FIRST TRIAL OF THE VAN. 65 



As I have already stated, the body of the van 

 was lifted high above the ground, on account of 

 the construction of the wheels — being built, in fact, 

 on the same lines as the old gipsy-vans. It there- 

 fore became necessary to back it against a bank 

 which formed a boundary of old Goodwood Park, 

 and stood opposite the kennels. In this way 

 entrance into the van was made easy for the two 

 horses ; and the platform or gangway being covered 

 with straw litter, the horses entered without hesi- 

 tation, especially Elis, who was a very docile and 

 tractable animal. All being prepared, the six 

 post-horses were attached to the vehicle, and Mr 

 John Doe mounted the box. After this fashion 

 was the great tentative experiment initiated, and 

 the start effected, greatly to the delight and 

 astonishment of all who had witnessed the prepara- 

 tions by which the first specially constructed race- 

 horse van on record was brouofht into active 

 requisition. 



Nor were the curiosity and wonder less as it 

 proceeded on its way, the greatest surprise and 

 interest being excited by it in every village and 

 town through which it passed. Some of the spec- 

 tators asserted that a wild beast of extraordinary 

 ferocity was locked up inside ; others that a 

 notorious criminal was being sent from jail to be 

 tried at the assizes. Pedestrians stopped and eyed 

 it with amazement. The coachmen and passengers 

 of the various coaches were astounded at seeing 



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