194 IRiMno IRecoUcctions au^ TLiwt Stones 



his opinion was greatly valued by the Duke of 

 Beaufort, one of his chief employers. He was 

 also veterinary to the troop of the Gloucester- 

 shire Yeomanry, and as good a sportsman as I ever 

 saw. He could ride well on the flat, and won 

 several races at Lewes, principally for Drewitt, the 

 trainer, being connected with that stable, where 

 Fordham was apprenticed. Later in life Fordham 

 and Mr. Mannington became the greatest of friends, 

 and their friendship lasted for over thirty years. 



Amongst other eccentric persons I have met in 

 my career, I must not forget to mention one (although 

 only known to a few of the present day) — " Count 

 Bolo," or George French, which was his proper 

 name. " Count Bolo " was a self-imposed title, which 

 he made use of when he could, and did not forget 

 to advertise it on his umbrella and walking-stick, 

 as he had the title stamped upon them in large 

 letters, and always put them up to his mouth, so that 

 no one could help noticing it. The "Count" was 

 without question one of the most witty, impudent 

 dare-devils that ever trod shoe-leather. He used 

 to live at Worcester, but afterwards came nearer 

 London, and resided at West Drayton, where he 

 made himself known by becoming the clerk of 

 the course. Bolo always said it was no use 



