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Mooriana; Or, Selections From the Works of J. Moore, Illustr. by Notes, by F. Prevost and F. Blagdon
Mooriana Or Selections From the Works of J Moore Illustr by Notes by F Prevost and F Blagdon Author:John Moore General Books publication date: 2009 Original publication date: 1803 Notes: This is a black and white OCR reprint of the original. It has no illustrations and there may be typos or missing text. When you buy the General Books edition of this book you get free trial access to Million-Books.com where you can select from more than a million book... more »s for free. Excerpt: TRAINEAU PARTIES May be reckoned among the winter amusements of Germany. These can take place in the time of frost only, and when there is a considerable quantity of snow upon the ground. A traineau is a machine in the shape of a horse, lion, swan, or in that of a griffin, unicorn, or in some other fanciful form, without wheels, but made below like a sledge, for the con- veniency of sliding over the snow. Some are gilded, and otherwise ornamented, according to the whim of the proprietor. A pole stands up from one side, to which an ensign or flag is fastened, which waves over the heads of those placed on the machine. The lady, wrapped in fur, sits before, and the gentleman stands behind on a board made for that purpose. The whole is drawn by two horses, which is either conducted by a postillion, or driven by the gentleman. The horses' are gaudily ornamented, and have bells hanging frd'm the trap- pings, which cover them. The party consists generally of many trai- neaus, each attended by two or three servants on horseback with flambeaux. -- This amusement is taken when it begins to grow dark. -- One traineau takes the lead, the rest follow at a convenient distance in a line, and drive for two or three hours through the principal streets and squares of the town. -- The horses go at a brisk. rate; The motion of the traineau is easy and agreeable; and the bells, ensigns, and torches make a very gay and showy appearance. SWISS PEASANTS. They are the tallest and most robust I have ever seen. Their dress is very particular. They have little round hats, like those worn by the Dutch skinners. -- Their coat...« less