It is now time to dismiss our subject, whicli might be extended to an 

 unlimited lengtb. As Sbakspeare says, in bis Henry the Fifth: "The 

 man hath no wit that cannot, from the rising of the lark to the lodging 

 of the lamb, vary deserved praise on my palfrey. It is a theme as 

 fluent as the sea ; turn the sands into eloquent tongues, and my horse 

 is argument for them all. 'Tis a subject for a sovereign to reason on, 

 and for a sovereign's sovereign to ride on ; and for the world (familiar 

 to us and unknown) to lay apart their particular functions and wonder at 

 him." 



Enough has been said in the foregoing pages to show the antiquity of 

 Racing ; the prevailing taste of the age for it ; the increase of blood 

 stock ; the multiplying of places for sports of the Turf in the different 

 sections of the country ; and though last, not least, the peculiar attrac- 

 tiveness of our own Race Course in Charleston. 



We cannot conclude, then, (in addition to what has already been 

 said,) without one word more in commendation of it. There is no 

 doubt that ours is a place of sport somewhat different from the generality 

 of Race Grounds. It has many advantages to recommend it. It was 

 instituted, not solely for the enjoyment of the outward effect of the 

 beautiful spectacle which a well contested race presents; nor even, 

 altogether, to afford an arena on which, in honorable and gentlemanly 

 rivalry, the speed, and powei', and value of our horses may be tested ; 

 but to have, in an especial manner, an important bearing upon our social 

 relations — to link town and country together, and our State with her 

 sister States, binding them to each other by mutual interests, and the 

 promotion of a common object — to bring together those from all parts 

 of our own State, and from racing regions beyond our own borders, who 

 are, by unavoidable circumstances, separated throughout the rest of the 

 year, that they may, at least once in twelve months, " smoke the calu- 

 met" of kind feeling and cheeiful intercourse, to the continuance of old 

 and the formation of new friendships. 



And " this consummation so devoutly to be wished," is fully realized. 

 Race week in Charleston is truly a season of hospitality, merriment and 

 open-heartedness, bringing round an epoch of social delight. Many, 

 very many of the sons of Alledius — kindred spirits, an united brother- 

 hood of congenial souls — that have been dispersed and scattered far and 



