20 



and symmetry he stands unrivalled; he is a perfect 

 picture of a horse, and goes so pleasantly : he is 

 well known in the Surrey. Warranted in every 

 respect. Apply to A.Z.," &c. 



I found the above description in the columns of 

 the Times, and notwithstanding its elegance of 

 grammar and style, I made all allowances for the 

 education of a Surrey sportsman, and left my card 

 at his stables. There was a something about the 

 look of the stables that I did not like — an inde- 

 scribable negativetiess of appearance. There was no 

 groom; he was out, exhibiting his *^ picture;" there 

 was no key to the door ; there was no manure piled 

 up under the window ; there was no learning any 

 thing about the horse, or the owner, or even the 

 place itself; but then my call was unseasonably 

 early, and though I recollected these matters after- 

 wards, they made but a faint impression at the time. 

 I went away for an hour or two, and then repeated 

 my visit. The " picture" was produced and ex- 

 hibited ; and certainly he had not been unfairly 

 described; he was a fine-looking horse, of great 

 power and spirit ; but why was he sold ? 



" Master had been unlucky, and was going abroad 

 for the summer." Delicacy of course forbade 

 more minute inquiry ; I cared not whether he ab- 

 sconded to avoid a dun or a halter, provided the 



