A SELECT GATHERINC. 235 



case of the two first events, the distance was about two 

 and a halt miles, which was accomplished by t^'oing twice 

 round the course and continuing- on it for a certain 

 distance a third time, until descending the hill from the 

 Harlow side to the vale, alony- which extended a capital 

 straight run in. There were no fewer than twenty 

 fences and two water jumps. In the other three events, 

 the distance was about two miles, and the start was 

 on the hill on the lapping side, just beyond the 

 water. 



" The weather being favourable and the locale being 

 about midway between Epping and Harlow, a large 

 company was attracted to the meeting, which may claim 

 to be the beau ideal of a country meeting, for while 

 the numerous coaches and carriages laden with ' fair 

 women and brave men,' which were drawn up along- 

 side the course in the vale, indicated the presence of 

 the best families of the neighbourhood, the strong force in 

 which the yeomen and tradesmen of the district appeared, 

 testified to their appreciation of the venture, while the 

 betting fraternity and those representatives of a more 

 objectionable profession who generally favour these 

 gatherings in such strong numbers were conspicuous 

 onlv bv their absence. 



