INTRODUCTION. 



For nearly a century and a half, the " Turf* 

 has formed a favourite amusement of " Kings, 

 Lords and Commons." 



But it is not as an amusement only, that the 

 sports of the turf put in their claim to popu- 

 larity. To the excellence of the British horse, 

 originated and brought to perfection through the 

 instrumentality of these sports, may be ascribed 

 much of our superiority over other nations, both 

 in commerce and in war. It may be observed, in 

 evidence of this fact, that several foreign govern- 

 ments, fully alive to its importance, have for some 

 time past endeavoured to effect a similar object, 

 both by the formation of national studs, and the 

 importation of the best English blood horses. 

 The superior efficiency of our cavalry horses, is 



