Sky Parlour, June 1st. MR. EDITOR,-I took a trip took a trip Ascot Heath Race-course Tuesday, and being seized with a desire to commit to paper an account of my journey, perhaps you will do me the favour of its insertion in your Journal-it may give some amusement to your country readers, and will certainly afford gratification to a long list of my "country cousins," who are staunch admirers and supporters of Bell's Life in London.

Perfectly persuaded of the truth of the old adage-" the early bird catches the worm -I got into my gig at half-past six o'clock A.M., and was soon jolting over the execrable pavement in front of Somerset House. I had arranged with a friend, on the preceding evening, to join him at breakfast at Long Ford (rather more than fifteen miles from Hyde Park Corner, on the Slough road), at nine o'clock, in order that we might set off from thence in his gig for the Racecourse, leaving my horse to refresh preparatory to our return to town in the evening. As I passed Hyde Park I naturally expected to find a muster of travellers going the same road with myself; but here I was mistaken, for I never saw a more paltry "turn out," and in fact, with the exception of a few go-carts, laden with itinerant musicians and their instruments, there was nothing to indicate the exist ence of a fashionable festival. In vain did I look out for the "pull up" for a drop of water and a mouthful of hay at the roadside public-houses-there was no such thing to be seen-and the melancholy phizzes of the ostlers proved

that they fully participated in my surprise, while to that feeling grievous disappointment was added. Up to the distant end of Hounslow town, where I arrived at eight o'clock, the same funereal aspect prevailed; and but for the rapid progress of the early Bath coaches, which passed me one after the other, I should have come to the conclusion that the road had been altogether deserted. At Hounslow I turned off towards Cranford Bridge, and here the adage with which I set out was fully confirmed. I had left behind me, in Hounslow, one of the Bath coaches changing horses, and had noticed on the box and on the roof two darkvisaged passengers, who (being a bit of a physiognomist) I concluded in my own mind to be Jews. This coach now rapidly overtook me, and the Jews and I had another squint at each other. At the moment of passing I saw something drop from the roof, and instantly called out to the coachman. He pulled up as well as myself, and on alighting I picked up a very valuable snuff box, which had fallen from one of the Jews. It is odd that the moment before I had been wishing for a pinch of snuff to titillate my olfactory nerves, and seizing the lucky chance, I opened the lid, and helped myself to part of the contents. I then remounted my gig, and drove up to the coach, which had got some fifty yards in advance of me, and delivered my prize to the right owner, who was almost struck dumb with surprise, for he had not discovered that his own negligence had been the cause of the stoppage and the impatience of the coachman. The moment he saw his box he exclaimed, "Sho help

my Got, I'm much obliged; I didn't know I had dropped it." Without further parley off went the tits, and I could hear the delighted Israelite remark to his companion, "Who'd a thought there was so much honest hy in de vorld?" and indeed I began to ask myself whether I had not been extremely foolish in throwing away the "worm" which my "early rising" had placed in my way. Be this as it might, it was then too late to retract, and I was obliged to find an excuse for the natural impulse of honesty over cupidity. I now jogged on, only wishing for another pinch from the now far-distant box, till I reached Old Bedford's, which I did a quarter of an hour before my time. Here I found my friend waiting under the umbrageous shade of the fine old elm trees in front of the house, and while our meal was preparing we took a walk in the luxuriant garden in the rear, in which the growing salad, the podding peas, the rich summer cabbages, and the blooming strawberry-beds, gave earnest of future enjoyment, of which the comfortable character of the premises induced me to flatter myself with the promise. The cheering intimation that "breakfast was ready" from the pretty lips of the pretty daughter of the landlord now drew us into a neat little parlour, where the first object that struck me was a pile of fishing rods and other piscatory implements in the corner. Ha!" thought I, "there is something beyond the salad, the strawberries, and the cabbages, to attract me to this spot hereafter" (for I am a bit of an angler, you must know); and on inquiry I ascertained there was excellent sport to be obtained in the neighbourhood, the river

Colne affording abundant opportunities for this pleasing recreation. Over the the chimneypiece, too, was the characteristic print of "The Enthusiast," in which a confirmed angler is represented as enjoying his favourite amusement by the fireside, whilst laid up with a fit of the gout-a large tub being the substitute for the pond, and a collection of tame carp and tench forming the objects of his pursuit. I had not much time for speculation on these subjects, however, and only mention them as an additional recommendation to Long Ford, and as an useful hint to some of my cockney friends, who like to combine a favourite pastime with solid comfort. Our breakfast was excellent I like to be particular in these matters-and after disposing of three mutton chops, two eggs, and a gauntum suff. of good tea and other et ceteras, I declared myself a "giant refreshed." By-theby, there is nothing like laying a good foundation at starting on these excursions; and although it

may cost you half-a-crown (I

speak of those who know how to enjoy a breakfast), 'tis money well laid out, for you may "box Harry,' the day, and put up with stomachic as the travellers say, for the rest of privations with a very good grace. I remember a friend of mine-a lawyer, too-who adopted this system, and who always praised the morning coach repast at Salt Hill, calling it the cheapest thing in life for the aforesaid halfcrown; "and why"? said he—“because I invariably contrive to eat about five shillings' worth, while my green companions content their maudlin stomachs with a bit of toast and a cup of tea." To such cropsick customers half-acrown may seem enormous; but I write as I think, and I speak of

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things as I find them. And now to proceed. My friend's nag being put to, off we set at a jog-trot; but 'twas not till we got to Datchett that anything like a race day" met our observation. Here the bustle of anxious and lively preparation convinced us that the people of Datchett at least were alive to the anticipated sport; and a number of dashing barouches, phaetons, and gigs, the horses gaily caparisoned, and the fair occupants in their best costume and smiling faces, were seen just starting for the scene of attraction. Our blood, and that of the horse, now began to warm, and joining the gay cavalcade, on we went with renovated spirits. In Windsor town the note of preparation was still more animated, and the crowd began to thicken. The magnificent view of the Castle, with the Royal standard floating over its keep-the signal of the Royal presence of course caught our eyes, and filled us with affectionate recollections of the existing Monarch; but soon turning from the splendid pile, we dashed into the park, leaving the long walk to the left; and every yard we proceeded brought us into more agreeable company, distinguished by a happy mixture of all ranks, and all apparently equally happy-some singing, some laughing, some cracking jokes, and others cracking nuts. The weather, I ought to tell you, was most propitious, and the concentration of so much human happiness, amidst the lovely scenery which the park affords, excited sensations of delight which no pen can describe, and which I wish every honest heart could enjoy. The procession, for in that light it might be viewed as it slowly wound up the hill, consisted of every variety of equipage, in which the heavy waggons, decorated with sprightly

lasses and their sweethearts, "all in their best," formed not the least interesting part. These vehicles were occasionally accompanied by bands of music, or persons playing the key bugle, sending a note of happiness and joy across the forest that filled even the timid deer with ecstasy. Amidst such cheering sounds and sights did we wend on our way," without noticing a single occurrence to mar the general good humour, except a few of those little jealousies which a sly wink, or a passing nod of recognition to the blooming damsels, was calculated to excite amongst their lynx-eyed swains.

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I could dwell on this happy theme at greater length, but I fear that I must "keep moving," and so I shall at once take you to the far-famed Heath of Ascot, which

"Impregnated with mild perfume,

Bares its broad bosom's purple bloom, Gives me to view the splendid crowd, The high-born racer neighing loud."

The moment we came in sight of this delightful scene all our sensations were quickened. The throng was here multiplied a thousandfold, and the rushing of carriages, of equestrians, and pedestrians, all towards the same goal, produced a panorama of the most animated character, and proved that the morning promise of the road from London was anything but a just criterion of the features which the course would present. It was clear, in fact, that the beau monde had "taken time by the forelock' and, by concentrating their forces

the neighbourhood of the Heath on the preceding day, were enabled to "take the field" with more convenience, as well as more striking effect, than if they had delayed to brave the nuisance of a

in all the holiday trim and glossy condition which the most fastidious groom could desire. Nothing, in fact, could excel the splendour of the equipages, if we except the "peerless beauties" who, from their silken covertures, occasionally sent forth those "killing glances," as the poet says, that would make man a sinner in thought, at least, against his better judgment. But let that

pass-suffice it to say, there were eyes in the assemblage of such vivid fire, that, to parody an old joke, I should have been happy to have lit my cigar in their

rays.

You and all your readers have been at a race, and therefore I need not tell you that all the equipages were congregated in the best positions they could obtain, to gain a transient view of the course. Here all distinctions were lost-first come first served-all were intermingled without distinction; and here again "the early bird" had the best chancea chance which some secured by the old soldier's trick of being up all night to be up early in the morning, for many carriages and waggons had been drawn on the Heath overnight. Having left the horse to the kind care of the owner, I dashed at once upon the course, which now formed a brilliant promenade, studded with gems of British beauty, and rich in the display of fashionable costume, worn by persons of the highest rank of both sexes, and rendered doubly attractive by the occasional contrast with vulgarity -I do not mean the single rustics, who, "coming unadorned, came

was

adorned the most "--but with those "would-be great people," those holiday fussocks, who, in adopting the suggestions of the latest Magazin de Mode, think they hide their natural and unalterable defects, and who, like the peacocks, trust more their feathers than their voices for distinction. But I must not be severe, as I remarked that many of my friends exposed themselves to the just censure. Again, I say, let that pass, and be content with my assurance that on the first day these races were never more brilliantly attended; and why? I will tell you-because it was known our "Patriot King" was to be present, and all were desirous of paying him a well merited homage. That he was coming you yourself told us, and at the usual hour, one o'clock, all eyes and all necks were stretched in the direction in which he was expected. Twenty minutes' suspense endured; but at last the approach of the red coats of the Yeomen Prickers in the distance operated as a telegraphic signal of the advance of the Royal cavalcade. A universal buzz ran through the multitude-a lane was formed, and all prepared for a determined gaze. First came Lord Anson, in his green costume, as Master of the King's Staghounds; then came a body of Yeomen Prickers; next, eight of his Majesty's stud, led by grooms; next half-a-dozen outriders; and then the lion of the day, the King himself, seated in an open carriage, drawn by four horses, and accompanied by the Duke of Richmond, Earl Grey, and Earl Albemarle. He was habited in a plain black coat, without star or other distinctive badge, and looked extremely well. He was cheered respectfully, but not enthusiastically; still what was said was meant, and his

Majesty evidently felt that there was more of sincerity than of mobocratical noise in his reception. He looked cheerfully, and bowed kindly to his delighted subjects. Next to the King's carriage came that of the Queen, who was accompanied by her sister, the Duchess of Saxe Weimar, and Earl and Countess Howe. She, too, looked happy and cheerful, and, for the benefit of my female acquaintances, it is fit I should state she was attired in a white chip hat and white ostrich feathers, with a blond veil, a lavender-coloured silk pellisse, with vandyked cape, trimmed with blond lace; a darkcoloured boa, with gold chain and eyeglass hung round her neck; the latter, from being shortsighted, she repeatedly used, and, like the King, nodded affably to all around her so much so as to induce many to flatter themselves that they were the particular objects of her regard. I think I hear you say, "What a yarn the fellow is spinning," but I must give you all the particulars, or my "cousins" will not be satisfied. In the third carriage sat the new Earl of Munster, the eldest son of the King; he is a fine, handsome fellow, and, to speak technically, does honour to his sire. He may be a little too full in flesh, and if he will take my advice will train down, "but take him all in all," he is every inch an Earl. There were five other phaetons and carriages containing members (I presume) of the household; but I had not sufficient curiosity to inquire into their titles. The Royal cortège took the customary sweep to the back of the Grand Stand, where they were received by Sir Andrew Barnard and Sir F. Watson, and were immediately conducted to the Grand Saloon in front, which, since the last meeting, has been thrown into one large

room, instead of being divided by a partition, as in the reign of George IV. The moment the King and Queen appeared at the open windows they were again cheered, and in return smiled graciously on the throng, which collected in a dense mass beneath them. The Queen's sister stood on her right hand-she is a younger woman, I think, than her Majesty-and was soon joined by two sons, two fine little fellows, in blue dresses and cloth caps. These children occupied much of her Majesty's attention during the day, and prattled day, and prattled and played without restraint with all who approached them. I could not help remarking the wide contrast between the unaffected and domestic familiarity which prevailed among the Royal group and their guests, and the stiff and statelike formality which I had noticed on similar occasions in the presence of the late King. With the latter it was all dignified restraint: he sat with his hat on, and all who approached evidently felt the necessity of convincing him that they forgot not the marked deference due to his rank. His Court all wore the Windsor uniform, and the ceremony of introduction was as precise as if he were seated on his throne of state. Even to the ladies he merely lifted his hat, and having received the honour of his recognition, with the exception of a chosen few, they retired to an adjoining room, created, as I have already stated, by a temporary partition. Far different was it on Tuesday-all mixed indiscriminately-and the King and Queen seemed to study rather to make it appear that they were all upon an equality than to create particular attention. The King stood back, except when the races were in progress, with his hat off, and chatted