THE ''DEFIANCE'' COACH. 343 



hunter look about them. From Tetsworth bigger ones. Here I had 

 time to notice some odd horses, as I believe they are called. A grey- 

 gelding, with a great deal of quality, and a big bay ; so that here are 

 six big horses, all of whom go well together as leaders or wheelers. 

 Further on, a rather big bay mare, with fine quarters and strong back, 

 said to be a wonderful jumper ; and I must not forget a bay, or brown, 

 gelding — with so many white hairs he is almost roan — -who shows a 

 lot of breeding. 



Our next change was at Stokenchurch — four chestnuts, the wheelers 

 a perfectly-matched pair, compact and useful, the leaders somewhat 

 lighter, as I fancy they should be. All this way they go a great pace, 

 galloping up and down hill, severely testing soundness of legs and 

 feet. From High Wycombe to Gerrard's Cross is a slower stage, and 

 a very heavy one for horses with a loaded coach. A few minutes at 

 the " Bull " Inn at the latter place for refreshment, served in a pleasant 

 parlour overlooking the common and picturesque woods beyond, so 

 well known to hunting people. The landlord of the " Bull " is a sport- 

 ing character, and most hospitable. While discussing the good fare 

 he provided Cracknell puts his head in at a window and declares we 

 have only two minutes — so off again. Brown ones this time ; a strong 

 lot, with a big blood leader who took my fancy. Galloped along to 

 Hayes, where another chestnut team succeeded them. I thought 

 it worth all the journey to watch the action of the near side leader. 

 Those who have seen this mare will guess her companions have to 

 " go along." From Acton, four of the eight black-browns that every- 

 body knows who has seen the "Defiance " come into or leave London 

 during the past season. It is no use my attempting to describe them. 

 It is to be hoped they will all be sold together, for it would be a 

 thousand pities to part two such teams. 



It seems odd not to finish the journey in Piccadilly, but Mr. 

 Carleton Blyth does not do anything so ordinary. He only allows 

 twenty minutes for luncheon. 



In the interval one can study human as well as equine nature on 

 the steps at '• Hatchett's." Even at the end of August public interest 

 in this model coaching venture continues. Presently the four greys, 

 as well known as their black-brown brethren, arrive to do the first 

 stage out of London towards Cambridge, and Mr. Carleton Blyth 

 takes the ribbons. The start from the Cellars with this team is well 

 worth alone going to see ! At Tottenham High Cross the greys are 

 changed for blood bays, and by blood ones I do not mean weedy 

 thorough-breds, but strong, useful ones, pictures of hunters, all up to 

 13 St. across country. At Waltham Cross four dark browns, wonder- 

 fully matched, about 15 hands 3 in., do the stage to Hoddesdon. 

 "From thence to Wade's Mill four red roans, big, short-legged horses, 

 perfect for carriage pairs one would say. The "Feathers" here is a 

 regular old-fashioned inn, where one can get an excellent cup of tea. 

 At nearly all the places I have named odd horses are kept — several 



