PROFESSOR NEATE. 7 



as to who would be the jockey to steer the noted 

 quadruped, when, to the astonishment of every one, the 

 Professor himself appeared in a top-hat, and in his shirt- 

 sleeves and black trousers. Amidst shouts of laughter 

 the start was effected, and "the observ^cd of all observers " 

 took several fences well till the famous water-jump came 

 in view, which his horse first refused, and then fell with 

 his rider plump into the middle of, sousing him over 

 head and ears. The Professor went no farther, but 

 consoled himself by saying he had made his protest 

 against the Heads of Houses, and vindicated the rights 

 of the students to enjoy a manly sport. 



In the early days of stag-hunting in the Vale with 

 Baron Rothschild's hounds, two gentlemen were con- 

 spicuous by the splendour of their stud and the style 

 and completeness of their establishments. To mention 

 the names of Cheslyn Hall and Sam Baker to many 

 persons now living is to recall to their memories the 

 geniality of their manners, their open-handed liberality, 

 the jollity and good-humour of their conversation, and 

 the " all-round " popularity of their sporting careers. 

 Cheslyn Hall — or, as he was generally called, " Chess " 

 — was the younger brother of a firm of solicitors in New 

 Court, Lincoln's Inn. Their father had established a 

 high-class business, supported by several aristocratic and 

 rich clients, and was succeeded by the two brothers, 

 Henry and Cheslyn. Samuel Baker was a son of the 

 head of the well-known firm of Baker and Sons, con- 

 tractors and builders — their contract for the Government 

 for the construction of the Keyham Docks at Devonport 

 alone came to some millions sterling. Sam had an 



