The Sport of Our Jincestors 



many suspicions as to the result of such a change. It is true, 

 the persons that horse the mails cry out lustily against the 

 Government for not remunerating them better for the in- 

 creased speed at which they are now required to travel — the 

 maximum price being tenpence a mile. Indeed, several 

 proprietors have, in consequence of their losses, taken their 

 horses off some of the mails ; and others would refuse fresh 

 contracts, unless more liberal terms were offered them. 

 The Chester has already disappeared. These complaints 

 have, no doubt, been troublesome — and, in some cases, 

 perhaps, not quite reasonable ; but we will state our 

 reasons for thinking the present system cannot be improved 

 upon. 



First, the build of the mails is admirable for endurance. 

 Why do we oftener hear of axletrees and other parts giving 

 way with stage-coaches, and scarcely ever in the mails ? 

 Simply because the sustaining powers of the latter are more 

 than equal to the weight, and they cannot lose their wheels. 

 Moreover, they are excellently adapted for quick travelling ; 

 the centre of gravity being low — and now still lower in those 

 furnished by the new contractor, the term of Mr. Vidler's 

 contract having expired ; and they are light in comparison 

 with stage-coaches that run as fast as they do ; indeed, 

 amongst coachmen, they are slightingly termed ' paper 

 carts,' in reference to comparative weight, and their great 

 speed on the road. When the mail-coach of the present day 

 starts from London for Edinburgh, a man may safely bet a 

 hundred to one that she arrives to her time ; but let a light 



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