THE DEEBY CENTENAEY. 231 



on to the top of tlie hedge, we begin to feel that 

 we are indeed bound for the Derby. Family 

 parties in vehicles of varying sorts are also 

 frequent, and are remarkable for the fact that 

 it seems to be a point of honour on the part of 

 the lady occupants to bring as many babies as 

 can be mustered for the occasion. 



Whoever desires to read accounts of the fun 

 of the road must, however, turn to the works of 

 bygone chroniclers. Going to the Derby at the 

 present time is a proceeding so decorous that it 

 might even be termed dull, were it not that a 

 drive through the delightful Surrey lanes is 

 always pleasant at this time of year, when the 

 verdure is at its freshest and greenest. The 

 Young Ladies' Schools, moreover, which are an 

 interesting feature of the way, seem to be in 

 flourishing condition ; and severe as the matrons 

 sometimes look when the execution wrought by 

 so many bright eyes on the passengers of a 

 loaded coach is made too apparent by the 

 demeanour of the victims, the girls would not 

 be at the windows if they had not been allowed 

 a holiday. It is a curious thing in the natural 

 history of the sex that the most austere of 

 maidens will smile if she happens to catch the 

 respectful glance of a traveller to Epsom. Some 

 bold young men disgrace themselves by beckon- 



