344 HIGH IV AYS AND HORSES. 



together, where the accommodation is convenient. After stopping 

 some ten or fifteen minutes at Wade's Mill they take on two chest- 

 nuts, big, strong harness horses, with brown and roan leaders, for 

 continuing the now flying journey — for the pace at this part of the 

 road becomes to the uninitiated something frightful ! I am old- 

 fashioned in my ideas possibly, and know I shall be laughed at for 

 saying so — but there is no denying Mr. Carleton Blyth does go very 

 fast! 



From Buntingford to Royston (I think the fastest stage), four 

 more chestnuts, the off-wheeler a wonderful mover, who trots when 

 others gallop. On to Harston two bay blood leaders, apparently, for 

 it began to get dark ; and bay wheelers, all little ones, still going as- 

 hard as ever. Into Cambridge a roan, two greys, and a bay kept up 

 the pace to the last moment. No wonder crowds come out on foot^ 

 in gigs and pony-carts, and every description of " conveyance," to see 

 and greet the " Defiance" and the popular owner. No wonder this 

 coach — the " sensation " coach of the season — has been heavier laden 

 than any other all the summer. It is a marvel, and an immense 

 amount of credit is due to Mr. Carleton Blyth, not only for placing 

 such a coach upon the road, but for the way in which he has done it ; 

 the admirable way in which the various teams are classed, and the 

 way in which every individual horse seems to fill the very place he is 

 best suited for. If Mr. Carleton Blyth personally selected these 

 horses, he has shown very great judgment, and I understand they 

 were all purchased from one dealer. 



I have no space to tell of the perfection of all other arrangements 

 connected with the "Defiance," and I did not go the extra weekly jour- 

 ney to Cheltenham, when this coach does i6o miles in sixteen hours. 

 I did hear it hinted that next season Mr. Carleton Blyth intends 

 putting a coach on the road from London to York. If another 

 " Defiance," it will be difficult to equal — impossible to beat. — Faith- 

 fully yours, Cub-hunter. 



Another interesting letter appeared in the Fields 

 Sept. 20th, 1879, respecting the Brighton coach : 



ON THE BRIGHTON COACH. 



It is now some time since we have told our readers anything about 

 the Brighton coach and its doings, and as it has this season altered 

 its route in some measure, Mr. Freeman, one of the proprietors, very- 

 kindly offered us a seat when we could spare a day, in order that we 

 might see the beauties of the road he now travels, and compare them 

 with the line they have taken since leaving the Reigate route until 

 the commencement of the present season. Using what petitions we 

 thought most likely to influence the clerk of the weather and secure 



