258 EAOECOUESE AND COVERT SIDE. 



usually associated with the Houghton establish- 

 ment, and are so often seen nearing the winning- 

 post well in the van. 



As my Mend examines the sample and 

 discusses the effect of the thick-skinned white 

 oat on the digestion of horses, I am puzzled to 

 know whether the farmer or the veterinary 

 surgeon predominates ; but when presently we 

 drive on to the downs, and Olding is directed to 

 bid his forces canter the five furlongs up the 

 hill, the trainer (though he in himseK must 

 include many requisites if he is to conduct his 

 business to successful ends) comes prominently 

 uppermost. 



The " schoolmaster " leads the way, walks 

 up to a certain spot and sets off, followed by his 

 youthful companions, some of whom begin with 

 a buck and a plunge, soon, however, settling 

 down to their easy stride, snorting and exhaling 

 the fresh, keen morning air as they go. Shrewd 

 remarks on the breed and action of the different 

 animals fall from the young trainer, and it is 

 evident that he is intimately acquainted with 

 the pecuHarities of every horse under his charge. 

 And then, as is natural, we fall to talking of the 

 horse and his rider as we stroll about the downs, 

 where Danebury and Stockbridge stands are the 

 leading objects in the landscape. 



