BRITISH TURF. 255 



1838, spring races were got up on this course, for 

 the first time, in April, but only Hunters' Stakes 

 were run for. The principal stakes at the August 

 Meeting are: — Cup Stakes of 10 sovs. each, the 

 winner to be sold for 400 sovs. &c. ; 2 mile heats. 

 The Hinchinbrook Plate of £50. ; the Ladies' Plate 

 of £50 ; the winner to be sold for 100 sovs. &c. 



KENT. 



Ashford.— On the river Stowe, 20 miles 

 from Maidstone, and 54 from London, con- 

 taining nearly 3000 inhabitants. Assemblies are 

 held occasionally in the town hall, and there are 

 two subscription libraries in the town. 



One day's racing about the middle of September. 

 The town plate of £50, is the principal stake. 



Canterbury.— This ancient city is the metropo- 

 litan see of all England, and is pleasantly situated 

 on the river Stowe, 55|- miles from London. 

 The chief object of attraction in this city is the 

 magnificent cathedral, which contains the shrine 

 of St. Thomas a Becket. In 1831 , the inhabitants 

 amounted to 14,463. The races here take place 

 towards the end of August, and continue two days. 



Besides several stakes liberally subscribed for 

 by the noblemen and gentlemen of the county, on 

 the second day, her Majesty's plate of 100 sovs. is 

 run for. They are held on Barham Downs, within 

 3 miles of the city. The course, on which there is 



