264 A MIRROR OF THE TURF. 



with a roulette-table constructed after a some- 

 what rude fashion ; it was, in fact, a revolving 

 handle fixed on a board, which at the end of 

 each revolution pointed to one or other of 

 several figures painted on a piece of white cloth, 

 by means of which winnings were determined. 

 Many similar tables were to be found on the 

 racecourses of the period. At Ascot, Epsom, 

 and Doncaster tents were at one time fitted 

 up in which gambling was carried on all day 

 long ; and there was no concealment, the fre- 

 quenters of the racecourse being openly invited 

 to "walk in; roulette," or "walk in; hazard," 

 as might happen. Cards with addresses upon 

 them were also distributed at race meetings, 

 so that those inclined to try their fortunes might 

 know where they could tempt the fickle goddess. 

 To many, attendance at a race meeting was 

 simply — about the time referred to — an excuse 

 for a gambling bout, which nearly always resulted 

 in favour of those who kept the bank. 



The methods of gambling in the days of 

 Crockford were ruthlessly exposed during the 

 trial of the well-known case of Smith v. Bond, 

 then a well-known partner in one of the superior 

 London hells. At the time indicated (1820 to 

 1845), the parishes of St. George's and St. 

 James' swarmed with gambling - houses, where 

 large or small sums of money could nightly 

 be gained or lost, as might happen, and the 

 play at the majority of such houses was well 

 known to fall out largely against the players, 

 as by many well - planned devices the bankers 

 had points in their favour. The Bonds, who 

 had named their place the Junior St. James' 



