188 ON THE GRAMPIAN HILLS. 



and should find it a first-rate turn-out and delightful 

 ride, I duly presented myself at the starting-point at 

 6 o' clock, and was tooled in excellent style and at a 

 slapping pace to The Cumberland Arms, opposite 

 Kew Gardens, where we changed horses, having 

 thence a team of capital working nags, if not as 

 handsome and valuable as the first team to which I 

 have already alluded. Again the evening was fine, 

 and the ride particularly pleasant. A large party 

 filled the coach, and on arrival at The Swan were 

 hospitably entertained by the proprietor of the first- 

 class stage-coach, returning by train to London. 



An opportunity being offered of travelling with 

 Mr. Freeman to Brighton, on his well-known coach, I 

 jumped at the chance, always glad of any excuse for 

 visiting that charming city by the sea. Making my 

 way to Hatchett's at 12 o'clock on Saturday, I found 

 a full load, the only vacant place being the box- 

 seat, which had been kindly retained for me, and, 

 jumping up, we were speedily traversing Piccadilly, 

 passing soon through Brixton, and making our 'first 

 halt at Streatham; then at a rapid rate, the coach 

 being timed to do the journey at the speed of eleven 

 and a-half miles an hour, and, keeping it punctually to 

 the minute, we reached Caterham Junction, where we 

 made our second change; then with little delay we 

 were away again, rising Redhill, and making for 

 Horley ; half an hour being allowed for luncheon at 

 The Chequers, the old-fashioned roadside inn, familiar 

 to all surviving roadsters, who were accustomed to 

 travel this route ere railways had for so long a time 

 put a stop to coaching. After partaking of the pro- 

 fusion of good things provided by the careful hostess 



