Page:Early Reminiscences.djvu/295

 1854-1857 241 to whether Mr. Shearme's vehicle was not a plagiary on that of my father. I am, however, rather disposed to think that both were original discoveries, much as Leverrier and Adams simultaneously discovered the planet " Neptune." The Shearmes' called theirs " The Bathing Machine," ours we entitled " The Perambulating Coffin." The vehicle certainly did rather resemble the former than the latter ; for ours possessed a doocr and a window ; and I never heard that an occupant of a coffin on any occasion desired to look out on the world, nor was ever able to let down a set of steps and quit it. The Perambulating Coffin was swung on a pair of wheels, consequently in passing a turnpike it paid sixpence, whereas a four-wheeler was charged one shilling, a consideration even in those days. The driver's seat was in front, recessed into the body of the machine. The entrance to the Coffin was behind. One horse was harnessed to it. The conveyance was adapted to contain four passengers, if not unduly broad-beamed, and was ill-adapted for ladies wearing crinolines. To enter this vehicle was most perilous, especially for a heavy person, or after a copious meal, for it immediately lifted the horse in the shafts with its front hoofs into the air, or else just touching the ground like a solo ballet-dancer. On such an occasion it was painful to note the expression of distress that sprang up in the strained and bloodshot eyes of the horse. Obviously the idea rushed through its brain : " For this I was not predestined, or I should have been provided with claws in place of hoofs." It feared being carried up into the air, kicking vainly at the clouds and coming down in the road on its back. R