286 MINOR EVILS OF THE RACE-COURSE. 
end to the career of these disreputable beings. Money 
obtained under such circumstances would probably be ruled 
to have been obtained under false pretences, and the im- 
postors would be sent to prison as rogues and vagabonds. 
But here, too, I think the simpler remedy of having a few 
extra policemen would be found effective, whilst the expense 
would be met by an additional charge of a shilling, or so, on 
carriages making use of the reserved enclosure. But I do 
not think such a charge would be found necessary; my 
impression being that the course, once freed from obnoxious 
elements, would receive a sudden access of visitors who now 
avoid it. Clergymen of many denominations are deterred 
from attending races, not because they disapprove the sport 
in itself, but because of the Saturnalia into which, unchecked 
by any authority, the scene is turned. 
There is no reason why a race-meeting should not be as 
charming and inoffensive as any concourse of the people. 
The English delight in outdoor recreation. Melody adds to 
diversion of the kind a pleasure of its own; songs that would 
delight and not offend the senses, would be an acquisition to 
such a scene, whilst instrumental music would help to beguile 
that period which, in the intervals of racing, might become, 
by comparison, wearisome: and those who should contribute 
such accessories, deserve both encouragement and reward. 
The former pests of the race-course and its approaches—the 
thimble-riggers and card-sharpers, astrologers and sooth- 
sayers—have long since become a thing of the past. It 
would not, therefore, be impossible to sweep away the offen- 
sive ballad-mongers, and with them the wretched objects, 
who, to excite charity, exhibit monstrous deformities, often 
painfully shocking the sensibilities of the fair visitors. The 
latter is a sight that is needless ; for we know these objects 
