VI 



PREFACE. 



sons: — Firstly, ])y the number of so-called " Histories of 

 the Turf," already in circulation. Secondly, by the con- 

 viction that nothing new can be made of old materials, in 

 which information is so scanty, and well authenticated 

 facts so rare, that thrice-told tales must necessarily be 

 repeated, " usque ad nauseam." 



For himself, the Editor would only claim the merit of 

 having endeavoured to perform his duties impartially and 

 well. Where time has altered aspects, changed appear- 

 ances, unfolded mysteries, or made the darkness clear, 

 advantage has been taken of the new light, to explain or 

 simplify. In other cases, he has assiduously endeavoured 

 to avoid giving offence to any; and sought to bury all 

 unpleasant reminiscences with the bones of the by-gones in 



THi: GRAVE OF ECUPSE. 



