552 HISTORY OF THE 



did not hold, he used it in large quantities, and found 

 that it produced the following advantageous results, 

 viz : by acting as a network over the roots of the 

 grass, it protected them and the surface of the soil 

 from the sun, and prevented cracks. In the next 

 place, it formed an elastic carpet, which com- 

 pletely prevented that jarring to horses' legs 

 which had been previously much complained of ; 

 a relief which appeared perfectly astonishing to 

 the rider coming from the common ground on to 

 the soil thus prepared, and which may be said to 

 give the sensation of riding on a Turkey carpet, 

 as compared to a stone pavement. Lastly, it yro- 

 moted the growth of the grass. 



We believe that although the gentleman above 

 alluded to has entirely retired from all concern in 

 the Hippodrome, the use of tan is still continued 

 there with success ; and we feel confident that, before 

 long, we shall see it used on many other race- 

 courses and training-grounds, particularly those of 

 a clayey or chalky soil, as is the case with nearly 

 all those in the south of England. 



Although a considerable portion of the downs 

 in the vicinity of Newmarket have been enclosed for 

 many years, enough remains to afford both race- 

 courses and training-ground of great extent and 

 variety. The horses standing at the west end of 

 the town, are generally galloped and sweated on 

 that part of the heath where the courses are 

 situated ; for which there is ample space along 



