AT LARGE 21 



periodicals whose editors do not deal more or less 

 extensively with the subject. Books on racing are 

 numerous, so that paper-makers, printers, binders, 

 and others secure their share. Stands, weighing- 

 rooms, stables have to be erected, hurdles to be 

 made, fences built and maintained — how many 

 miles of rails, I wonder, have been put up by 

 carpenters on the fifty racecourses (I believe this 

 is as nearly as possible the number now in use) 

 which are scattered about England ? And this 

 means a considerable trade in wood. It is difficult 

 to say where the expenditure which has its origin 

 in racing actually ends, and what members of the 

 community, far outside the limits of those who can 

 be regarded as inhabitants of the racing world, do 

 not derive incomes or have their incomes increased 

 by the Turf. It certainly makes a very important 

 addition to the revenue of the Post Office, especially 

 of the telegraph department, and so to the trades- 

 men and their various assistants who cater for the 

 service : though it is not to be denied that many 

 of these telegrams are very unfortunate in their 

 effiscts, being sent by touts and tipsters to hungry 

 and credulous victims who are induced to lose 

 money which they cannot afford. I do not mean 

 to say that all Turf advisers come into this category, 

 for some of them are no doubt good judges, who 



