J^ PARK RIDING. 



subjects, without feeling that in the mighty but 

 youthful Sovereign of the greatest empire in the 

 world, they saw — as was said of her illustrious 

 predecessor Queen Elizabeth — 



" Our gracious Queen 



With grace and dignity rode through the host, 

 And proudly paced that gallant steed as though 

 He knew his saddle was a royal throne." 



Through the countenance and support thus 

 graciously bestowed by her Majesty the Queen 

 on equestrian exercise, it soon became the fashion- 

 able out-of-door amusement of the nobility and 

 gentry, and in fact of all those whose circumstances 

 afforded the means and opportunity of enjoying 

 it. The Royal Family all receive instruction in 

 the art of horsemanship, and as the " Court 

 Circular" informs us, it appeared to be a favourite 

 recreation of the "fair rose of England," who 

 lately left the shores of her native country for the 

 steps of a foreign throne, which she is destined 

 some day to ascend with her royal husband. 



His Royal Highness the Prince Royal of 



