Royal Ascot 



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each drawn by four horses with postiHons. All heads are 

 uncovered, and a long roll of cheering announces that the 

 Prince and Princess of Wales have arrived. Neither does 

 the applause cease until the party are safely ensconced in 

 the Royal Stand. Few more brilliant or more beautiful 

 sights are to be seen than the royal cortege as it wheels 

 into line. With all the trappings and circumstance of State, 

 the glitter and pomp of uniforms and action, it recalls in 

 some measure the brilliant pageants that were the pride 

 and glory of our forefathers. As the cheering dies out, 

 the bell rings for the first race, and the day's business 

 commences. 



In the popular estimate the interlude that is allowed in 

 the programme for luncheon ranks as the most enjoyable 

 of the day. At Ascot one looks forward to seeing par- 

 ticularly good racing, and the expectations are not disap- 

 pointed. The dresses at Ascot are a characteristic feature, 

 for it would not be Ascot were not the lawns and enclosures 

 filled with graceful women in beautiful costumes ; but 

 luncheon is the thrice important item. Hospitality is re- 

 markable during the four days of the racing, and pervades 

 all the varying classes of society represented. While the 

 Prince of Wales and the Master of the Buckhounds each 

 dispenses a noble hospitality, the Guards' and other Clubs 

 welcome a large circle to their elegant repasts, and the 

 roofs of the coaches, from one end of the Club Enclosure 

 to the other, afford one huge banquet. The private luncheon 

 rooms in the Grand Stand are the scenes of many pleasant 

 parties, and the large dining-halls on the lawn at the back 

 of the Grand Stand claim a fair share of patronage, and 

 during the luncheon hour proper are full to overflowing. 



