THE TURF 151 



reform nature without extinguishing it alto- 

 gether. The Isthmian games suffered no 

 intermission, even when Corinth was made 

 desolate, the Sicyonians being permitted 

 to celebrate them until Corinth was again 

 inhabited ; and it is certain that, during the 

 embarrassments, privations, and panics to 

 which England has been exposed during 

 the last twenty years, racing, particularly 

 country racing, has progressively increased, 

 and in many respects improved. 



We believe it is admitted, that in no 

 country in the world do people ride with 

 so daring a spirit as in the little island 

 of Great Britain, and particularly in our 

 Leicestershire hunts. But riding over a 

 country, and race-riding, if they must be 

 called sister-arts, are diverscz tamen, it being 

 well known that many of our first-rate jockeys 

 (Buckle among the number, who often at- 

 tempted it) have made a poor appearance 

 after hounds. On the turf, however, as on 

 the field, our gentlemen ' delighting in horses * 

 have, from old time, been forward to exhibit 

 their prowess 



' Smit with the love of the laconic boot, 

 The cap and wig succinct, the silken suit./ ; 



