8 Indian Racing Reminiscences. 



Such was the place at which commenced my 

 experiences in racing and training. 



The artillery at Meean Meer were, at that time, 

 composed of a Horse Artillery battery, F R, com- 

 manded by Major Delane, brother of the then editor of 

 T/ie Times ; F-19, the battery to which I belonged, and 

 a couple of garrison batteries. Delane took great pride 

 in his men and horses, spent lots of money on them, 

 and had, as his reward, one of the smartest batteries I 

 have ever seen on parade. We were at first not so 

 lucky, for our captain was hard up, was married, had a 

 large family, and economized his contract allowance : the 

 result being that the men were not able to turn out the 

 horses in proper style, as the animals' clothing and 

 stable gear were of a wretchedly inadequate description. 

 Happily for the service. Government have long since 

 abolished this allowance, which " slack " and needy 

 captains were, in those days, far too apt to regard as a 

 perquisite for their own especial use. After some time, 

 we got a new commanding officer in Major Fitzgerald, 

 who came to us imbued with all the grand traditions 

 of that glorious corps, the old Bengal Horse Artillery. 

 He was a smart officer, brave soldier, and handsome 

 fellow ; he was a kind and indulgent friend tq every 



