Now and The7i. 39 



But enough of olden times, for the Park to-day is 

 crowded, the hour one P.M., and there are many ot 

 the elite of the fashionable world assembled, both on 

 foot and horseback, to enjoy the soft breezes and 

 pleasant simshine of this brilliant May morning. 

 Observe, for an instant, that lovely yoimg girl on 

 the noble brown horse, resting for a while after a 

 brisk gallop np and down the Row. Note her beauti- 

 ful complexion, somewhat heightened by the ex- 

 hilarating exercise, her elegant figure shown to the 

 greatest advantage by a well-cut and closely-fitting 

 dark blue habit, adorned with a *' buttonhole " of the 

 choicest description, as she bends gracefully over the 

 neck of the favoured steed, patting him gently with 

 her delicate and neatly-gloved hand, in order to 

 mark approval of his behaviour. It may be fancy 

 only, yet I cannot but think that a feeling somewhat 

 akin to jealousy is passing through the mind of the 

 young cavalier who has reined up his good-looking 

 bright bay horse, and taken his place by her side, as 

 he watches the tender caresses she so prodigally 

 bestows on her high-mettled favourite. Well, faint 

 heart, be it remembered, never won fair lady ; so 

 courage, mon ami, your turn may come some day, if 

 you are as docile and tractable as that noble animal. 

 This, be it observed, is only a specimen of one of the 

 many who may be seen taking their daily exercise 

 in Hyde Park, admirably equipped, and superbly 

 mounted on horses, the cost of which may be 

 estimated at from £150 to £400 each, according to 

 the style and manners they exhibit. 



Then see the lady of a riper age, mounted on a 

 clever hunter-like animal, taking a constitutional, 



