OWNERS AND THEIR FRIENDS, 187 
The same thing often occurs through the thoughtless 
exposure of letters. They are left lying about, and the best 
arranged schemes are defeated through the advantage the 
unscrupulous will take of the habit. To prevent such a thing 
letters should be carefully locked in some place of safety, 
if not destroyed as soon as read; or better still, whenever 
possible, really important business between owner and trainer 
should be transacted verbally—a plan I certainly recommend 
to all who would not have their schemes nipped in the bud, as 
unfortunately too many are nowadays. Sufficient attention is 
not, as a rule, paid to little matters, the neglect of which not 
only causes disaster, but brings censure on innocent persons. 
But if this source of disappointment be mostly attributable 
to the action of the novice on the turf, to the older and ex- 
perienced sportsman some share of blame attaches in other 
things. Polonius tells us: 
** Tt seems it is as proper to our age 
To cast beyond ourselves in our opinions, 
As it is common for the younger sort 
To lack discretion.” 
If it be true that his wisdom is the wisdom of old age, what 
he would teach us here finds confirmation in racing matters. 
For we see, from some cause or other, that the most eminent 
men on the turf, full of experience and practical knowledge 
in all matters relating to turf lore, are patently not the most 
successful. 
In excelling wisdom, among turfites, I should think stood 
foremost the late Admiral Rous and Mr. C. C. Greville, 
gentlemen of unbounded experience, honour, and ability. 
Yet we find these astute judges not reaping the advantages 
of their talent and position so fully as one would expect. 
Though the Admiral never kept a large string of his own, 
