THE TURF. 
The exact expense of its erection is not known to us, 
but the lawyer's bill alone was five hundred and fifty- 
seven pounds. Poor distressed England! 
Ascot also stands in the foremost rank of country 
races. It is of a different complexion from Epsom, not 
only by reason of its being graced with royalty, and 
aristocracy in abundance, but as wanting that crowd of 
" nobody knows who," which must be encountered on a 
Derby day the cockney's holiday. It is likewise out 
of reach of London ruffians a great recommendation; 
and the strictness of the police makes even thieves 
scarce. But the charms of Ascot, to those not interested 
in the horses, consist in the promenade on the course 
between the various races, where the highest fashion, 
in its best garb, mingles with the crowd, and gives a 
brilliant effect to the passing scene. In fact, it comes 
nearest to Elysium of anything here, after Kensington 
Gardens, in " the leafy month of June." Then the 
king's approach, with all the splendour of majesty, and, 
what is still more gratifying, amidst the loud acclama- 
tions of his subjects, sets the finish on the whole. Long 
may the royal name be venerable to the English people. 
Goodwood is the next great aristocratic meeting in 
the south, and has monopolised nearly all the racing of 
those parts. The Drawing-Room and the Goodwood 
stakes, and the cup, are prizes of such high value, that, 
as birds peck at the best fruit, all the crack horses of 
Newmarket are brought thither to contend for them. 
The corporation of Chichester add one hundred pounds 
217 
