COURSE-KACIXG AT THE NORTH. 151 



period, when his get and tliat of Messenger mingled, it was the 

 abiding hope of the breeder to obtain the fine forehand, rich 

 color, and perfect symmetry of a Baronet, with the speed, power, 

 and will of a Messenger. Light Infantry and Expedition were 

 horses of similar character, possessing great beauty of form and 

 elegance of action. Both contributed essentially to the general 

 improvement, and in several instances their get obtained dis- 

 tinction on the turf. 



Of later importations — Phoenix, in 1803 ; Bussorah, in 1819 ; 

 Eoman, in 1823 ; Barefoot, in 1827 ; Hedgeford and Autocrat, 

 in 1833 ; Trustee, in 1835 — several have produced at least one 

 of great excellence — ^Trustee, the wonder. Fashion ; Roman, a 

 Treasurer ; Barefoot, a Clara Howard ; and Hedgeford, a Duane 

 — but their many failures under favorable circumstances, at 

 least suggest the inquiry, whether the dam has not quite as 

 much, if not more to do in the production of these isolated cases 

 of superior excellence, as the sire. 



Of Bussorah and other Arabians which have been imported, 

 although evidently great pains have been bestowed on their 

 selection, it is admitted that none have added essentially to the 

 value of our stock. Bnssorah possessed great beauty, was of 

 approved pedigree, and free from any particular defects of form, 

 consequently great hopes were entertained of his usefulness; 

 but, after experimenting for a great lengtli of time with him 

 and others, the conclusion has become irresistible that a horse, 

 to insure superiority either in performance or production, must 

 not only be perfect in pedigree, and passably good in his shapes, 

 but possess that high and commanding form which gives ex- 

 ceeding power, while at the same time it insures ease of action. 



With regard to the commencement of course-racing at the 

 North, I am not particularly informed. But previous to the 

 Eevolution there existed, near the centre of the county, a pub- 

 lic course, called I^ewmarket ; and also one at Jamaica, called 

 Beaver Pond ; at both of which trials of speed frequently took 

 place, but whether at regular intervals is not known. As early 

 as 1800, courses existed at Albany, Poughkeepsie, and Harlem, 

 in this State, on which purses, from one to four-mile heats, were 

 contended for. It is believed, however, that until 1804, no reg- 

 ularly organized club existed here. In this year an associa- 



