THE SMITHFIELD HOUSE MARKET. 
59 
afternoon, and closes at seven, or as soon after as we can get 
them from it. In the winter season it commences at two, and 
closes at the dusk of the evening. 
What is the number of horses that come into the market, and 
the state of the neighbourhood in consequence of that number? 
At this season of the year (July), I should suppose there are 
from 300 to 350, or 400, and froii 50 to 100 asses brought in, 
and the scene of confusion is beyond all description. It brings 
together all the thieves and rogues within ten miles of London. 
It is the most abominable scene that can be imagined. I would 
rather be there ten Mondays than one Friday afternoon. 
From whence does the supply o" horses arise ? From all parts 
of the country.—Do you think tliere are any that are stolen ? 
Occasionally there are some. 
Does that market facilitate the stealing of horses ? I cannot say. 
Do they run the horses up anc down the streets? Yes. I 
place officers at the ends of the streets to prevent them driving 
on the pavement, and to prevent eny persons riding them, and 
to exclude any carts brought there "or sale. 
Are you aware of any accidents having happened there from 
the horses lately ? There was a won an, four or five weeks since, 
had her leg broken; and a child had its arm broken by the kick 
of a horse about two months since. 
Do the horses come in at such an hour as to cause any incon¬ 
venience to the drovers and butcheis? In the winter time they 
do. At this time of the year I pkce officers at the differeni 
avenues to prevent them coming ii till the cattle are out, buL 
that causes great inconvenience in tin avenues. 
Is there a register kept of the horse? sold ? Yes ; if they choose 
to pay a shilling they may have the lorse registered. 
Is it the practice not’to have the ho'ses registered ? If a person 
wishes to recover he has them registered. 
What is the practice ? To book then, as it is called. 
Do they pay for the ties of the hoses ? I do not know what 
they pay. A portion of them are tied jp, but the greater propor¬ 
tion stand out; these are a great luisance. Those that are 
tied up are the most valuable. 
Those that stand out yniy nothing ? No. 
What is the average value of the liases sold there? You may 
buy a horse there from 2()s. to 100 guiieas. 
Do the knackers buy many horses tiere ? A great many. 
Are they generally a more riotous class of people and more 
lawless that attend the liorse-markct than attend the cattle- 
market? Yes, they are the most lawbss set I ever saw; if w'c 
interfere we are generally obliged to Uke our staves and fight. 
Have you ever taken any of these persons before the magis¬ 
trates? Repeatedly, and locked them ap for being disorderly. 
