcely conceive the feelings of gratification that were excited in my breast by such prompt and flattering success. It confirmed my own judgment of the superiority of my system, and inspired a full confidence in its success.

After leaving Geneva, I visited the pleasant town of Waterloo, where I built another academy and formed a class of about eighty members, whose hearty appreciation of the ideas embodied in my system of training afforded me great pleasure.

Leaving that place, I next proceeded to the beautiful village of Penn Yan, where also I built an academy and met with brilliant success, my class numbering over ninety members.

Such gratifying success, and at so early a period, was very encouraging to me. Both myself and my system were new to the public, and, coming before them almost unheralded and without the prestige of great names to give it support, its progress and the general approval it met, could be attributed only to its own merits, which were everywhere conceded.

The next point visited by me was the beautiful and highly picturesque village called Watkins, so well and widely known to pleasure-seekers as an attractive summer resort; its famous “Glen” having an almost national reputation for romantic beauty. Here I formed an interesting class of about sixty persons, many of whom gave unmistakable evidences of confidence in the superiority of my rapidly spreading system for rightly educating the horse.

Cheered by my continued success, I pursued my journey to the city of Ithaca, where I built an academy much larger than any I had previously erected. Here I remained about a week, and had the pleasure of forming a class of one hundred persons.

Finding it somewhat inconvenient to build academies in many places, I now purchased canvas for a movable tent, which I had constructed, and this I carried from place to place, erecting academies only where my tent was insufficient to accommodate the audiences. On the fourth of July I pitched my tent at the city of Elmira, and soon had the satisfaction of enrolling the names of one hundred and fifty persons, who eagerly sought information, and expressed the greatest gratification with the instruction they had received.

After this, I continued my tour, exhibiting and lecturing in many towns and villages during that summer and the autumn following. My success was everywhere of the most gratifying character, and exceeded my most sanguine expectations.

In bringing my system to the attention of the public, I employed that great engine of power, the Press to call attention alike to the cruelty of most of the previous modes of training the horse, and the superiority of my new and rational system. As an illustration of this, it may not be out of place to give a single one of my many addresses to the public through the medium of the press:

Professor O. S. Pratt to the Public.—Probably not one person in a thousand has any adequate idea of the wonderful intelligence displayed by the noblest of the brute creation, the horse. Patient, affectionate, sensitive and faithful, possessing wonderful powers of endurance and a capacity for education far exceeding any animal extant, a study of his characteristics is ennobling, and commands the attention of every intelligent person. But how often do we see him abused, through ignorance, compelled to draw tremendous loads for hours on a stretch, whipped, clubbed, and cursed, until patience ceasing to be a virtue, and through sheer exhaustion, panting, trembling, and discouraged, he stops to breathe, and men call him balky, apply the whip again, put sand in his ears, gravel in his mouth, twist his tail, and goad him to desperation by a system of barbarous inflictions unworthy of even the first stages of civilization. Trotting over slippery pavements, imperfectly shod, twitched to the right or left as a sudden emergency seems to demand, he stumbles and falls. No compassion is excited by this mishap. Hastily assisted to arise, and reharnessed, crack goes the whip. O, lash him, cut him, until the great ridges of swollen flesh stand out upon his back to testify to man’s superiority over the brute. Left standing for hours while the master attends to business or pleasure, impatient to change his position, he starts before the man is comfortably seated in the vehicle; crack again goes the whip, until his nerves are strung to their highest tension.

Crazed almost beyond endurance, he leaps forward, suddenly a bolt gives way, something strikes his heels, he becomes frightened, and then, “O! he’s a runaway!” Confined in a dungeon, poorly ventilated, called a stable, improperly fed, driven fast, compelled to draw heavy loads, with very little attention paid to his requirements, it is a wonder that he lives even a year. The question naturally arises, Why is this? Simply because the great masses of humanity are ignorant of the disposition of the horse. They do not understand how to manage or educate him. They do not think and therefore do not care. Now any one who succeeds in ameliorating the condition of this noble animal, is a public benefactor, deserving of the highest praise. Prof. O. S. Pratt has made this the study of his life. Slowly, but steadily, he has progressed in his investigations respecting the management of the horse, until the press, the pulpit and the public acknowledge him to be the “Great Horse Educator of the World.” In fact he rules the horse by a system so comprehensive, and at the same time so simple, that a child of ordinary intelligence can understand it. His pupils are numbered by the thousand in almost every State, and they all endorse the system heartily. No matter how badly the horse has been abused, no matter how disagreeable his disposition may be, no matter if he kicks, strikes, bites, or is a runaway, in a few minutes the most delicate lady or timid child can manage him with ease by using Prof. Pratt’s system. Ladies and gentlemen throughout the land! nearly every one has had a friend or relative injured or killed by some unmanageable horse. It is within the power of every person to prevent a like occurrence. “Knowledge is power.” Do not neglect the opportunity of acquiring this knowledge. We ask it in no selfish spirit. We urge it that a recurrence of the accidents that are every day filling our land with sorrow may be prevented.

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CHAPTER III.

VISIT TO MONTROSE—LARGE CLASS AT SCRANTON—DIPLOMA—WILKESBARRE—ENTHUSIASTIC RECEPTION—COMPLIMENTARY NOTICE—TESTIMONIAL.

As the winter had now set in I found it necessary, on reaching the beautiful town of Montrose, to lay aside my tent. At this place I received so enthusiastic a reception that I was induced to erect a large academy, of capacity sufficient to contain at least one thousand persons. I remained at Montrose about three weeks, my efforts meeting with such appreciation that my class numbered five hundred and two persons, amongst whom were many who became my warm friends, and whose cordial greetings and good wishes attended me on my departure from the town.

My course next led me to the flourishing city of Scranton, at which place I received a cordial reception, and formed the acquaintance of many noble-hearted men. I at once entered on the duties of my profession, and early found that my system was appreciated, the class which I here gathered numbering four hundred and four members. On the last day of my stay in Scranton my class presented me with what I may justly call a diploma, in the following complimentary language:

This testimonial was followed by the names of seventy-six prominent members of the class, headed by the mayor of the city, Hon. E. S. M. Hill, and embracing many of the leading citizens of Scranton.

After leaving that thriving city, I passed over a beautiful country for a distance of twenty-five miles, until I reached the town of Wilkesbarre, situated in the Susquehanna Valley. Through this city flows one of the most beautiful of all the charming rivers which adorn our land. The pencil of the artist and the pen of the tourist have often been employed in sketching its picturesque charms and extolling its matchless beauty. At this important town my success surpassed any previously attained. The exhibitions of my power over the horse, and of my simple yet certain method of instructing and controlling him created wide-spread interest and excitement. Ministers, doctors and lawyers, together with others of the most respectable classes of society, thronged my academy. The press resounded with the praises of my system, and with many who learned my plan of educating the horse the interest rose to enthusiasm. A leading paper of the place, referring to my consenting to prolong my visit, used the following language:

As that article announced, in view of the popular interest, I prolonged my stay in Wilkesbarre, and I have the pleasant recollection that over FIVE HUNDRED persons there secured the knowledge of properly educating the horse, and before taking my leave I was presented with a diploma that would have cheered the heart of a statesman. The following, from A. Ricketts, Esq., will show how even incredulity was convinced, and strongly-rooted prejudices were overcome:

CHAPTER IV.

ACROSS THE MOUNTAINS—EASTON—HAMBURG—LANCASTER—TESTIMONIALS—WESTCHESTER—DIPLOMA—PHILADELPHIA—CLASS OF 2,523—CANE.

It was now my purpose to pursue my journey eastward, in order to do which it was necessary for me to cross a wild and mountainous tract of country, fifty miles in extent; but, inspirited by my success and the good fortune which hitherto had attended my way, I entered on the journey with a stout and hopeful heart, attended by my men and horses. Before traveling many miles we reached the foot of Pokeno Mountain, and as I gazed upon the distant heights which stood out against the sky, I could see that the elevation extended a distance of at least ten miles. Up the rough road and along steep acclivities we pressed on until, when the summit was reached, I found a keen appetite had been awakened by the mountain air and exercise, and I sought for some abode of man where we might secure rest and food for man and beast. Keeping up the search, after a few miles, I discovered a rude old log house, quite in keeping with the wild region through which we were passing. Approaching the door, I knocked for admission, when it was opened by an old veteran of seventy winters, who invited us to enter. After making known my wants, he assured me that they should be supplied as best he could, and at once he summoned the hostess who, though like himself, advanced in years, moved across the rustic floor with almost youthful agility, manifesting a disposition to relieve our hunger without delay. We partook of the repast she spread with appetites quickened by the pure mountain air, and, when the meal was over, after rewarding them for the hospitality they had displayed, we resumed our journey through dreary solitudes and along the rough mountain roads until, at length, we reached the city of Easton, in the State of Pennsylvania.

This beautiful little city is situated near the Delaware River, and is an enterprising and flourishing place. The inhabitants are chiefly Germans, or descendants from that stock. Here we pitched our tent and met with good success, my class numbering over one hundred persons.

From Easton we continued our journey, through valleys and over hills, reaching Harrisburg, the capital of Pennsylvania, quite late in the evening; the silver moon shedding her light upon us as we moved along, made our journey pleasant and lighted our way to the city. Here again we planted our stakes, pitched our tent and announced our intention of giving a public exhibition and of imparting instruction to those who desired, and once more I met with a hearty response from the public. It was at the time of the annual State Fair, and thousands from all parts of the commonwealth had gathered. Taking advantage of the occasion to display the results of my system of training, I built a platform, elevated about ten feet above the ground, led my horses up a rude stairs, made for the occasion, and exhibited my trained animals to the gaze and admiration of thousands of wondering spectators. Here I formed a class of over one hundred and fifty.

My next effort was made at Lancaster, a city of no small magnitude or interest, as I there formed a class of nearly two hundred, the major portion of whom were Germans, or of German descent. On the last day of my stay in that city I received a testimonial from a leading banker of the place, which I give below:

I next stopped at a nice country town called Westchester, the inhabitants of which seemed alive to the great cause I had espoused, as my class there numbered two hundred and fifty. I was happily surprised, just before leaving, by receiving a diploma which greatly cheered, at the same time that it stimulated, me to add more and more to my store of knowledge.

Having now had two years’ experience in the practice of my system, my confidence in it, and its superiority over any other known system, was so thoroughly established that I had no fear of submitting it to any test nor of subjecting it to any criticism. I, therefore, decided upon visiting the great city of Philadelphia. I fortified myself as best I could, and on the 28th of November, 1869, I made my debut there. Whatever solicitude I might have felt would have been speedily removed by the cordial and flattering reception I received from the people of the Quaker City. One academy being insufficient to accommodate those who flocked to listen to my instructions, I built a second, and as the time rolled on and my success constantly enlarged, I felt as if the summit of my ambition had been almost attained. The limit of time I had fixed for remaining was one month, but as the end of that period drew near I was strongly solicited by many friends to extend my visit, to which, as the interest was daily augmenting, I consented. Month after month passed, during which time my class was constantly increasing until, by the close of the fourth month, it had swelled to the number of four thousand eight hundred and eighty-six members! At the end of that time my preparations were made to depart, but I was not allowed to leave before receiving the most conclusive and gratifying evidence of the high estimation which my system had secured and of the friendship I had been so fortunate as to win.

The evening of the 21st of February, 1870, had arrived; a free exhibition of the power and beauty of my system was in progress in the great tent, when, most unexpectedly to myself, Elmer Ruan Coates, Esq., a well-known citizen and poet of Philadelphia, entered the ring. This seeming intrusion on the business of the evening somewhat surprised me, while, as I turned towards him, every eye in the vast assembly was fixed on the well-known poet who, cane in hand, advanced towards me. A brief moment of suspense ensued, during which the question which ran through every mind was “what does it mean?” Then, amidst the profound silence which prevailed, Mr. Coates held up to view the magnificent, gold-headed cane he carried and, in an eloquent address, presented the elaborately-chased and beautiful testimonial as a memento given by my Philadelphia class.

The gratification which I experienced in this unexpected compliment may be conceived by my readers but can scarcely be described by my pen.

Mr. Coates began his address by saying that

Taking me by the hand, he continued:

As Mr. Coates closed his address the great tent resounded with applause. It was an hour and a scene never to be forgotten by me. But as the applause subsided every eye turned to me for the expected response. I had received the cane from the hands of the gentleman who had so fittingly and eloquently presented it, but, as I bowed in acknowledgement, my heart was too full for many words. The papers of the following day, in describing the event, spoke of my voice as having been “somewhat tremulous with emotion,” and it may well have been so, all I could say was to express the surprise and gratitude I felt as follows: “What! gentleman, can it be that, after your many kind attentions, I am to receive a further testimonial of your regard, and another reminder of pleasant times passed with you—times that certainly I never can forget. Words cannot express my feelings on this occasion, therefore I sincerely return you thanks.”

Again the great tent rang with thunders of demonstration, and the affair, so gratifying to all, terminated amidst feelings so warm and kind that in one heart, at least, they were almost overpowering. The cane bears the following inscription: “A tribute to merit. To Professor O. S. Pratt, from his Philadelphia class, numbering 2,523.”

The cut, which follows, will give but a partial idea of the beauty of this testimonial, which I prize as much as being expressive of the friendship I was so happy as to secure, as I value it as a testimony to the superiority of my system. It will be seen that it is accompanied by a card, signed by leading members of my class, urging me to revisit Philadelphia and pledging their aid and influence in making such a visit successful.

Other testimonials I received from individuals, a single one of which is given below; it is from a well-known gentleman of wealth whose name is as familiar in business as it is in social circles, W. F. Potts, Esq., and was addressed to friends of his own:

I was greatly pleased with the ancient Quaker City as well as its noble-hearted people. The neatness and quiet pervading so large and populous a city produce a pleasing effect on the visitor from abroad. The beautiful parks, with their grand old trees and delightful walks, which are to be met in all quarters, form a very pleasing feature in that city. The bright flowers, filling the air with fragrance; the leafy branches arching over the nicely-arranged walks, with the merry songs of the birds which sport amidst the foliage, combine to invite the tired pedestrian to rest his weary feet, as they charm the eye, the ear and sense alike.

To the patriot and the lover of relics of “the times that tried men’s souls,” when amidst the battle-storm our fathers planted the fair tree of liberty, Philadelphia offers special attractions, and hours may be pleasantly and profitably spent in the well-known “Independence Hall.” Here time seems almost turned back on its track as one stands amidst the relics of those days of old. We see the very chair once occupied by him whom we have learned to revere as “the Father of his country”—the illustrious Washington, and the thoughts are borne backward to the time when, seated in the chair before us, his hand held the destinies of a nation in its grasp. Near by we see the pew in which that great man sat and listened to that gospel whose power and principles controlled his life. It is taken from the old Gothic church which the General attended and is preserved amongst the relics of those revolutionary times. Mementos are there also of the period when the Declaration of Independence was signed and the eye rests on the autographs of the illustrious signers. There is also the great bell which rang out the glorious notes of freedom and on which is inscribed that grandest of words, “Liberty.” After having became cracked, it was taken down from its tower and placed on a table in the hall. The National motto, “E Pluribus Unum,” is arranged in a circle at the top of the bell. But pleasant as it is to linger amongst these reminiscences of the past, I must leave the good old Quaker City with the single remark that my recollections of the place and its people are all of the most pleasant kind.

CHAPTER V.

YORK—PORT DEPOSIT—BALTIMORE—SUCCESS—DIPLOMA—GETTING WHIPPED—CLASS OF 3,500.

Early in the spring of 1870, I entered the city of York. The roads were bad, making traveling, outside of the city, difficult and unpleasant, so that few came in from the surrounding country. Notwithstanding this, I met with encouraging success, and during the three days of my stay I formed a class of one hundred and thirty members. Amongst my pupils was an old man who had numbered a hundred and five years of life. After studying my system he declared that, during the short period of my stay, he had received more valuable instruction relating to horse education than in all his previous life.

I next pitched my tent in the beautiful village, Port Deposit, and was gratified by receiving a good “deposit” from the hands of the people, as nearly one hundred of them joined my class. It was at this place that I achieved a victory which spread my name far and wide. A horse, notoriously vicious, was brought for me to educate. He was an animal who, as I was credibly informed, had killed his former owner, eaten the leg nearly off his son and fearfully mangled the arm of the groom. I applied my system in all its force, knowing that he would require decided treatment to subdue him, and, to the amazement of the spectators, in a little while the ferocious steed became gentle as a lamb. He stood in the presence of that gazing multitude entirely subdued. When the excitement had somewhat subsided, some of the leading and influential citizens were so impressed with the value of my system as to exert themselves in getting up a testimonial which, after being numerously signed, was presented to me, and which I have since had the pleasure of exhibiting to thousands. The following description of the horse referred to and of the success with which I trained him may prove interesting to the reader:

Baltimore, the Monumental City, noted for its beautiful parks, pleasure grounds and monuments, was my next field of labor. After viewing the city over and receiving introductions to many of its influential citizens numbers of whom afterwards became warm friends, I betook myself to labor.

As on some former occasions, I found it necessary to build two academies, and so erected one in the old and one in the new town. At first there seemed a backwardness on the part of the people, and a week passed without the manifestation of much interest; but soon the indifference gave way and from that point the interest increased daily until, before the close of the seventy days I remained in Baltimore, I had the great pleasure of enrolling the names of three thousand five hundred of her citizens as members of my class.

My stay in Baltimore was especially marked by kindnesses from numerous members of my large class, many of whom it would give me pleasure to name, associated as numbers of them are with pleasant seasons of enjoyment, but lest I should become prolix, I will content myself with saying that most unexpectedly to me my class presented me with a flattering address accompanied by an elegant whip mounted with gold and inlaid with pearl—a gift both beautiful and useful. How it occurred is described by the pen of another as follows:

During the continuance of my classes in Baltimore, I received many favorable notices from the press of that city. As showing the popular feeling I may be allowed to give an article from the Baltimore Sun, one of the most able and widely circulated journals of the entire South. It appeared, as will be seen, before my class had reached its full dimensions.

After closing my labors in Baltimore, I took a few days of rest. My mind was in search of new knowledge to add to and improve my system, and to that object I devoted my time while relieved of more active duties. I thoroughly revised my system of educating and mode of treating the horse; after which I invited the criticisms of a number of men of intellect and experience, to whom I submitted my views and asked them for their candid verdict, when, to my great satisfaction, they expressed their unqualified approbation. If anything had been needed to confirm my opinion of the perfection of my now completed system, such an endorsement might justly have done so; and, as the succeeding chapters will show, my triumphant successes in the largest cities and before the most exalted personages of the land, demonstrated the justice of that favorable verdict.

CHAPTER VI.

WASHINGTON—A LARGE CLASS—THE PRESIDENT A PUPIL—THE WHITE HOUSE—HALLS OF CONGRESS—DIPLOMA—DR. NEWMAN’S ADDRESS—GOLD MEDAL.

In the latter part of the year 1871 I determined to visit the capital of the nation—that renowned emporium of knowledge and wisdom—the city of Washington. Fortified by previous success, I determined on such an effort here as should signalize my profession, and effectually silence those who sought to stigmatize my system and lessen confidence in myself by speaking lightly of both. Themselves pretenders to knowledge, and ignorant of what I taught, I have found them ever ready to insinuate that all is “humbug” which does not emanate from their would-be fruitful brains. And now I ask a careful attention to the narrative of my unexampled success while sojourning in this city, in connection with the character and intelligence of the gentlemen who united in endorsing me, and in commending my system.

I entered Washington about the middle of February and speedily secured a site on which to erect an academy. The place selected was on Pennsylvania avenue, and the building I erected was of capacity sufficient to contain three thousand persons. I announced a public exhibition, and on this, the first day of opening, the place was filled to the utmost. At the close of the exhibition I invited those of the audience so disposed, to unite in forming a class. A large number responded to this call, and, as I entered on my work, I was encouraged by finding the numbers increasing by hundreds. This nerved me to the utmost, and at length, in sixty days, my class had reached the gratifying number of two thousand five hundred and five persons!

President Grant intimated his desire to take private lessons, and requested me to organize a class to meet in the forenoon of each day. This I did, and I soon had the honor of imparting instruction to such a class of distinguished men as have rarely, if ever beside, been gathered together for a similar purpose. The President invited some special friends to join him in acquiring the knowledge he desired, and soon I numbered in my class men distinguished in the pursuits of arms, politics, literature, and theology, many of whom would rank with the foremost men of the world. Amongst them were President Grant, General Sherman, Surgeon General Barnes, General Fremont, General Porter, General Babcock, General Mechler, Judge Advocate General Holt (the highest position in the army), General Eli Parker, Count Catacazy, the Russian Minister; Count Turenne, of the French Legation; P. H. Le Poor, French Legation; H. S. Le Strange, of the British Legation: Commodore Ammen, Commodore Pickering, Senator McDonald, Senator Stockton, Hon. W. H. Hooper, Rev. Dr. Newman, Chaplain to the Senate; Senator Sprague, Governor Cooke, and many others of high rank and standing.

As is well known, in the national capital may be found learned and talented men from almost every nation, and as there are gathered objects of interest to all, a brief sketch of what met my eyes may not prove out of place.

First of all is the renowned “White House,” the home of the honored head of our nation, and now occupied by President Grant and his family. It has been said that

and a similar declaration might be made of the occupant of the Presidential chair; few have found it to be an easy seat. The servants of a public jealous of their rights and privileges, and exposed to the adverse criticism of selfish and disappointed opponents, even the most generous and well-meant movements of those filling that high position are liable to misconception and ridicule. There may be no personal dislike, yet the public, ever on the qui vive for news of those in high life, are seldom disposed to scrutinize a spicy story, whoever it may strike. In this land every man who deserves them has his friends, and none, however deserving, are without some enemies.

The external appearance of the “White House” somewhat disappointed me; yet it is a magnificent structure, with massive pillars in front, while the interior does credit to the good taste of those in charge.

The Red Room, being generally selected for the receptions held by the President and his wife, is very handsomely furnished in velvet and drapery, the color of which corresponds with the name of the room. I must, however, express my preference for the Blue Room; its light shade of satin damask, with gold, is so chaste and elegant that one could scarcely dream of a fairy-land more beautiful; and at “morning receptions,” from two till five P. M., the guests being received in this room, it is rendered doubly beautiful by the elegant toilettes of our American and foreign ladies, who crowd it with the beauty and fashion of the metropolis.

The large East Room, which occupies that entire end of the building, is elegantly furnished, while the walls are hung with life-size portraits, in oil, of Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and others who have formerly filled the highest national office, but who now have passed away.

It was my pleasure to pass an evening, with my wife, in the private parlor of President Grant and family, who gave me a cordial reception. Among those who shared in this social interview were Rev. Dr. ——, L.L. D., from England, his wife and daughter, and our much-esteemed friends, Rev. Dr. N—— and wife, of the Metropolitan Church, D. C.

We were shown through some of the pleasant apartments of the Presidential mansion, and, among others, the private dining-room. In this the arrangements for meals are perfect and tasteful. A small bouquet of choice flowers, selected from the conservatory, which abounds with rare exotics, is placed at the side of every plate at dinner, and, that no interruption may interfere with the arrangement of the table, a plate is always provided for a casual visitor.

On entering Washington, the first building to attract the eye of a stranger is the Capitol, which is built on a prominent height, and forms the most conspicuous object as one enters the city; especially is this so when the magnificent dome is lighted; one then gazes with delight on the beauty of its perfect architecture.

On entering the Capitol by its massive marble portico, the visitor first views the reception rooms, then passes to the rotunda, the walls of which are adorned with paintings, many of which are commemorative of important events in the early history of America, and some of a later date. Statuary also meets the eye, and prominent amongst it is the life-size statue of the martyred President, Abraham Lincoln, from the chisel of Vinnie Ream. As one looks on this work, which has been so severely criticised, he will feel the injustice done her, and be likely, with the writer, to believe that the attacks were prompted by the fact that it was a lady who secured the contract. I enjoyed the pleasure of a visit to the studio of the gentle sculptor, where we found the lady, surrounded by specimens of her wonderful skill in this noble art.

To return to the Capitol—that general resort of strangers—one must visit the dome, and thither we go, laboring up—up—till it seems almost as though the top would never be reached, though pleasant company served to beguile the time as we mounted the hundred and eighty feet of ascending steps. When, at length, we reached the top, and stood in the presence of the paintings which completely decorate the upper portion of the dome, all else was forgotten, and it seemed as though we had passed into another sphere, away from all the cares of ordinary life! Books can be obtained, explaining the historical paintings, and in the study of these, days might be profitably employed. The brief time a visitor can give is far too short, to satisfy the eye, which desires to still gaze on, reluctant to depart. From the outer side of the dome a view of unparalleled beauty is presented: Georgetown, General Lee’s old homestead, in the distance, and the Potomac River, together with the elegant public buildings, are among the many objects included in the panoramic view.

As we descend again, and come amongst the sights and sounds of daily life, a sudden awakening to reality occurs. We now pass to the wings on either side of the main building devoted to the use of the two Houses composing our American Congress. On visiting the House of Representatives, when in session, the visitor is directed to the gallery which surrounds and looks down upon the hall; and, should he be a favored one, he is shown to a seat in that portion of the gallery reserved for the diplomatic corps, friends of members and distinguished visitors. There one can sit at ease, apart from the crowds which fill the other portions, and may listen to the speeches of representatives from every State in the Union, as they deliberate on the laws by which the country is to be governed; may note the voting, and sometimes hear the exciting contest as the dignity of debate is lost in some partisan wrangle.

The Treasury Building is a beautiful edifice, and is always the scene of busy life, the activity extending from the topmost floor to the furnace in the cellar, where the mutilated currency is burned. It is in this building that the paper money of the country is prepared, after which it is sent to the banks for circulation. It is customary for visitors to exchange a note for one that has never been in circulation, to be kept as a souvenir.

The elegant Smithsonian Institute, with its numerous objects of interest, and the Agricultural Buildings, with their beautiful grounds, offer their attractions to the visitor, while the Patent Office, with its multitude of models, showing the inventive genius of our countrymen, is of equal interest. Here, while admiring the ingenuity displayed by the inventors, we learn by the number of rejected models how many have spent perhaps the best years of their lives only to reap disappointment at the last.

On entering New England, my first stop was at the beautiful town of Bridgeport, somewhat celebrated as the home of the renowned sensationalist, P. T. Barnum, who has, during quite an eventful career, acquired and lost many fortunes. As the winter had not yet passed, I here erected an academy, which became the scene of an incident which will forever remain fixed on my memory. The people of Bridgeport turned out nobly, filling my academy to its utmost capacity, when, hearing a noise, I looked in the direction whence it proceeded, and, to my horror, saw the seats falling, with their occupants, precipitating them to the ground! Of course all for a time was confusion and affright, but, strange to say, not one of the immense crowd was injured by the accident.

After the excitement had somewhat subsided, I proceeded to form a class, which numbered about three hundred, who seemed delighted with the knowledge they acquired under my instructions.

When my labors had ended I took an opportunity to view the town, and was greatly interested in visiting some of its principal manufactories. Amongst these one of special note is the immense establishment for the manufacture of the Howe Sewing Machines, said to be one of the largest in the world.

I subsequently visited Providence, the capital of Rhode Island, where I found it necessary to build another academy, which I erected very near the public thoroughfare of the city. At this place my most sanguine expectations were realized, as I met with signal success; nearly one thousand persons became members of my class, and the financial results were greatly beneficial to me, as at this time my expenses were great. My troupe consisted of some eight men and twelve horses, the expenses of which were large, besides the cost of extensively advertising, that I might give wider publicity to a system which had gained general favor wherever it was known.

The far-famed city of Boston was my next resting-place. Here, as at other places, I found it necessary to exhibit in an academy, and, having fitted it up, I entered on my work with renewed hope and energy, believing, from the usefulness and practicability of my system of educating the horse, that a failure was impossible. Nor was I disappointed; the shrewd minds of the Bay State saw the value of the knowledge I imparted, and, cheered on by growing favor, I put forth every effort, and was rewarded by the most gratifying success, as my class reached the large number of three thousand persons.

With the close of my labors in Boston the winter had passed away, and I decided on a trip reaching northward as far as Portland, in Maine, making short stops at the several towns between Boston and that place, first stopping at a beautiful town called Lynn, where I purchased a nice family residence, a good representation of which is given in the cut.

In this charming town and its vicinity there is much to attract and please the visitor. Among the favorite resorts is a delightful watering-place known as Nahant Beach, to which, during the summer, thousands come to enjoy the invigorating breezes of the ocean. Here the invalid seeks the coveted boon of health, while the healthy come to reinvigorate their systems. Mrs. Pratt and myself christened the place the “green spot of earth,” as often, attended by our servants, we drove in our carriage around the beach, for the time forgetting the toils of the past, and almost fancying ourselves in the land of Paradise.

I may be allowed, at this point, to give a letter addressed to me by a well-known gentleman, a citizen of that pleasant town.

After the pleasure season had passed, I again betook myself to my profession, and, once more upon the road, I stopped at several towns, giving public exhibitions and forming classes, until I reached Portland, which place I entered about the first of August, 1872. Here we set our stakes and spread our canvas, giving, as usual, public exhibitions, and organizing a class of about two hundred persons. Many vicious horses were here brought to me, that on them the merits of my system might be tested, all of which I handled to the satisfaction, and, I may safely say, the admiration of the class who witnessed their education.

Next, placing my troupe and animals on a steamer, I passed by sea to the city of Bangor, the most populous in the State of Maine. Here I made arrangements with the officers of the Agricultural Society, by which I secured the Fair Grounds, where I erected a spacious pavilion, and at once commenced operations. It was soon evident that I had secured the favor of the people, as I was largely patronized. While there I made arrangements with Dr. Tewksbury to handle his imported stallion, “Anfield,” who was notorious for his vicious propensities, extending even to the shedding of human blood, he having fought many battles, and always had come off victorious. Although my fame had spread far and wide, and I had educated many vicious horses, yet, had I not possessed implicit confidence in the virtues of my system, I would have declined; but, prompted and encouraged by my previous successes, I decided to handle him on my arrival at Lewiston, Maine, which would be about the first of September.

While at Bangor I received a letter from the President of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, as follows:

CHAPTER IX.

LEWISTON—EDUCATING THE HORSE “ANFIELD”—TESTIMONIAL—CONCORD—MANCHESTER—A STEAM ENGINE IN THE RING—LOWELL—LAWRENCE.

Continuing my tour, I exhibited at many places in the State until I reached the city of Augusta, where I remained two days, and met with marked success. Anxious to reach Lewiston by the time I had fixed, I passed rapidly, through many towns and villages, only remaining a day in each place, and arrived at Lewiston on the eighth of September. It was here, as the reader will remember, that I was to handle the notorious “Anfield.”

After building an academy, and giving a public exhibition, I announced my intention of controlling that vicious animal. The citizens turned out en masse, but, as the horse was led into the ring, the whole audience seemed terror-stricken, wondering, no doubt, whether or not I would share the fate that others had; but speedily their terror gave place to admiration, as they saw the powerful animal succumb to the resistless energy and efficacy of my system, for, within one short hour, the lion-like brute became meek and quiet as a lamb, greatly to the astonishment of the multitude, who gazed with wonder on the transformation. I give below the testimonial subsequently presented to me, in which this feat is described:

Passing through a beautiful country, and forming a number of classes on the way, we at length reached Concord, the capital of New Hampshire. I there obtained the large building used by the mechanics for the exhibition of their manufactured articles on the days of the regular Fair. This I fitted up and used for my lectures. The news of my success at other places had preceded me, and I found the citizens ready to respond to my invitation to form themselves into a class. This class was a large and profitable one, adding much to my financial resources in the business. The city of Manchester was the next place I visited. Its magnificent water-power and busy manufactories, amongst them some of the largest producers of carpets and cloth in the United States, make it a place of great importance. It was here that I achieved a victory never before known to the public—that of educating the horse not to fear either the steam engine or the cars. Having had placed at my service the steam engine manufactured by Amos Keig, I had it brought into the ring. In a short time the engineer got up steam, and set it in motion. Horses by the half-dozen were brought in to be educated, and, as my success was shown in removing all fear of that terrifying object, language almost fails to describe the enthusiasm excited, and the eulogies pronounced on my system. As this was the first opportunity that had presented itself for me to show the power and beauty of that portion of my system, I was greatly cheered and gratified with the success attending my efforts, especially as the papers of the city heralded my success in no uncertain tones, and proclaimed the almost incalculable benefit which would accrue to society from the adoption of my system.

Traveling southward about fifteen miles, I reached the city of Lowell, where I built an academy, and had the pleasure of enrolling in my class a large number of the influential citizens of that place, who were as much delighted with my system as I was with my successful efforts.

The next place of interest to be named is the city of Lawrence, renowned for its mills and manufactures. Here may be seen a building nearly a mile in length, erected along the bank of the famous water-power, and used exclusively for manufacturing purposes. At this city, also, I built an academy, remaining a few days, and meeting warm-hearted friends, who gave me a large class.

By this time I had fully equipped myself with all appliances needed to confront and convince the most skeptical, so that no person could successfully assail my almost perfect system of equine education, which, by the force of its own merits, had thus far won its way, and was daily gaining new favor in the eyes of the public.

My next effort was made about the first of March, 1873, in the city of Worcester, where, from the commencement, the interest daily increased during the whole period of my stay, and abundant success crowned my endeavors.

Some leading citizens of Springfield now wrote to me, requesting that I should visit their town, to which I consented, and, on reaching the place, I found a wide-spread eagerness to secure the knowledge I possessed. I built an academy, and was much gratified by securing an appreciative class.

Leaving the old State of Massachusetts, I directed my course to Hartford, in the State of Connecticut, where, as in former places, I found it necessary to build an academy, which, on the first day of my exhibition, I had the pleasure of seeing filled to its utmost capacity, and, when I turned my attention to forming a class, my endeavors met with a hearty response.

CHAPTER X.

TOUR IN CANADA—MONTREAL—CLASS OF 1,000—VICTORIA BRIDGE—CATHEDRAL—QUEBEC—OTTAWA—KINGSTON—DETROIT—DIPLOMA—VALUABLE TESTIMONIAL—SIMCOE.

Hitherto my labors had been confined to my own country. I had traveled many hundreds of miles, visiting its great cities, its smaller towns and thriving villages, and everywhere, even from the highest in the land, I had met a cordial reception. But now I formed the purpose of crossing the St. Lawrence River, which divides, on the north, the American from the British possessions, and of making a tour through a large portion of the Dominion of Canada. Believing that I had more stock and other property than I would require, I sold by auction many articles, and, placing my remaining stock and appendages on several cars, I forwarded them to their destination. Reaching St. Albans, I was solicited to remain there a few days, which I did, and had no cause to regret my decision, for the people gave me a liberal patronage.

Continuing my journey from St. Albans, I arrived at the important commercial city, Montreal, about the first of May, where I met a cordial reception. At once I commenced the erection of an academy of capacity sufficient to hold at least two thousand persons. Soon the tidings of the great successes I had achieved in my profession spread far and wide through that populous and wealthy city, and, as a result, during the few days I remained, I had the pleasure of enrolling nearly one thousand names.

In this ancient city there are many beautiful and interesting objects which attract the attention of a visitor. A few of the most prominent are all that I can mention. Of these the great Victoria Bridge is one. A massive structure of iron, tightly closed at the sides and nicely roofed, it spans the St. Lawrence River just at the outskirts of the city. Windows, at certain intervals, admit the light and air. Carriages and pedestrians are excluded, the railroad company having the sole right to use the bridge. The French Catholic Cathedral is to many an object of great attractiveness, and thousands ascend its circuitous flights of stairs to the top of the tower, from which the eye may take in the entire city, with its many public parks and pleasure grounds far exceeding in number those usual to a commercial city. The mountain, about three miles distant from the heart of the city, is a favorite resort. A beautiful and almost level road runs round it, along which, at almost every hour of the day, carriages may be seen coursing. Many other pleasing sights might be named, but I close my reminiscences of the beautiful city by the remark that nowhere, in all my travels, have I seen more elegant and costly private dwellings than are those which grace Montreal.

Through the solicitation of friends, I was induced to visit Quebec, the ancient capital and late seat of the Canadian government.

As it is approached, the forest of masts which meets the eye, peering up in every direction, might suggest reminiscences of some cedar swamp, with its multitude of tapering trees, but, upon closer inspection, the eye is delighted with the magnitude and beauty of the shipping which crowds the port. Some of the finest vessels that plow the ocean are here to be found. On entering on my work, I met with no difficulty in interesting the minds of the citizens in my subject. They turned out nobly to my public exhibitions, and rewarded my exertions by giving me a large and interesting class.

Leaving Quebec about the middle of May, I ascended the St. Lawrence as far as the beautiful town of Brockville, exhibiting at many towns on my way. Here I determined to forward my horses and stock by rail to the city of Ottawa, the capital of the Dominion and the seat of government, where annually the assembled wisdom of the country meet to legislate for the great Canadian Dominion; nor need one cross the ocean to the mother country, nor even visit the adjoining republic, to meet with both orators and statesmen, many of whom grace the Canadian Parliament, the halls of which often ring with eloquence, as, in the discharge of their responsible duties, the statesmen of the Dominion discuss the great topics of the day. Although my stay in Ottawa was brief, I had the satisfaction of forming there a class of three hundred persons.

Passing westward, I held public exhibitions and formed classes in many places, until I reached Kingston, rightly named the Old Limestone City. Here I spent a few days very pleasantly, and had the pleasure of forming a satisfactory class. The strong bulwarks and splendid fortifications of this city give it a military air, and afford ample protection from an invading force.

At this point I embarked on one of the Mail Line of steamers, with my stock and equipments, and passed up Lake Ontario to Burlington Bay, and thence to the city of Hamilton. As I had been frequently solicited to visit Detroit, and having determined on spending the ensuing winter in Hamilton and Toronto, I did not at this time attempt to form a class, but took the most direct route to Detroit city, exhibiting at a number of places on my way.

Detroit is situated on the river bearing its name, which divides the American and Canadian possessions. Its commerce is quite large, and, to one standing on the banks of the river, a pleasing and animated picture is presented. The rapid stream, in places running with a current of from five to eight miles an hour, is difficult of navigation for sailing vessels, and one sees the sailing craft, loaded with grain and lumber, towed by large and powerful steam-tugs, built expressly for that purpose, while the smiling banks on the Canadian side, crowned by the buildings of Windsor, mirror themselves in the farther waters.

It was in December, 1873, that I reached Detroit, remaining there a few weeks, and during that time forming a class of over twelve hundred members. Before taking my leave of that pleasant and enterprising city, I received from my class a diploma, which I prize more highly than gold, while, to increase my delight, I was, most unexpectedly to myself, made the recipient of an elegant cabinet music-box, the value of which could not be less than five hundred dollars. The following is the diploma, as signed and presented to me, followed by a cut of the elegant testimonial:

Passing from Detroit, I again set foot on Canadian soil, exhibiting at a town named Sarnia, situated on the Detroit River, and after that at many other places until I reached the pleasant little town of Simcoe. There I received a cordial welcome from many lovers of the horse, and found no difficulty in forming a class of one hundred and ninety, who not only appreciated my system, but embraced an early opportunity of presenting me with a diploma testifying that appreciation. It was read in my hearing on its being presented, and the reader may well believe that I was greatly gratified and cheered by the sentiments therein expressed.

CHAPTER XI.

TORONTO—“BRITISH ENSIGN”—DIPLOMA—SILVER TEA SET—HAMILTON—BELLEVILLE—DIPLOMA—PICTON.

Winter was now drawing nigh, and, as I was desirous to reach Toronto, the Queen City of the Province of Ontario, as soon as possible, I made but a short stay at Brantford and other towns on my way. Arriving at Toronto about the last of November, 1874, I secured possession of the Riding Academy, and fitted it up at considerable cost, after which I gave public exhibitions, which awakened an increasing interest. I remained there sixty days, my class becoming larger daily, until, at the close of my labors, my register showed the names of nearly thirteen hundred members, many of whom were amongst the most influential citizens of the place. During my stay I handled some two hundred horses, each of whom had been addicted to some bad habit.

Many members of my class were desirous that I should exhibit the power of my system to educate horses not to fear the steam engine, and, that I might meet their wishes, I procured a steam fire engine, which I caused to be placed in my academy. During my stay there I educated some hundred horses to the perfect satisfaction of their owners, and the evident gratification of my class. Amongst others, I may name as a signal triumph of my system the case of the stallion “British Ensign,” owned at Richmond Hill, who, from his vicious habits of long standing, was thought to be incurable, and, as a last resort, I was solicited to handle him. This was at the close of my labors there, and, the day being announced, the members of my class gathered in force to witness my last effort in their city. The horse was led into the ring by two men by means of iron rods securely fastened on each side of his mouth. From the account given of this animal, one would almost expect that a man could tame a lion of the desert as easily as him; but, strange as it may seem, within ten minutes he followed me around the ring as meekly as a lamb, and within forty-five minutes I was able to drive him before a vehicle, without reins or side-straps, greatly to the surprise of the throngs who had assembled to witness the spectacle.

The power and efficacy of my system was so completely demonstrated that the leading journals of the city made favorable mention of my unparalleled success, while my class signalized their sense of the value of my system for properly educating the horse by presenting me with an illuminated address, the elegant execution of which reflects credit on the artist, while the courtly language and graceful sentiments are worthy of the distinguished gentlemen whose names it bears. Not satisfied with this, they accompanied the address with a costly tea-service of silver, the intrinsic value of which was at least three hundred dollars. Long will the recollections of my Toronto class cluster about my memory, and fill my mind with pleasing emotions. The following is the diploma presented by the Toronto class, the original of which can be seen in my possession, on parchment:

Before closing my notice of Toronto, I would refer with grateful words to the kind, and even laudatory, notices which my system and myself received from the ably conducted press of that city, and, I might add, of the whole Province, as the following extracts will evince.

The Toronto Mail thus speaks:

The Toronto Globe, in brief but well considered words, declares:

The Canada Farmer, the leading agricultural paper of the Province, in describing a visit to my exhibitions and lectures, remarks:

I next visited the city of Hamilton, where I was welcomed by many warm friends, who took an active interest in my welfare and seemed delighted with my system, which, at this time, had gained great favor with the Canadian people. Here I formed a large and profitable class, and secured the friendship of many, from whom I have since met a cordial reception.

Leaving Hamilton, I directed my course to the town of Whitby, where I formed a class of one hundred and twenty-five; next visiting Oshawa, where my class reached the number of one hundred and forty; then to Bowmanville, where a class of a hundred rewarded my efforts; from there to Port Hope, where one hundred and fifty joined the class I opened; thence to Belleville, where I enrolled about one hundred names. After having left the latter place for about a week, I was followed by a messenger, dispatched to me by my class, who bore a diploma highly eulogizing my system. It was as follows:

From Belleville I went to the town of Picton, where I found many admirers of that noble animal, the horse. Though the place is not large, the people flocked to my exhibitions, and gave me a class of one hundred and forty members, while, after I had left their town, and was engaged at the village of Wellington, twelve miles distant, a deputation from Picton waited on me, and presented me with the following diploma, which will speak for itself:

After forming classes in several places in the old loyal county of Prince Edward, and meeting with good success, I crossed the beautiful waters of the Bay of Quintie, arriving at the town of Napanee about the first of June, 1875. There I formed a class of one hundred. Pursuing my journey, I traveled north and west, exhibiting at many places, until I reached the town of Peterborough, where I remained a short time, and formed a class of one hundred members. Departing thence, I visited many towns and villages, forming classes in each, on my way to Lindsay, at which place I enrolled the names of seventy-eight members.

From Lindsay I went to Fenelon Falls, quite a newly-erected town, yet I found many there to whom my visit was a pleasure, as I soon obtained a class of some sixty members.

Passing on westward, I continued to meet with success, forming classes in some few small villages until, on the 9th of September, I entered the beautiful town of Barrie. There I found warm friends, and many lovers of the horse, who met me cordially, and gave me a class of one hundred and thirty-five members.

I next shaped my course northward, to the old town of Penetanguishine, on the eastern shore of Georgian Bay. The larger portion of the inhabitants are French Canadians, many of whom are unable to speak our language. I was informed by some of the old inhabitants that the town was first settled a century ago; but, notwithstanding this, their progress has been slow, as at present the population is but about one thousand. My class in this place numbered about seventy persons, who seemed highly pleased with my system of educating the horse.

At Penetanguishine I took passage on the steamer Waubuno for Collingwood. The boat is commanded by Captain Peter Campbell, a courteous gentleman, who possesses the power of so adapting himself to his passengers as to make a trip with him pleasant in both the enjoyment and the retrospect, while the romantic scenery which meets the eye of the voyager who ascends the bay is so beautiful that, were it not for the severity of the winters there, one might easily be tempted to select his home amongst the beauties of nature which adorn the shores of Georgian Bay.

On arriving at Collingwood, I gave an exhibition that created a strong interest among the citizens, and resulted in my forming a good class, who manifested both satisfaction and delight with the instructions I imparted.

After exhibiting at small towns on the way, I arrived at the truly beautiful and lately-incorporated town of Meaford, on the fifth day of October. A drenching rain was falling, which seemed to indicate that my prospects of success would be blighted by the inauspicious storm; but, as the day swept on towards noon, the parting clouds allowed the golden sunbeams to flow through, and, by two o’clock, the whole aspect of the scene was changed. I gave a public exhibition, and formed a class of nearly one hundred members.

From Meaford I traveled over bad roads until I reached Owen Sound. Here I did not find as many lovers of the horse as I anticipated, yet I was pleased before the close of my labors by meeting a good degree of success.

Georgian Bay, near the southern bend of which is Owen Sound, is a beautiful sheet of water, broadening out as it leaves Lake Huron, with which it is connected, and forming what seems like a land-locked lake in itself. Large steamers leave this port for Lake Superior, and many tourists deem this route one of the most pleasing of all on the upper lakes. Ere long, it is asserted, a communication will be opened from this point to Winnipeg and the far-off Province of Manitoba.

Having thus brought my narrative down to the present time, I would add a few words to the reader who may have kindly followed me through the scenes I have recorded. In what I have written one object has been to show the strong and unqualified endorsement my system of equine education has everywhere received from the men best qualified to judge of its merits, while, at the same time, the narrative is a fitting, and I hope not an uninteresting, introduction to the system itself, which, with other matter relating to the general subject, will be fully and clearly taught in the following portions of the book.

And now, with a hearty appreciation of the unvarying kindness he has received from his patrons in all portions of the land, the author begs leave to respectfully dedicate this work to those whose aid, appreciation and friendship have so often cheered him in his efforts.