ANDY AND I. 27 1 



I do not remember the number of "metres" in tin 

 course at Vincennes. It is, however, equivalent to about 

 one mile and three-quarters in length, is on the sod, and 

 there are a number of stiff grades to negotiate. Curb 

 bits are used exclusively in the saddle races, and are 

 cruelly put into execution in case an unlucky steed should 

 make a break; at other times the bridle reins hang use- 

 lessly on the neck of the horse, the driver giving no as- 

 sistance whatever in the way of steadying and controlling 

 his charge. In fact, about the only assistance the driver 

 does give is a free use of the whip and spur at "every 

 stage of the game," and independent of his position ; 

 whether away ahead or away behind, it is a continual 

 "drive" from start to finish. 



Is it any wonder, then, that their native-bred horses 

 acquire an indescribable "get there Eli" hurry gait, now 

 trotting behind and half running forward, then "shifting 

 the cut" and reversing the order by trotting forward and 

 running behind, rarely, however, entirely "leaving their 

 feet" and galloping at both ends at the same time. 



The official and only betting recognized by law is 

 done by the French mutual system. It is conducted by 

 the government, which derives an immense revenue from 

 the "privilege," for the French are bettors from "way 

 back." Betting stations are located all over the grounds, 

 each having tickets on sale for a specified price. For 

 instance, at one station only tickets costing five hundred 

 francs each are sold, but at others one hundred, fifty, 

 twenty-five, and all the way down to one-franc tickets are 

 sold. At the conclusion of the race all the purchases 

 made at the different stations go into one common pool 

 and are divided pro-rata, the one-franc fellow getting ex- 

 actly the same proportionate winnings as the one-hun- 



