ON RACING. 277 



The enthusiasm of the Yorkshire tykes 

 when on the Town Moor a "Whitewall-trained 

 favourite ran home a gallant winner of the 

 great St. Leger or the Coop, was natural 

 and healthy enough ; as was also the joy 

 when the locally trained colt of the old 

 Squire or Lord-Lieutenant of the county 

 carried off the Queen's Plate at a provincial 

 meeting ; or when Mr. Tom's, Captain Dick's, 

 or Master Harry's mare won the open steeple- 

 chase over a stiff natural course at the Hunt 

 races. But this systematic backing of the 

 unknown horses of unknown owners by post 

 and wire, or in the bar-parlour of the sporting 

 " public," is another thing altogether, and 

 little likely to benefit those addicted to it. 



The extraordinary advance during the last 

 few decades in the value of stakes has necessi- 

 tated the multiplication of gate-money meet- 

 ings. These, I imagine, are less enjoyable, as 

 well as less healthy, than when racing is held 

 upon open down or heath. Newmarket, 



