those seasons as amongst the most delightful of their lives. But my desire that all should make their country life as happy as it is capable of being made--which must be by living more to nature and less to fashion--by using both their physical and moral energies; by respecting themselves, and leaving the respect of others to follow as the natural result of a true and pure tone of spirit--is detaining me too long. I must hasten on; and amongst the most prominent of the country excitements, give a passing word to racing. If any one wishes to know how far the turf influences the course of country life, he has only to read the following passage from Nimrod. “Deservedly high as Newmarket stands in the history of the British turf, it is but as a speck on the ocean when compared with the sum total of our provincial meetings, of which there are about one hundred and twenty in England, Scotland, and Wales--several of them twice in the year. Epsom, Ascot, York, Doncaster, and Goodwood, stand first in respect of the value of the prizes, the rank of the company, and the interest attached to them in the sporting world; although several other cities and towns have lately exhibited very tempting bills of fare to owners of good race-horses. In point of antiquity we believe the Roodee of Chester claims pre-eminence of all country race-meetings;--and certainly it has long been in high repute. Falling early in the racing year--always the first Monday in May--it is most numerously attended by the families of the extensive and very aristocratic neighbourhood in which it is placed; and always continues five days.”--_The Turf_, p. 246.