1 66 



over the wing of the last jump, and lastly the gem at which was the 

 loudest " larf." It was elicited by the unparalleled performance at the 

 double by the sporting Mr. Paddy Moustache on Harlequin Both 

 jumped over the first wall in first rate form. // was i?i ruins ; but the 

 second wall was stiff and upright. Harlequin went at it as if slapping 

 through a property-shop window into the arms of six stalwart scene- 

 shifters. Mr. P, M. shot skywards, and being hirsute, capillary attrac- 

 tion from the clouds drew him up as the horse ascended, and let him 

 down plump as he descended. Thus was the remarkable scene of a 

 man and his horse becoming in the air, whilst passing over a jump, 

 separate and distinct bodies, and becoming again one and the same 

 body on reaching mother earth. It was just like Spiritualism of 

 Professor Crooke's " physic '' force as Mr. Malaprop calls it. However, 

 it did'nt disturb Mr. P, .M. much ; for catching his old crock a whack on 

 the quarters, he rattled on with a merry laugh which was re-echoed 

 after him. 



When the fun was over, all went home, and as my balloon car swept 

 past one carriage, I overheard a youn^ lady comment that the chase was 

 very jolly, but she was sorry that there vvere not more spills ! This 

 must be rectified next time. It was Chowpy's fault. The force of 

 example does much in these cases, and Chowpy was not there to set it X 

 A double back summersault at the double and another at the water 

 would have produced a host of imitators and immortal renown would 

 have been Chowpy's I He must attend next time. It is so ordained by 

 the fair sex. 



When I got home, I reflected, as is my wont. I reflected to the 



effect that paperchasing is merely the preface to steeplechasing ; and I 



therefore hope that when the hat goes round for subscriptions in the 



race and chase season, no one who has attended these chases will forget 



to give practical proof of his appreciation of them. 



F. GOLIGHTLY. 



1879-80 



In very exuberance of spirits, I cannot help getting a friendly 

 " biped " to write to you, Mr. Editor, to tell of my feeling anent the 

 paperchase that took place yesterday. I am now reduced to a baboo's 

 buggy horse, and the only recreation I have in the flesh is to occasion- 

 ally show my resentment at my position by smashing the wretched 

 ^uggy. I ought perhaps in all humility to quietly pull along But 

 during the last three weeks I have gone in the spirit a few times over 

 my old hunting grounds in the neighbourhood of Ballygunge, and tried 

 to forget my degradation in watching the old fun I used to take such a 

 prominent part in. Until yesterday's meeting I returned to stern reality^ 



