254 HISTORY OF THE 



ing, but it has long since gone to ruin, and but 

 few vestiges of it now remain. 



One day's racing towards the middle of May. 

 The stakes are nearly all for half-bred horses, and 

 of merely local interest. 



HUNTINGDONSHIRE. 



Races are only held at one place in this county, 

 which, however, it must be remembered, is the 

 smallest in England, and the population of its prin- 

 cipal towns is very inconsiderable. 



Huntingdon. — The capital of the county stands 

 on the River Ouse, 64 miles from London by Buck- 

 den, and 59 by Royston. In 1831, its inhabitants 

 amounted to 3,267. This handsome little town 

 contains a small theatre, which is open during the 

 race week, public libraries and reading rooms, 

 baths, and in the town hall, which is a fine modern 

 building, are elegant assembly and ball rooms. 

 Within a quarter of a mile of the town is a luxu- 

 riant meadow, called Portholm, more than 6 miles 

 in. circumference, and preserving one entire and 

 beautiful level, being almost completely surrounded 

 by the River Ouse, which is of considerable breadth, 

 and shaded in its course by lines of stately poplars, 

 and graceful willows. On this extensive plain is 

 one of the finest race-courses in the kingdom, on 

 which the races take place annually, about the com- 

 mencement of August, and last three days. In 



