The Meet of the Four -in- Hand. 295 



fore, that the banks of the Serpentine were thronged 

 with visitors on horseback, in carriages, and on 

 foot. Greater numbers I have seen assembled to 

 witness this fine exhibition of coaches and horses, 

 which is not to be equalled in any city in the world, 

 but I have never seen so orderly and staid an 

 assemblage as this which was present to witness the 

 performances of the members of the F.H.D.C. on 

 their opening day. 



The first to appear upon the scene was Lord 

 Poltimore, by whose side was seated that capital 

 sportsman and pleasant companion, Major Paynter. 

 The team, consisting of two smart-looking browns, 

 and a grey and a bay horse, came up in good form, 

 and took up their prominent position in a style that 

 was unexceptionable. Succeeding Lord Poltimore, 

 came Sir Thomas Peyton, whose admirable team 

 of coaching - looking greys attracted the usual 

 amount of attention which invariably greets their 

 appearance. Next to arrive was Count Miinster. 

 tooling his grand team of handsome chesnuts in first- 

 rate style, as became a coachman who had so many 

 fair passengers entrusted to his charge. 



Soon after, Sir Henry Meysey-Thompson drove up 

 with his good-looking team — three dark browns and 

 a black mare — which, if I recollect rightly, were, as 

 regards the leaders, bought of Mr. George Rice. 

 This team and turn-out rank amongst the very 

 best of the club, and being closely followed by that 

 of Sir Henry Tufton, there was little to choose 

 between them, though, taken on the whole, for 

 symmetry, style of going, handiness, and handsome 

 appearance, I must award, before all, the first prize 



