ST. JAMES'S & GREEN PARKS 67 



two words. One or more hoops had to be passed 

 through, and a peg at the further end touched. The 

 winner was the player who passed the hoops and reached 

 the peg in the fewest number of strokes. The whole 

 course measured over 600 yards, and was kept brushed 

 and smooth, and the ground prepared by coating the 

 earth with crushed shells, which, however, remarked 

 Pepys, " in dry weather turns to dust and deads the 

 ball." Both Charles II. and James II. were much 

 addicted to the game, and the flattering poet Waller 

 eulogises King Charles's " matchless " skill : — 



" No sooner has he touched the flying ball, 

 But 'tis already more than half the Mall." 



The Park was by his time a much-frequented spot, 

 and crowds delighted to watch the King and his courtiers 

 displaying their dexterity. Charles II. is more intimately 

 connected with St. James's Park than any other great 

 personage. He sauntered about, fed his ducks, played 

 his games, and made love to fair ladies, all with in- 

 dulgent, friendly crowds watching. He stood in the 

 " Green Walk," beneath the trees, to talk with Nell 

 Gwynn, in her garden " on a terrace on the top of the 

 wall " overlooking the Park ; and shocked John Evelyn, 

 who records, in his journal, that he heard and saw " a 

 very familiar discourse between the King and Mrs. 

 Nelly." Charles's well-known reply to his brother, that 

 no one would ever kill him to put James on the throne, 

 was said in answer to James's protest that he should not 

 venture to roam about so much without attendants in 

 the Park. His dogs often accompanied him, and 

 perhaps, like most of their descendants, these pets had 

 a sporting instinct, and ran off to chase the deer. Any- 



