On the state of the Laiv. 11 



tlie race ; again, to fine the owner 50?. and the 

 Clerk of the Scales 20Z. whenever a mistake was 

 made ; and a gentleman proposed that if a horse's 

 number intended to start be not exhibited or noti- 

 fied within fifteen minutes of the time appointed 

 for the race, the stewards should not allow him 

 to pass. It was likewise recommended that a box 

 should be placed, in which written notices should 

 be inserted, specifying the horse and jockey one 

 quarter of an hour before the race was fixed ; 

 after that period, all the other horses engaged to 

 be considered as having paid forfeit. Therefore if 

 a trainer or jockey should be delayed by false 

 starts in former races, which so constantly occurs ; 

 or if by some trick the servants should be one 

 minute too late — "The box is closed." Thus a 

 horse might be disqualified from starting for a 

 race like the Derby with a million of money at 

 stake. Again, a gentleman proposed " that a 

 horse whose number is on the Telegraph board 

 shall, ipso facto J be liable to pay the whole stake, 

 and that all bets against him should be constituted 

 Play or Pay. The effect of this proposition would 

 give every facility to commit robberies by putting 

 up a horse's number without intending to start 

 him, and then milk him to the last moment. On 

 the other hand, if a horse cantered lame before 



