The Tribe of Hambletonian 149 



The addition shows 1287 foals by Hamble- 

 tonian and service fees amounting to $185,715. 

 The first time I saw Hambletonian was in 1866, 

 at a fair in Orange County. The stallion was in 

 the enjoyment of great fame, and Mr. Rysdyk was 

 pleased to show him to me. Charles L. Sharp- 

 less of Philadelphia soon after this sent me a 

 photograph which he had had taken of Hamble- 

 tonian, with a request to reproduce it in the 

 Turf, Field, and Farm. Knowing Mr. Sharpless 

 to be a friend of Mr. Rysdyk and his stallion, I 

 complied with the request and gave mortal 

 offence to the illiterate farmer. The camera had 

 caught the stallion with his ears thrown back, and 

 this was something that Mr. Rysdyk did not like. 

 The outline of the horse was excellent. Rysdyk 

 complained to his friend, David Bonner, about the 

 picture, and messages were sent back and forth. 

 Two years later I went with Mr. Bonner to Mr. 

 Rysdyk 's house, on invitation of the latter, and 

 spent the night and was royally treated. The 

 old gentleman had been made to see the error 

 of his artistic judgment, and the best of the cel- 

 lar was set before us. Rysdyk knew nothing of 

 art, and every one who painted the stallion had 

 to comply, as far as possible, with his direc- 



