A FAIR HUNTING COURSE 177 



and for the public to be amused, that they should be 

 able to see the race. That the course, if possible, 

 should be near the town, and quite accessible to 

 foot people ; that the fences and water jump should 

 be such as men are accustomed to ride over when 

 fairly riding to hounds ; if practicable, that the start 

 and finish should be at or near the same place ; 

 where a fence was dangerous to horse or rider, it 

 should be made practicable ; that the course should 

 be shown to the riders before the race, removing 

 all unfair advantage to native owners or riders, 

 to the prejudice of strangers to the locality ; that 

 the finish should be enclosed with ropes or rails, 

 and that horsemen should be excluded from ridingf 

 on or over the course, as I had repeatedly seen cads 

 absolutely riding amongst the jockeys, so as to be 

 able to say, they had jumped every fence on the 

 line. At Aylesbury there was no charge for admis- 

 sion on to the course except for carriages. It will 

 therefore be perceived, that unless considerable sub 

 scriptions could be found, the stakes and expenses 

 could not be met. In those early days a few farm 

 waggons and carts formed the stands, where a 

 charge of 2^. bd. each was made, which brought 

 in a few pounds to pay labour and petty charges, 

 but the chief cost was met by subscription. There 

 was one peculiarity which redounded greatly to the 

 credit of the farmers over whose land the race 

 took place — they made no charge whatever for the 

 privilege ; and if after the meeting a hamper of wine 

 was sent to them, they were satisfied. I have 



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