286 MINOR EVILS OF THE RACE-COURSE. 



end to the career of these disreputable beings. Money 

 obtained under such circumstances would probably be ruled 

 to have been obtained under false pretences, and the im- 

 postors would be sent to prison as rogues and vagabonds. 



But here, too, I think the simpler remedy of having a few 

 extra policemen would be found effective, whilst the expense 

 would be met by an additional charge of a shilling, or so, on 

 carriages making use of the reserved inclosure. But I do 

 not think such a charge would be found necessary ; my 

 impression being that the course, once freed from obnoxious 

 elements, would receive a sudden access of visitors who now 

 avoid it. Clergymen of many denominations are deterred 

 from attending races, not because they disapprove the sport 

 in itself, but because of the Saturnalia into which, unchecked 

 by any authority, the scene is turned. 



There is no reason why a race-meeting should not be as 

 charming and inoffensive as any concourse of the people. 

 The English delight in outdoor recreation. Melody adds to 

 such diversion a pleasure of its own ; songs that would 

 delight and not offend the senses, would be an acquisition to 

 such a scene, whilst instrumental music would help to beguile 

 that period which, in the intervals of racing, might become» 

 by comparison, wearisome : and those who should contribute 

 such accessories, deserve both encouragement and reward. 

 The former pests of the race-course and its approaches — the 

 thimble-riggers and card-sharpers, astrologers and sooth- 

 sayers — have long since become a thing of the past. It 

 would not, therefore, be impossible to sweep away the offen- 

 sive ballad-mongers, and with them the wretched objects, 

 who, to excite charity, exhibit monistrous deformities, often 

 painfully shocking the sensibilities of the fair visitors. The 

 latter is a sight that is needless ; for we know these objects 



