POLO 



off was about 400 yards in length by 200 in width, and consisted 

 of good level turf, a goal being marked at either end with flags, 

 as at football. 



' Play commenced about half-past three o'clock, the Lancers 

 winning choice of ground by a toss ; but before the game began 

 the competitors, at the desire of the Princess of Wales, fell in 

 and passed in a body before the tent where the royal party 

 were seated. A trumpeter having given the signal, the ball 

 was thrown into the centre of the ground by a mounted out- 

 sider, and was charged at immediately by both parties. The 

 scene which followed, as both sides endeavoured to drive the 

 ball towards the goal of their opponents, and their nimble 

 ponies were turned deftly or urged swiftly in pursuit of it, was 

 eagerly watched by the spectators ; and there could be no 

 question as to the correctness of an opinion we heard expressed, 

 that to get a good hit at the ball, under the circumstances of 

 the contest, " required some jockeying." After play had 

 continued for about an hour, during which the ball was several 

 times driven out of the bounds, and the ponies were rested for 

 a few minutes, the first goal was scored for the Lancers by a 

 dexterous stroke on the part of Captain Clayton. The ponies 

 were now refreshed, and when play was recommenced, no 

 indications of weariness appeared in either the animals or their 

 riders. The ball was driven from side to side of the ground 

 repeatedly for something like twenty minutes, when the Blues 

 were skilful enough to score a goal against that of their op- 

 ponents. Mr. Egerton this time had the credit of the success 

 on behalf of his party. In the miUe preceding the goal the 

 Marquis of Worcester, in stooping at the ball, received a stroke 

 on the head which caused the blood to flow freely ; but until 

 his attention was called to it he was unaware that he had been 

 hit, and by his good spirits after the match it was evident that 

 the wound was not serious. A third time play was com- 

 menced, but at half-past five, the hour appointed for its 

 termination, the trumpeter gave the signal, and the sport of 

 the day ended in a drawn game. . . . 



219 



