294 ATTACKS ON THE TURF. 



recognised authorities, the other to that of employers, to 

 the restraints imposed by law, and to the penalties which 

 invariably follow unfair or careless performance of duties ; 

 whilst reformers would find ample scope for the practice 

 of their designs, in the many abuses which affect the welfare 

 of the world at large. 



But from this general view of the subject it will be well 

 to turn to consider special attacks on the turf 



Professor Low, in his work entitled " Domestic Animals of 

 Great Britain," is perhaps fortunately too partial and too 

 consistently pessimist in his views, to cause his authority on 

 racing matters to rank high with lovers of fair play. After 

 telling us something of notable persons connected with the 

 sport from the time of James I. to that of Oliver Cromwell, he 

 speaks of the sport itself; of which he, at least, says, and in 

 so far we may agree with him, that it is not productive of more 

 gambling than other things, nor so harmful as cards or dice ; 

 nor is there, he allows, more gambling with us than in other 

 countries in which horse-racing is unknown. But when he 

 comes to discuss the professional aspect of the topic, it will 

 be conceded, I think, that his conclusions have no trust- 

 worthy foundation, either of experience or logical argument. 



" The humblest class," he says, " connected with the business 

 of the turf are the boys of the stable ; to each of whom is 

 assigned the care of one horse with the duties of riding it at 

 exercise." (He here starts with a palpable mistake, as each 

 boy does two horses.) He proceeds to state on the authority of 

 Holcraft, " that the boy rises at half-past two in the summer." 

 Speaking of wasting jockeys, the Professor says that, under 

 the system which he has been describing, " a man may reduce 

 his weight a pound or more in the day without injury to his 

 general health or temporary impairment of his natural 

 vigour." Of the young horse itself, he states, "he is cruelly 



