JAUNTS AND JOTTINGS. 135 



a regular outing for sportsmen^ and under tlie oaks 

 the most familiar faces on the turf could be seen, 

 much in the same way as they can round 

 Mr. TattersalFs rostrum at Newmarket. Some good 

 prices were realized eight or nine years ago, but since 

 the place changed hands the luck seems to have 

 gone, although many winners come out of Hobart- 

 ville stud. Mr. Benson is still in charge as in 

 Mr. Town^s day. The shady avenue of oaks was a 

 fine place to hold the sales. The auctioneer had his 

 rostrum fixed under a high oak tree, and seats were 

 scattered about in the shade for the company present. 

 The youngsters for sale were trotted up and down the 

 avenue, and they gave buyers a fine chance of seeing 

 them move. A splendid luncheon was served in a 

 spacious marquee, and the table was laden with the 

 best of everything, all provided from the farm. The 

 fruit was delicious, and the huge water-melons were 

 cooling and refreshing after the heat outside. 



I have been at Hobartville when the bustle of the 

 sale ring was absent, and these visits were the most 

 enjoyable. In addition to the thoroughbreds, the late 

 Mr. Town bred some splendid trotting stock and also 

 draught -horses. Childe Harold was the trotting sire, 

 and a real beauty. Trenton, Grand Flaneur, Mar- 

 vellous, and Far Niente were located there at difi'erent 

 times. 



Then there was the extensive dairy farm, and at 



