32 Hark Away, 



Arriving at Apsley House, I found the road and foot- 

 ways leading to the Magazine hned with spectators ; 

 but there was no crowd such as I have seen on 

 former occasions to prevent our driving straight up 

 to the trysting-place. The diminution in the num- 

 ber of spectators was traceable to the fact of there 

 being less publicity given of the gathering, and 

 not to any want of interest on the part of the 

 public. 



Some complaints having arisen on former occasions 

 from the overcrowding of the Park caused a certain 

 amount of reticence as to the announcement of the 

 proceedings, in order to obviate the inconvenience 

 complained of. But if there were fewer in numbers, 

 the quality of those present on this occasion fully 

 made up for the deficiency. I never remember to 

 have seen a better display of equipages, or a greater 

 number of well-mounted horsewomen, than were as- 

 sembled all doubtless relying upon the fair promise 

 of the morning. Fatal delusion ! — for, as the ap- 

 pointed hour approached, a heavy storm broke over 

 Hyde Park, and a perfect deluge of rain descended, 

 marring the pleasure of the spectator, and interfering 

 with the success of the meeting. 



In order to see the procession of coaches to the 

 greatest advantage, I had taken up a position near 

 Apsley House, which commanded a full view of the 

 road leading from the Magazine. A slight delay, 

 caused doubtless by the untoward state of the 

 weather, took place in the start; but at a quarter 

 to one o'clock the procession, which consisted of 

 thirty admirably-appointed coaches, moved on. 

 His Koyal Highness the Prince of Wales did not 



