i6 



with fine pure bracing air, somewhat Hkc the air of Newmarket Heath, 

 and fairly good exercising grounds ; but being so far removed from 

 racing centres, few horses were trained here except for racing purposes 

 in Scotland. On the links in those days the old Scottish game of 

 golf, now so fashionable in the south, was a favourite pastime with the 

 trainers, their patrons, and visitors. The author has often witnessed 

 many a hard well -contested battle. He remembers William and 

 Robert I'Anson, and other turf notables, enjoying this game, as 

 healthful and invigorating as curling in winter, another favourite 

 Scottish pastime. 



Being on very friendly terms with the late Mr Henry Savile, and 

 a frequent visitor at Rufford Abbey while rebuilding the stables and 

 superintending other works on this extensive property, the author can 

 well remember the great interest this gentleman took in all matters 

 relating to the horse, and with what pleasure he would accompany his 

 friends over his well-appointed stud-farm, show them his dapper little 

 Cremorne, winner of the Derby, Parmesan, and other sires, also his 

 beautiful stud of brood-mares with their colts and fillies. A quiet 

 stroll over these paddocks on a beautiful May morning was most 

 enjoyable, and not to be forgotten by any one having a love for the 

 horse. Not less pleasant was it to be staying at this comfortable 

 house during the hunting season, with a meet of the hounds in front 

 of the old Abbey ; and if a hunting-man, to enjoy a good run in the 

 vicinity of the Dukeries, or be fortunate enough to obtain a few days' 

 shooting in the well-stocked preserves : these pleasures, and the genial 

 manner of the host, are, I feel sure, in the remembrance of many 

 besides myself Mr Savile was a thorough sportsman in every sense, 

 and a m.ost amiable and accomplished gentleman. He enjoyed a fair 

 share of success on the turf; but during the latter part of his career he 

 lacked the class of horses he used to have, when at Ascot in one year 

 the greater part of the trophies fell to his share. Latterly his colours 

 seldom came to the front in important races ; and he passed away 

 much respected and deeply regretted by a large circle of friends and 

 acquaintances. 



The author has added to this little work some designs he made for 

 a small training establishment at Newmarket, at the request of the 

 late Lord Falmouth and his favourite jockey. The best-arranged 

 stables in Newmarket were inspected, and all the recent improvements 

 were noted and embraced in these designs. The circumscribed nature 



