49 



" To be run for on Finchley Common, in the 

 county of Middlesex, on Tuesday the 4th of October 

 next, a Set of Lating Bells and Whip, for five Horses, 

 by Carthorses that constantly go in a Team, and to 

 be rid by the Carter that did constantly drive the 

 Team; to ride bareback'd, with the Bit-Halter and 

 his own Cart-Whip ; to run two miles at a Heat, the 

 best of three Heats, and to pay three shillings 

 entrance, and no less than five to start, and enter the 

 day of running between the Hours of Eight and Two, 

 at the place above-mentioned ; the first Horse to have 

 the Bells, and the second the Whip." 



Here is the advertisement of another race 

 of somewhat similar character which, in spite 

 of the element of jocularity in the conditions, 

 would help to stimulate the interest taken by 

 carters in their charges. This is taken from 

 the London Evening Post, of September 4th 

 to 6th, 1739 : — - 



''On the Wash, near Newbury, in Berkshire, on 

 Friday, the 22nd of September, 1739, will be run for, 

 a set of Cart Harness with Bells, for five Horses 

 (given by the INIost Honourable the Marquess of 

 Carnarvon), by any Horse, IMare, or Gelding that 

 shall be 15 hands high at the least, and has been 

 train'd to the Cart only, and in that way continued 

 to be used. None but Carters to ride, and to ride 

 with Bell Halters, long Cart Whips, in Straw Boots 

 and Carter's Frocks, and without saddles ; and all 

 Riders to change their Horses, &c. (mares or geldings), 

 before starting at the Starting-Post, and no Man to 

 ride his own Horse (mare or gelding), &c., the Horse 

 (mare or gelding) &c., that comes in last to win the 

 Prize. And if any Dispute shall arise about the 

 Change of Horses, starting, running, &c., the same 



