coats cast aside, boxing, dancing, chatting, and indulging in innocent play, whilst their laughter was all that disturbed the stillness of this picturesque corner.
Having thus visited many of the principal training establishments, there is plenty yet to interest one about the town itself. The High-street at early morn presents a most picturesque sight. Scarcely a vehicle is to be seen, the fine wide thoroughfare is given up to the horses, who, with the stable lads on their backs, are walking slowly in the direction of the Heath for their customary "before breakfast" exercise. Picture the scene in the High-street on the day of a race meeting. To really see Newmarket, so to speak, at its best, one must visit it on such a day, when it is one long procession of brakes and four-in-hands, wagonettes and dog-carts, and indeed all sorts and conditions of conveyances on their way to the top of the hill where the race-courses are situated. There are three principal race-courses at Newmarket: the July Course, which runs over the Devil's Ditch—(the Devil's Ditch, by the bye, is a cutting in the Wash, very much like a railway cutting, with all the ground thrown up on one side. It runs for several miles, and tradition says that it was a popular resort for cockfighting in the olden days); the Beacon Course, which is practically straight, and is just over four miles in length; and the Rowley Mile, a trifle over the mile. These principal courses are split up into a score of smaller ones, over which special races are run.
The Post Office at Newmarket is a busy place on a big race day. It is not without a history, for it was originally a gambling house, and though the exterior remains just as it was years ago, the interior has undergone all the requisite alterations. Ten telegraph clerks are employed here at ordinary times, but when a great day comes round this number is increased to fifty. They will despatch and receive over ten thousand messages on a single day, and nearly thirty messengers will be required.
It is probable, however, that the most important as well as the most interesting building in Newmarket is the Jockey Club. Its exclusiveness is well known, but, as we were enabled to pass through its various rooms, a description of them and their contents may go far to satisfy those curiously inclined. The premises of the Jockey Club are almost exactly opposite the Post Office, and are distinguishable on account of their unpretentious aspect. Inside, the furnishing is more simple still. Every room is furnished, with one exception, in the same style—mahogany, upholstered in brown Russian leather; the reading-room alone has green leather in place of brown. The entrance is through a long passage, the entire length of which is white enamel, charmingly decorated with a fresco. Here is the Committee-room. Over the mantel-board—exquisitely carved—is a picture of a horse which won thirty-seven races. A bust of Admiral Rous is near the window, and there are pictures, too, of the late Duke
