538 THE HORSE. 



ing is visible to the eye, in the distincter marking of the ex- 

 ternal muscles and tendons, the prominence of the subcuta- 

 neous bloodvessels, and the force, lightness, and celerity of 

 the movements of the limbs and body. But a treatment thus 

 artificial, carried to the degree required, must necessarily 

 react upon the system, excite to excess the circulatory organs, 

 enfeeble the powers of digestion, and induce many maladies. 

 These horses, accordingly, arrive at premature age, are rarely 

 long-lived, and are subject to numerous diseases of the limbs 

 and viscera ; and great numbers of them break down after 

 their first exercises on the turf, or sink under the preliminary 

 trials. 



The practice of the Course itself merits consideration, not 

 merely as a gay and exciting spectacle, affording relaxation 

 and delight to great numbers of people, but as a system of 

 games affecting public taste, national manners, and private 

 morals, as putting to the hazard of chances an enormous 

 amount of capital, and as being connected with the preser- 

 vation of a beautiful race of horses, especially destined for 

 the sport. 



The number of established race-courses of the British 

 Islands amounts at present to 153 ; namely, 132 in England, 

 9 in Wales, 9 in Scotland, and 3 in Ireland. The value of 

 the stakes and prizes run for amounts to L.148,775,* forming, 

 however, a mere fraction of the vast sums dependent on bet- 

 ting. The number of Royal Plates is 50, now commuted into 

 payments of 100 guineas each, defrayed partly from the 

 Privy Purse, partly from the department of the Master of 

 the Horse, and partly from an annual Parliamentary grant. 



Of the English race-courses, that of Newmarket is the first 

 in rank and early celebrity. The town itself stands partly 

 in Cambridgeshire and partly in Suffolk, 61 miles NNE. from 

 London, on the great road leading to Norwich. King James I. 

 built a house here, that he might enjoy the recreation of 



* History of the Turf, by James Christie Whyte, Esq. 



