The “Favorites” were named after a Parisian line of omnibuses called _Les Favorites_. The drivers and conductors wore dark blue suits with brass buttons. These omnibuses had, as at present, the word “Favorite” painted in large letters along the panels, and an opposition proprietor imitated them as closely as he dared by having “Favor me” painted on the sides of his omnibus. But the most formidable rivals of the “Favorites” were the “Hopes,” and the racing between these omnibuses became decidedly exciting. A “Favorite” and a “Hope” would start together from the corner opposite the Angel, and race madly down the City Road to the Bank. But the accidents which they caused in their wild career became so appallingly numerous that the Islington Vestry offered a reward to any one giving such information as would lead to the conviction of any driver. This action certainly checked the racing proclivities of the Islington omnibus drivers, but in other parts of London racing flourished for many years. Down the Haymarket from Coventry Street was a favourite racing-ground. Then, as now, there was a cab-rank in the centre of the road, and two omnibuses would race down, one each side of it and frequently come into collision with each other at the end. Many passengers encouraged the coachmen to race, and when accidents occurred to the horses or omnibuses, frequently subscribed to pay for the damage. Some of the omnibus proprietors possessed very inferior stock, and the horses to be seen pulling their vehicles were a disgrace to London. A story is told of a coachman out of work who applied to one of these proprietors for a job. “Ever driven a ’bus before?” the proprietor asked. “Yes, sir. I drove a Kingsland ’bus.” “H’m. Discharged, I suppose.” “No, sir. I left because I wanted a change.” “How many accidents have you had?” “None at all, sir.” “Smart coachman! Have you let many horses down?” “Never let one down, sir.” “Get out of my yard,” shouted the proprietor, fiercely; “you’re no good to me. I want a man who’s had plenty of practice at getting horses up. Mine are always falling down.”