The question is often asked: “Which was the best horse that ever raced in Australia?” Racing men all have their fancies. I favour the idea of classing them according to the period in which they raced. Thus, the best horse of the early period of racing in this colony appears to have been Junius. Then comes Jorrocks, Veno, Zoe, Tarragon, The Barb, First King, Grand Flaneur, Malua, Sir Modred, Commotion, Carbine, Wakeful, Poseidon and Poitrel. Asked which were the better quartette of the lot mentioned as far as personal opinion goes, the reply would be: The Barb, Carbine, Sir Modred and Poitrel. FRANK WILKINSON. [Illustration: JORROCKS (†) by Whisker. Sold in 1841 by his breeder, Mr. H. Bailey, who took in exchange for the gelding 8 springing heifers (equivalent to £40 sterling). The gelding took part in 81 races, 57 of which he won, the majority being run in heats. ] [Illustration: VENO (†). Ches. Horse, foaled about 1853, by Waverley—Peri. Winner A.J.C. Plate at Homebush, 1857, beat Alice Hawthorn in a match over 3 miles at Flemington for £2000 and the Championship of the N.S.W. and Victorian Turf. Owned by Mr. G. F. Rowe. ] [Illustration: FISHERMAN (11) imp. Brown Horse, 1854, by Heron—Mainbrace. Winner of 65 races, including Ascot Gold Cup (twice), etc. Imported in 1860. Sire of Maribyrnong, Fishhook, Gasworks, Angler, etc. Died 1865. ] [Illustration: FLYING BUCK (†). Bay Horse, 1856, by Warhawk or Romulus—Wilhemina. Winner of the first Champion Race at Flemington in 1859. Owned by the late Mr. W. C. Yuille, Victoria. ] [Illustration: ARCHER (†). Bay Horse, 1856, by William Tell (imp.)—Maid of the Oaks. Winner of the first and second V.R.C. Melbourne Cups, etc. Owned by the late Mr. E. de Mestre, N.S.W. ] [Illustration: CLOVE (3). Brown Mare, 1862, by Magus—Clove (imp.). Winner of the first A.J.C. Derby, and ancestress of Abercorn, Desert Rose, Wolaroi, etc. Owned by Mr. Cheeke. ] [Illustration: YATTENDON (17). Brown Horse, 1861, by Sir Hercules—Cassandra. Winner of the first Sydney Cup, and one of the most successful sires bred in Australia. Died at Fernhill in 1880. ] [Illustration: MARIBRYNONG (3). Brn. Horse, 1863, by Fisherman (imp.)—Rose de Florence (imp.). Winner of good races and a very successful sire. Among his progeny were Richmond, Bosworth, Woodlands, etc. Died in 1887. ] [Illustration: THE BARB (†). Black Horse, 1863, by Sir Hercules—Fair Ellen. Winner of the Champion Race, Melbourne Cup, Metropolitan Stakes, Sydney Cup (on two occasions), the last time carrying 10 st. 8 lb. A really good horse. Sire of Tocal, Fitz Hercules, etc. Owned by the late Mr. John Tait, Sydney. ] [Illustration: