A VISIT TO MR JOHN PORTER AT KINGSCLERE l8l 



neatness, no known device for the comfort and health 

 of their valuable occupants — perfect drainage, ventilation, 

 etc. — having been omitted in their construction. 



In every box-stall stood a boy by the head of his horse, 

 cloth in hand, to give an additional rub now and then, to 

 the glistening coat ; while the knowing creatures were all 

 on their good behaviour, as they submitted to be petted, 

 but no doubt are bored sometimes, by the uninterrupted 

 stream of visitors, who come day by day, throughout the 

 year to gaze at them. Such little fellows were these boys ! 

 none being employed who are over twelve years of age, 

 and there were forty of them. 'Very few, however, 

 making really good horsemen,' said Mr Porter. Their 

 quarters were most comfortable, everything being under 

 such perfect system, as doubtless it must be in a family 

 of fifty-eight persons. 



In the harness-room, the decorations to my unaccustomed 

 eyes, were quite unique. Besides the usual portraits of 

 winners, and admirable paintings suggesting incidents of 

 their lives, were very many hoofs of horses. I asked Mr 

 Porter what they all meant, and he replied, 'When a 

 winner dies, his hoof is mounted as a memento of his 

 greatness, and as you see, underneath is a record of his 

 victories.' 



* That must be a work of love, indeed ! ' 



'Yes, it is, and one that I have neglected lately in the 

 press of other engagements ; for I have now the hoofs of 

 various horses for the last ten years still to be mounted ! ' 



Hardly less dear to his heart and pride are his fine hot- 

 houses, filled with rare orchids, and an endless variety of 

 exquisite flowers and fruits, his beautiful gardens, and his 

 aviary, with every known description of pheasant, and 



