RACE FOR THE GOLDEN CUP. 205 is shorter to refer my reader to the page or so back, I need not reiterate. About a quarter of an hour before the time announced for opening the day's performance, the royal cortège was descried, in the direction of Windsor Castle, ascending the rise of the New Mile. Our gracious monarch and her gracious majesty set a good example to their subjects, by attending the races. They were courteously received; though, in my own mind, I could scarcely help contrasting the quiet reception they met with, and the exuberant warmheartedness a popular nobleman receives, on a similar occasion, from the more boisterous sons and daughters of Erin. After two races, which did not seem to excite much interest, the serious business of the day drew nigh-it was for the GOLD CUP. The following horses started, and were placed : Marquis of Westminster's Touchstone, 5 yrs. (J. Day) 1 2 6 to 5 was bet against Touchstone; 6 to 4 against Rockingham; 6 to 1 against Aurelius; and 9 to 1 against Lucifer. This was the best start I saw yet: Aurelius went from the post full in front, and commenced making the running for the lot; and sharp work it was. No change occurred till they past the Swinley post, when Rockingham went up for a little; and, after passing the plantations, Lucifer went a-head, yielding, however, soon to Rockingham, who was again in front. Touchstone now stole along, and lay on Rockingham's quarter a good second. From this, out, it was clear Lucifer and Aurelius cried, "Hold, enough!" The last mile was a terrific struggle between the two first, and nothing but a first-rate could have lived at the pace. Within half the distance Day made his rush, collared his opponent, passed him, and won by above a length. Their condition was so splendid, none seemed much distressed after their desperate race. The termination of this match was the signal for luncheon; after which, having attained my object in seeing the two crack races-the Derby, and Gold Cup-I retired. June 7th. I have completed my term, and have five months before I am required to be here again. Resolved to see some of the world during that time, I have paid my debts and visits, got my letter of credit from my banker, and those of introduction from my friends; packed up my luggage, shut up my common law and equity, and, with my passport tout en ordre, start for France in the morning. Then, ye British Isles, farewell! CONTINENTAL DIARY. INTRODUCTION TO MY TOUR. Ir may perhaps be asked, why, with so many works on continental travels already before the public, authors still persist in deluging them with more? I answer, because the tide of advice contained therein has not yet flowed in a right channel, and, when the inundation has ceased, instead of leaving satisfactory traces behind, nothing remains but the shelving rocks of doubt and feardoubt as to which is the safest book to use as a guide-and fear of undertaking the journey at all, having no means of ascertaining the probable expense; hearing, on the one hand, accounts of unequalled extravagance; and, on the other, no less extraordinary histories of economy. How often has the angry traveller thrown down his book in disgust, after vainly seeking in its pages-abounding in picturesque descriptions of the sublime scenery around him-for some no less useful information concerning the hotels of the next town. A judicious friend, who urged me to 208 INTRODUCTION TO MY TOUR. give these volumes to the public, when I told him 1 retained my bills, and an exact account of my expenditure, well observed - "It is quite a mistaken notion that writers of books of travel serve tourists when they merely give their impressions of scenery. When I go abroad, I like to form my own ideas of the places I visit, and the manners I observe in those with whom I associate. Be honest, and give us some idea of the expense. Authors have been either too proud, or too poor, to do sotoo proud to think of troubling themselves to give us information; or ashamed to tell us where they sojourned." In obedience, then, to this wholesome advice, I am resolved to break the mystic tie, that, in my opinion, has alone prevented thousands of our intelligent countrymen, and fellow-citizens, from sharing the advantages of travel, which, from the want of due information on money matters, has been hitherto, in a great degree, confined to the higher ranks; and if I be the humble means of breaking down any of those prejudices, with which, we were accustomed to regard our continental neighbours, and a spirit of toleration, worthy the advancement of this enlightened age, ensue, I shall, indeed, have the proud consciousness that neither my time nor observations have been misapplied. The inducements to travel, are, of course, various. Pope says "The proper study of mankind, is man:" this, therefore, ought to be the greatest. INTRODUCTION TO MY TOUR. 209 By traversing other countries than his own, the man desirous of information respecting his fellows, acquires it not through the exparte pages of books, or the interested colourings which men, guided by their own views, influenced by their own passions, or blinded by their own prejudices, may give but he can judge, and learn for himself, see with his own eyes, hear with his own ears-his mind will become expanded, and his intellects enlarged, by the contemplation of all that was great and glorious, in former ages: he will behold the children of earth, playing their various parts, on the wide extended stage of the world-may retire with them behind the scenes into their private dwellings, and compare their peculiar customs and usages with those of his own nation. He no longer ties himself by those notions which he received when guided by theory only he has now the light of real practice, and personal knowledge to guide his steps, and lead him in the right path; he sees the great wheels of religion, laws, government, and education, rolling in their natural course before him, and by minutely observing their reaction on the manners of the people, will be enabled to form an idea of their worth, from that most correct of all sources, if well explored, personal observation. It is natural, I believe, for people residing in one nation, to take up silly prejudices against those of every other these are either softened down, or |