i86 THE COACHING ERA 



The hunter boasts his gallant steed 



That flies o'er hill and dale, 

 But we can best his fastest speed, 



And tell a brighter tale. 



We've no blank days, no wants of scent, 



To check our forward course; 

 Fresh teams await when this is spent. 



This beats his second horse. 



And hark! the bugle sounds alarms 



Thro' every country place, 

 The village beauties show their charms. 



Displaying every grace. 



Then here's my toast, and fill it up, 



"Success the road attend!" 

 And he that will not pledge the cup 



To talent is no friend! 



Lord Onslow, a good whip but of great eccentricity, 

 had his coach painted black, and drawn by four magni- 

 ficent black horses, the whole turn-out being strongly 

 reminiscent of a hearse. He was the subject of many 

 quibs and caricatures, one of which ran: 



"What can Tommy Onslow do? 

 He can drive a curricle and two. 

 Can Tommy Onslow do no more? 

 Yes, he can drive a coach and four." 



Amateurs who delighted in a four-in-hand, but did 

 not desire to displace the professional coachmen, formed 

 among themselves a driving Club. This was the famous 

 Benson Driving Club popularly called the B.D.C., 

 instituted in 1807, and which continued till 1853. 



