collected. At the extremity of the enclosure a sort of pavilion was placed for the accom-' modation of the King, had his Majesty attended. It was in his absence occupied by the Royal sportsmen, with the Duke of Cambridge at their head. None were allowed to use fire arms but his Royal Highness, with the Archduke Ferdinand of Austria, and the Duke of Mecklenburgh Strelitz. At eleven o'clock the work of destruction commenced, and a herd of boors came down the extremity of the enclosure, where the sportsmen, if so they could be called, stood ready to attack them, the peasantry at the same time raising loud yells through the woods, and keeping up a kind of wild concert with the sound of the bugle as they closed in upon their prey. Thirty-five victims fell in the fatal attack, and they were literally butchered. The poor animals did not attempt any resistance; and it was shocking to see the torture in which they were kept from their assailants not being adroit enough in the use of the spear to put them properly out of existence. I saw a boar running about the ground with his entrails hanging out, and one of the young Dukes of Brunswick thought it a proud exploit to place his spear in the very part where a mortal wound had already been inflicted. With the exception of Lord Clanwilliam, who acquitted himself like a true sportsman, there was scarcely an individual that attacked the prey in a fair manner. Sir Edmund Nagle, after having laid four boars dead at his feet, exclaimed in the language of his profession as a tar, « -me, see what I've done; I have stove in the gun-rooms of four pigs byThere were ninety boars killed in all; but the number of stags that fell were not considerable. The day was very wet, and it served to give a deeper shade of horror to a scene which no Englishman would ever again desire to witness. THE HIPPOPOTAMI, OR WATER ELEPHANT. In "Lander's Travels," recently published, we extract the following interesting nocturnal passage down the river Niger.-"We passed several beautiful islands in the course of the day, all cultivated and inhabited, but low and flat. The width of the river appeared to vary considerably, sometimes it seemed to be two or three miles across, and at others double that width. The current drifted us along very rapidly, and we guessed it to be running at the rate of three or four miles an hour. The direction of the stream continued nearly east. The day had been excessively warm, and the sun set in beauty and grandeur, shooting forth rays tinged with the most heavenly hues, which extended to the zenith. Nevertheless, the appearance of the firmament, all glorious as it was, betokened a coming storm; the wind whistled through the tall rushes, and darkness soon covered the earth like a veil. This rendered us more anxious than ever to land somewhere, we cared not where, and to endeavour to procure shelter for the night, if not in a village, at least under a tree. Accordingly, rallying the drooping spirits of our men, we encouraged them to renew their exertions by setting them the example, and our canoe darted silently and swiftly down the current. We were enabled to steer her rightly by the vividness of the lightning, which flashed across the water continually, and by this means also we could distinguish any danger before us, and avoid the numerous small islands with which the river is interspersed, and which otherwise might have embarrassed us very seriously. "But here a fresh evil arose, which we were unprepared to meet. An incredible. number of hippopotami arose very near us, and came plashing, snorting, and plunging all round the canoe, and placed us in imminent danger. Thinking to frighten them off, we fired a shot or two at them, but the noise only called up from the water and out of the fens, about as many more of their unwieldy companions, and we were more closely beset than before. Our people who had never in all their lives been exposed in a canoe to such huge and formidable beasts, trembled with fear and apprehension, and absolutely wept aloud; and their terror was not a little increased by the dreadful peals of thunder which rattled over their heads, and by the awful darkness which prevailed, broken at intervals by flashes of lightning, whose powerful glare was truly awful. Our people tell us that these formidable animals frequently upset canoes in the river, when every one in them is sure to perish. These came so close to us that we could reach them with the butt-end of a gun. When I fired at the first, which I must have hit, every one of them came to the surface of the water, and pursued us so fast over to the north bank, that it was with the greatest difficulty imaginable that we could keep before them. Having fired a second time, the report of my gun was followed by a loud roaring noise, and we seemed to increase our distance from them. There were two Bornou men among our crew who were not so frightened as the rest, having seen some of these creatures before on Lake Tchad, where, they say, there are plenty of them. However, the terrible hippopotami did us no kind of mischief whatever; they were only sporting and wallowing in the river, for their own amusement, no doubt, at first when we interrupted them; but, had they upset our canoe, we should have paid dearly for it. "We observed a bank on the north side of the river shortly after this, and I proposed halting on it for the night, for I wished much to put my foot on firm land again. This, however, not one of the crew would consent to, saying, that if the gewo roua, or water elephant, did not kill them, the crocodiles certainly would do so before the morning, and I thought afterwards that we might have been carried off like the Cumbrie people on the islands near Yaoorie, if we had tried the experiment. "The wind kept blowing hard from the eastward till midnight, when it became calm. The rain then descended in torrents, accompanied by thunder and lightning of the most awful description. We lay in our canoe drenched with water, and our little vessel was filling so fast, that two people were obliged to be constantly baling out the water to keep her afloat. The water elephants, as the natives term the hippopotami, frequently came snorting near us, but fortunately did not touch our canoe. A SKETCH OF NEWMARKET RACES BY A : The above titled personage, in his tour through England, in 1828, but recently published-thus remarks:- "These races begin pretty punctually at twelve o'clock. An interminable grassy plain, covered with a thick short turf, is the ground, where various distances, from a full German mile as a maximum, to an eighth or a tenth as a minimum, are marked for the course in a perfectly straight line. Near the end, this course is enclosed between ropes, on the outside of which rows of carriages, three and four deep, are drawn up, generally without horses, and covered within and without, from top to bottom, with spectators. At the goal itself is a wooden house on wheels, very like those the shepherds have in many parts of Germany, so that it can be moved about in case the course is lengthened or shortened in this sits the judge. Just opposite to him is a post fixed in the ground, by means of which he determines which horse's nose first appears exactly on a line with it; for an inch often decides the race; and it is a very skilful piece of policy and jockyship of the riders here, to betray the real speed of their horses as little as possible, and to display only as much of it as is necessary to win the race. If they see they have no chance, they immediately give up; so that those who contend for victory to the last, are always very nearly together at the goal. The grotesque spectacle of a rider a mile in the rear, belabouring his horse with whip and spur, like a steamengine, is exhibited only in France and Germany. If two horses reach the post exactly at the same moment, (which frequently happens,) they must run again. The judge is upon oath, and there is no appeal from his decision. The English jockeys, (who are not, as foreigners think, little boys, but often dwarfish men of sixty,) form a perfectly distinct class, and are the best practical riders I know of. You remember that I kept race-horses myself, and had a Newmarket jockey for a time in my service, who won a considerable bet for me at Vienna. It amused me greatly to see this fellow 'training' himself. After dosing himself severely, he would go out in the greatest heat, dressed in three or four great coats, ride a certain distance at a hard trot, till the sweat streamed off him in torrents, and he almost sank from exhaustion; 'mais tell étoit son plaiser,' and the more completely good-for nothing he felt, the better he was pleased. "But there are bounds to this: for the man, by excessive training, may reduce himself below the weight which the horse is bound to carry, and thus subject himself to the inconvenien tnecessity of carrying lead in the girths. At a certain distance from the goal, about a hundred paces to the side, stands another white post, called the betting-post. Here the bettors assemble, after they have seen the horses saddled in the stables at the beginning of the course, thoroughly examined into all the circumstances of the impending race, or perhaps given a wink to some devoted jockey. The scene which ensues would to many appear the most strange that ever was exhibited. In noise, uproar, and clamour, it resembles a Jew's synagogue, with a greater display of passion. The persons of the drama are the first peers of England, livery servants, the 'lowest sharpers,' and black-legs ;'-in short all who have money to bet here claim equal rights; nor is there any marked difference in their external appearance. Most of them have pocket-books in their hands, each calls alloud his bet, and, when it is taken, each party immediately notes it in his book. Dukes, lords, grooms and rogues, shout, scream and halloo together, and bet together, with a volubility, and in a technical language, out of which a foreigner is puzzled to make any thing; till suddenly the cry is heard, 'the horses have started!' In a minute the crowd disperses, but the bettors soon meet again at the ropes which enclose the course. You see a multitude of telescopes, operaglasses, and eye-glasses, levelled from the carriages, and by the horsemen, in the direction whence the jockeys are coming. With the speed of the wind they are seen approaching; and for a few moments a deep and anxious silence pervades the motley crowd; while a manager on horse-back keeps the course clear, and applies his whip without ceremony to the shoulders of any intruder. The calm endures but a moment;-then once more rises the wildest uproar; shouts and lamentations, curses and cheers re-echo on every side, from lords and ladies, far and wide, 'Ten to four upon the Admiral ! ' 'A hundred to one upon Madam Vestris ! 'Small beer against the field!' &c. are heard from the almost frantic bettors: and scarcely do you hear a 'done!' here and there, when the noble animals are before you-past youin the twinkling of an eye; the next moment at the goal, and luck, or skill, or knavery, have decided the victory. The great losers look blank for a moment; the winners triumph aloud, many make bonne mine à mauvais jeu,' and dart to the spot where the horses are unsaddled, and the jockeys weighed, to see if some irregularity may not yet give them a chance. In a quarter of an hour the same scene begins anew with other horses, and is repeated six or seven times. "Voilà les courses de Newmarket! Printed for Thomas Tegg, Cheapside, by J. Haddon, Castle Street, Finsbury. The Gallant and Spirited Race, at Knavesmire, in Yorkshire, For 500gs. and 1000gs. bye-4 miles-between THE LATE COL. THORNTON'S LADY AND MR. FLINT. THE Annals of the Turf do not contain such another extraordinary circumstance as the above match; indeed, it stands alone in the Sporting World, not only as a most singular contest, but as a lasting monument of FEMALE INTREPIDITY. Mrs. Thornton, it should seem, was as much attached to the Sports of the Field, as her husband, the late Colonel Thornton; she had also a great passion for horse exercise, and, like Miss Pond, of former celebrity, she would try her skill and nerve in racing. The families of the Colonel and Mr. Flint lived upon terms of the greatest intimacy, the two ladies being sisters.During one of their equestrian excursions in Thornville park, a conversation took place respecting the speed of their respective horses between Mr. Flint and Mrs. Thornton, when some difference of opinion having occurred upon the subject, the horses were occasionally put at full speed for the purpose of ascertaining the point in question, when Old Vingarillo, aided by the skill of the fair rider, distanced his antagonist every time, which so discomfited Mr. Flint, that he was at length induced to challenge the lady to ride on a future day. His challenge was readily accepted (on the part of the lady) by Colonel Thornton, and it was agreed that the race should take place on the last day of the York August Meeting, 1804. This singular match was thus announced to the public:-" A match for 500 guineas, and 1000 guineas bye four miles-between Colonel Thornton's Vingarillo, and Mr. Hunt's br. h. Thornville, by Volunteer. Mrs. Thornton to ride her weight against Mr. Flint." em On Saturday, August 25, the above match was decided in the presence of upwards of 100,000 persons; indeed, expectation was raised to the highest pitch from the novelty of the match thousands from every part of the surrounding country thronged to the ground. In order to keep the course as clear as possible, several additional persons were ployed; and, much to the credit of the 6th Light Dragoons, a party of them also were on the ground on horseback for the like purpose, and which, unquestionably, saved the lives of many persons. About four o'clock, Mrs. Thornton appeared on the ground in high spirits, Old Vingarillo led by Colonel Thornton, followed by Mr. Baker and Mr. H. Baynton, and soon afterwards Mr. Flint. Every thing being in readiness, Mrs. Thornton started amidst the loudest cheers ever heard upon a race course; and the betting all over the ground created a great deal of mirth and witty remarks from the spectators. She * The Cads, and fellows with the Race Lists, were thus hawking their bills and cards over the race ground to obtain purchasers, "Come my worthy sporting gentlemen from all parts of the kingdom-now's your time to open your eyes and look about you, when you will see to-day what you never saw before in your life; and, perhaps, you may never see again, if you live as long as Old Methuselahi. Come, I say, who's for a list-the whole list, and nothing else but a true list-besides, you will have a correct and particular account of the terrible, terrible, terrible high-bred female (the lady of Colonel Thornton): there is nothing like her in the world. Old Astley's troop are mere patches upon her as to managing a horse, she will this day ride a match like a lady, over the four mile course for 500 guineas, and 1000 guineas bye; and some hundreds of thousands are likewise depending upon this most extraordinary match between the "Jockey in petticoats" against that well-known sporting character Mr. Flint, in his "doe skins and top boots; and looked upon as one of the best gentleman riders in the nation. You have also the names of the horses, and the colours of the riders, with every other particular that can enlighten your minds, and make you gentlemen sportsmen acquainted with this lively race. You have now the opportunity to lay out your money according to your inclination. The gentleman allows the lady to ride what weight she likes, there being a mutual understanding between them upon the subject: therefore, she will not, like commoners, go to scale,' as she will not be handled by any body before she starts for the prize; indeed, the Female Jockey is not considered mounted her horse in the true spirit of a cavalier; and there was a great deal of the gallant-bearing attached to the character of it; the most experienced jockey could not have been more at his ease, or have acted his part in better style than Mrs. Thornton. When first I strove to win the prize, Yes, while I look, and while I bow. And, 'gainst all odds, I think you'll say, any weight at all. Her importance and self-possession are the only objects for consideration. What does spirit, fire, blood, and gaiety weigh, I should like to ask? I answer nothing,-my masters! Such high bred qualities are as light as air-brisk as the wind-and 2 to 1 towards winning. You have also, at the same price, the plain and simple pedigree of the female jockey. Her sire was a capital good un;' her dam, a prime fleet 'un,' an Eclipse in character; her brother, all that could be wished upon the turf, for getting over the ground like a sky rocket; her sister, a Nonpareil at all points, and above any price; but her owner, her outand-out owner, the Colonel, from his upper crust' down to his walker,' is a match for all England against any thing for every thing alive-either on the turf or turnpike-from a mouse to an elephant and nothing else but winning belongs to his stable. And lastly, though not the least in the above Catalogue of Excellence,every point of the Female Jockey is tip-top; her agility is captivating; and she mounts her prad like the most accomplished horseman in the world. Her movements defy expression; her nods to the females, as she rides over the Course, delightful! but her smiles to the applauding gentlemen, in answer to the winks, bows, and other marks of politeness towards her, as compliments for her daring exploit, are fascinating, elegant, and nothing else but winning. She is seated upon her highbred animal with all the firmness of a Nimrod; she holds her reins with the most perfect ease and style; and Chifney, in the best of his days, never displayed a better knowledge of horsemanship than the Female Jockey, and she flourishes her whip with all the good taste of the leader of a band at a concert. In fact, she is a None such! a PARAGON!! a PHENOMENON!!! Old Vingarillo too, her prad, is also a picture of goodness, from his peepers down to his fetlocks! Therefore, my worthy sportsmen, do not lose this opportunity-be not too late-but purchase this great curiosity-this list of lists-nothing like it having occurred in Yorkshire, or in any other part of the globe since Noah's flood-either before or since that wet season of the year: and it is York Minster to a brass farden that nothing like it can occur again till we have a new generation of the human race? That's your sort!!! Old Vingarillo, the horse, also seemed proud of the 'fair charge' entrusted to his care. The ladies, in general, were interested in the success of one of their own sex, except a few old maids, who appeared rather squeamish on the subject, and who observed one to another, behind their fans, that it was a very bold undertaking for a female to contest a race upon a public race course; and that the Colonel, out of respect to propriety, ought to have prevented such an exhibition taking place, "Yes ladies," observed an old sporting gentleman, "but you are aware, sometimes, that the grey mare is the better horse." It is impossible to describe the intense interest which this match excited during the race; and the shouts of the "PETTICOAT FOR EVER," resounded from one end of the course to the other. On starting, it was 5 and 6 to 4 on the PETTICOAT; and, in running the first three miles, 7 to 4 and 2 to 1 on Mrs. Thornton's winning; indeed, success seemed to be so certain on her part, that the oldest sportsman in the stand betted in her favor. In running the last mile she lost ground, in consequence of her saddle-girths having slackened, and the saddle turning round. Her opponent, taking advantage of this circumstance, pushed forward, and passed her; the lady after using every exer tion: Push on, my dear lady-pray don't the whip stint, but, finding it impossible to win, she pulled up at two distances from home, when Mr. Flint won the match. It was difficult to say, whether her horsemanship, her dress, or her beauty, were most admired, the tout ensemble was unique. Never, surely, did a woman ride in better style. The race was run in nine minutes and fiftynine seconds. The dress of Mrs. Thornton was a leopard-coloured body with blue sleeves, the vest buff, and blue cap. Mr. Flint rode in white. Thus ended the most interesting race ever run upon Knavesmire. The following jeu d'esprit was handed about on the occasion : "The beau monde will condemn what I write, beyond doubt, And some simpering young misses will giggle and pout; But the odds that I bet shall be TWENTY to one, That such an exploit ne'er by WOMAN was done." Not at all dispirited by defeat, Mrs. Thornton publicly challenged her antagonist to ride the same match in the following year, his horse Thornville against any one of three she would bring, and he might select, and which should be hunted by her through the season. challenge, however, was refused by Mr. Flint. No words can express the disappointment felt at the defeat of Mrs. Thornton. The spirit she displayed, and the good humour with which she had borne her loss, greatly diminished the joy of many of the winners. The From the very superior style in which she performed her exercising gallop of four miles on the preceding Wednesday, betting was greatly in her favor; her saddle turning round was not attended with the slightest injury to her person, nor did it in the least damp her courage, while her horsemanship and close-seated riding astonished the beholders, and inspired a general confidence in her success. Not less than 200,000l. were pending on this extraordinary match, perhaps more, if we include the bets in every part of the country: and there is no part, we believe, in which there were not some. It is but common justice to observe, that if the lady had been better mounted she could not, possibly, have failed of success. Indeed, she laboured under every possible disadvantage; notwithstanding which, and the ungallant* conduct of Mr. Flint, she flew along the course with an astonishing swiftness, conscious of her own superior skill, and would, ultimately, have out-stripped her adversary, but for the accident which took place. A SKETCH OF THE LATE COLONEL THORNTON. The late COLONEL THORNTON was one of the gayest of the gay members of the turf; and during his life-time he was considered one of the most practical sportsmen of the age. Indeed, his whole life was devoted to the Sports of the Field. His family had been established for some centuries in the county of York, where they have enjoyed the most valuable and extensive possessions. The most ancient bears the family name, being called Thornton cum Bucksby, of which mention is made prior to the period of William the Conqueror. Colonel Thomas Thornton was born in St. James's, and received the early part of his education at the Charter House: from thence he went to the University of Glasgow: at this seat of learning he attended to his studies with the most indefatigable assiduity, and acquitted himself to the entire satisfaction of his instructors, and much to his own credit. During the vacations he was accustomed to pursue the sports of the field with the most lively ardour, but not to the injury of his studies. At nineteen years of age his father, Colonel William Thornton, died, and left him sole possessor of his great estates; but such was his good sense, that he remained at the University for three years afterwards, deputing his mother to superintend his affairs. The Colonel had very We cannot for a moment entertain an opinion, that the ladies meant any thing unfair in the conduct pursued by Mr. Flint during the race towards Mrs. Thornton; neither did they assert that any thing like crossing, or jostling, occurred in the four miles; but that as a man of gallantry, he ought to have permitted his fair opponent to have won the race. But, perhaps, Mr. Flint would have felt rather chagrined to have had the laugh against him; and also averse to the observation that he had been "beaten against his will, on horseback, by a woman;" which, most undoubtedly, would have been the fact, if the saddle of Mrs. Thornton had kept its situation. |