TOUTS AND TOUTING 259 



contented with my lot in life ; settled down at one 

 of the principal training centres in the kingdom, I 

 am happy, exceptionally happy, the work being a 

 pleasure ; and, if there is not a fortune to be made 

 at the business, there is no more delightful pursuit 

 to the lover of the horse than to watch the animals 

 maturing under the patient care and attention of a 

 practical trainer, and growing at last into 

 racehorses — perhaps of merit. The glow of health 

 that surfeits one as the fresh bracing atmosphere of 

 the breezy downs fans one's cheeks, and the music 

 of the horses' hoofs thunders over the heath, are 

 ioys which appeal to one irresistibly, and make 

 one feel that for a poor man with a love of sport 

 there is no more enchanting or healthful calling 

 than that of " the Tout." 



s 2 



