204 TALES OF THE TURF. 



The starting by a drum I like. There are many rep- 

 resentatives of the Damphool family at every race meet- 

 ing always ready to yell "Go !" and frequently causing 

 false starts; but every Damphool cannot peddle a drum 

 around with him if he can his lusty lungs ; so give us 

 the drum. 



And the electric timing clock is another "consumma- 

 tion devoulty to be wished." 



The grand stand is an important matter for consid- 

 eration. The pitch of the seats has more to do with a 

 good view than any other one thing, and should be at 

 about a thirty degree angle. The posts supporting the 

 roof should not be so numerous nor so large as to hide 

 the view. The angle at which a stand should set is in- 

 fluenced considerably by its length. I think that stands 

 should be set closer to the track than is now customary, 

 so that announcements from the judges can be better 

 heard, and names and figures on the blackboard more 

 easily discerned by the spectators. I would locate its 

 nearest end (which should be the one towards the first 

 turn) about fifteen feet from the track fence, and bear 

 off at an angle of six feet in every one hundred, if the 

 stand be a long one. A short stand can be set at a 

 greater angle if desired, but it is doubtful if any advan- 

 tages would be gained by so doing. 



The stables should be located together, and within 

 easy call of the patrol judges. The cheapest method is 

 to build a series of barns with compartments of four 

 stalls, two on a side, facing each other, in each. But it 

 is open to serious objection, for it brings together the 

 horses of different trainers, and there is no privacy nor 

 security. The horses that have had their work, and 

 should be resting, are excited and annoyed by the noise 



