performance. Many are inclined to give this the first place in pedestrian feats; but although an extraordinary and almost incredible performance (Captain Parker offered afterwards to bet a thousand guineas that no other man could be found to do the same), it was only a spurt, and did not require any great exertion of the constitution.

On

To walk six miles in one hour is within the powers of many, and I have no doubt our sporting society here contains one gentleman * (at least) who with a little care can do it with considerable ease, even in this villainous climate. Cricket was another very favourite amusement, although I came from the wrong side of the water ever to make much of a hand at it; and the season was always looked forward to with uncommon interest. the best ground but one in England, in 1819, our Club played the Marylebone, they giving us Mr. Rudd (certainly the best gentleman player in England). The match lasted three days, and was lost by very bad management on our side, and ended in a tie. Mr. O., the celebrated pigeon shooter, bet 100 to 1 before the last ball was bowled that we should win. The ball was lightly tipped off the bat; one gent. ran, and the other stood still, and the match and bet were lost. Before breakfast, during this and other matches, there was some excellent shooting at pigeons; and after play in the evenings lots of good wine and good fellowship. Boating was another delightful amusement which we followed with unceasing and untiring avidity. Our boat

* Lieut. K. mentioned in your last as performing a first-rate match belongs to the King's 6th Regiment, and not the Queen's Royals, as erroneously stated.

("The Rocket"), perhaps the finest of her description on the river, was a two-oared galley, rather heavy, and between forty and fifty feet long. From to Richmond and back again, a distance of fifty-six (56) miles in eight hours, through all the bridges, and delayed very considerably by the caution necessary to be observed in avoiding the crowds of shipping on the river (particularly that part called "the pool") was no bad work; and nearly one hour of the eight

was spent at Putney in a certain popular amusement rendered absolutely necessary to recruit the inner man.* Matches against the boats belonging to men of war in the river, in which we were invariably successful against picked crews from several ships from superior pluck alone, and a trip or two (the pocket could not stand more) to the "Ship" at Greenwich to enjoy a fish dinner, and which generally ended in a jollification, and some practice in the art of crab-fishing, (getting the oar back in the water, technically so called) for those who returned in the boat usually closed the day and season's amusement. One of our matches seems to me worthy of being recorded, which took place between "the Rocket" with eight oars and a crack boat belonging to an officer, who holds the name of being the best first lieutenant in the navy, and manned by a picked crew from three 50-gun frigates then fitting out at the Dockyards near London. The distance chosen was from W to Gravesend and to return, something over 40 miles. The amateurs were supposed to have

The quickest thing done in this boat was eleven miles and half in forty-nine (19) minutes, with a very strong tide.

sea

some advantage in the form of their boat, but the dexterity and lastingness which might certainly be looked for in a crew picked from upwards of 1200 men, and the heavy swell and even which would most likely be encountered in the lower reaches of the river, were looked to as likely to bring the chances very even, and before starting the Navy had the choice. The start took place just before high water, and the labour was moderate, as after a few miles the tide was very strong with the boats, and the distance down was done under two hours. The match became then exceedingly interesting, and many of the amateurs in the boat began to think they would be beaten, as the Navy boat had lain in their quarter about an oar's length astern for the whole distance down; and there was now a very strong tide, and heavy head swell to contend with in returning, the latter of which, in particular, was greatly against the galley. After going round the Buoy, the efforts of both parties were tremendous. The galley however very soon went ahead, and came in nearly two miles in front of the naval heroes. The day was concluded on board the frigate commanded by a noble personage whose title will be handed down to posterity as that of the greatest poetic genius of this or any other age.

in

Such are the amusements (with many others) which I have faintly attempted to describe, which we renounced in search of fortune and happiness in other climes. We are always and ever shall be the children of hope. Well knowing that youth and strength must have their end, we forego many pleasures and amusements search of that which can alone render us comfortable, and smooth the down hill of life. But, alas! how many are cut off full of strength and hope, and consigned to the silent tomb, never to revisit the beloved scenes of their childhood, or dilate with joy the fond expectant breast of those by whom their tender infancy was taught and matured. Mr. Editor, I have ran riot on many subjects; should you however consider these scattered recollections worthy of your consideration, I will ever laud myself, although (like all my countrymen) a very modest man; and more, I will promise in my next to "hold hard" and confine myself to a relation of facts on sporting of different descriptions, such as I trust may not be altogether uninteresting to the majority of your sporting readers. I remain, Sir, Very obediently yours, ERIN GO BRAGH.

Poonah, 20th June.

though, to gratify your craving appetite, I will endeavour to describe a scene which has just occurred, to show you what misfortunes flesh is heir to. You well know I am in a wild country, the very head-quarters of Tigers; where of course my rifle is not allowed to rust in its case, for

Of

scarcely a day passes without reports being received of the proximity of the Royal Game. We (that is Jem and I) were sitting over our Tiffin Cheroot yesterday, when a villager ran up to the tent in the utmost terror and reported that his favourite Bullock Rumulia had just been killed by a Royal Tiger, who was at that moment devouring him within a short distance of our camp. course no time was lost:-our rifles and horses were soon ready, and as many volunteers as were inclined to join directed to prepare for immediate service. Within twenty minutes our trembling and almost breathless guide conducted us to the spot, where we discovered most satisfactory proofs of the accuracy of the information;-the deep impressions made in the sand by the royal beast pointed out the bush into which he had retired to indulge in a siesta after having satisfied himself with the beef. We immediately made dispositions for securing him, and the party being drawn up in sections were ordered to hold themselves in readiness to fire by word of command; and to ensure a reserve in case of the first volley failing to do execution, the front rank were ordered to fire first (with fixed bayonets), and then kneel down prepared "to receive cavalry," to receive cavalry," while the rear rank fired over their heads. I now advanced cautiously to make a close reconnaissance, and having ascertained as I imagined the exact position of the sleeping savage, I returned to the party, and made Jim, as being the best scholar, address the men in Hindostanee, pointing out the exact spot towards which the fire should be directed, the necessity of firmness, strict attention to orders, &c. &c.

1 then directed him to take command of the rear rank, while I

took post on the right flank of the front. The Bayonets were fixed, -the first volley fired into the bush, and the front rank down on their marrow bones-but no roar announced success; the rear rank then also fired-but still no motion on the part of our enemy gave assurance of the accuracy of our aim we reloaded, and held a council of war, in which it was unanimously agreed that the brute must either have been annihilated by our first discharge, or so desperately hurt as to be incapable of motion. We therefore determined

:

("to make assurance doubly sure") to fire another volley from the very edge of the bush; we accordingly advanced, and pouring in a deadly volley where he was supposed to be extended, brought our Bayonets to the charge and rushed in with a general shout. The gallantry of our old friend Jem led him here to leave the station I had allotted to him:- he daringly sprang through the opposing thorns, and to my horror, before I could check his progress or rush to his assistance, I saw him tripped by brambles, thrown head foremost into the very centre of the bush! I called all to the rescue. Never did men display greater coolness and courage; but, alas! Fortune was against us!-our toils were unrewarded-I picked up poor Jim covered with blood. Must I tell you the real truth?— the object I had taken for Royal Game (remember it was after Tiffin) was part of the brindled hide of the unfortunate Rumulia. His destroyer had absconded, and Jim had tumbled into the remains of the bloody carcase. We had a hearty laugh, he at my obliquity of vision, and, as he says (somewhat angrily, by-the-by), at playing off the humbug of not knowing a dead Bullock from a Royal Tiger; -but I assure you I was taken in

myself, and in return smiled at his daring opinion of our simplicity, for after his opinion given in the Council of war his jumping into the bush looked very much like a bit of a lark!! However, finding that our guide had followed the example of the Royal trespasser, we made the best of our way home-disap

pointed, disgusted, and cursing Rumulia and his owner.

You may probably laugh at us. Only come out here, and Jem swears by the powers of Moll Kelly, (and they are no joke!) that you shall see some sport, or at least drink deep before you leave us! I am most particularly yours, J. K.

Florekins are amongst the non descripta, I believe, in ornithology.

A drawing can alone exhibit an adequate representation of that fine bird; it harbours in natural pastures amongst the long grass, on the extremity of lakes, and borders of swampy grounds, lying between marshy soils and the uplands. Hence its flesh seems to partake, in colour and relish, of the nature and flavour of both the wild duck and the pheasant; the colour of the flesh on the breast and wing being brown, but on the legs perfectly white, and the whole of the most delicate, juicy, and savoury flavour conceivable.

There are only three claws to its feet; the roots of the feathers of the female are of fine pink colour.

When the cock rises up, some fine black velvet feathers, which commonly lie smooth upon his head, then stand up erect, and form a tuft upon his crown and his neck.

MR. EDITOR,

When set by dogs, it lies close and scarcely ever rises till the fowler is so near as almost to tread upon it. The nest is made amongst the grass.

You read of them in descriptions of ancient knightly festivals of the Nevilles, Percys, Mortimers, Beauchamps, Montacutes, De Courceys, Mohuns, Courtenays, and Mowbrays, under the name, I believe, of Flanderkins; but whether they were then natives of England I am uncertain.

The height of the cock florekin of Bengal from the ground, when he stands, to the top of his back, is seventeen inches.

The height from the ground to the top of his head, when he holds it upright, is twenty-seven inches.

The length from the tip of his beak to the end of his tail is twenty-seven inches.-From Colonel Ironside's Sketches.

In reference to my friend O. K.'s second Query in his letter of November, 1829, let me suppose a

case.

A and B, two black-legs, are owners of two horses; with one they win a selling purse, and C, the owner of the second horse in the race, claims him. A replies, "Take him with his engagements."

Among these appears a match with Mr. B, for perhaps double his value, which he must lose. Query-is the spirit of the race complied with? Or, without any roguery, suppose the owner of a horse to have imprudently matched him, is he to walk off with a 50 to ease his fall knowing that no one will stand to his horse's engagement? I conceive it to be quite

optional with the person entitled to claim whether he will allow the horse to start again. If your horse has good engagements he has no business in a race for a selling

SIR,

purse. If his book is bad, why are the public to lose one of the two advantages a selling purse holds out? Yours ever,

Should you think the accompanying details entitled to a place in your pages you will oblige me by inserting them. Perhaps they may elicit something in answer from your more experienced contributors.

In the month of May last, a number of dogs, greyhounds and others, in this place, were attacked and carried off by a disease, which baffled all the remedies we could suggest. The first victims were a brace of English greyhounds bred in the country. The symptoms were as follows:1st day. Evening.-Coat staring, pustules on the back, dog scarce any food, a violent panting, considerable quantity of matter discharged from the nose, but the eyes clear. calomel.

eat

Gave five grains of

2nd day. Early.-Gave two tablespoonsfuls of castor oil; dog had two motions of a green colour, the eyes affected, the pustules on the back had disappeared, and the coat again fine. At night gave some coarse salt and water; dog brought up some tripe he had eaten the night before, in a swollen state and not digested, and a quantity of phlegm, and shortly afterwards had a green motion with ten or twelve tapeworms; eat nothing this day.

3rd day. Salt and water given. Dog brought up more phlegm and had two green motions, in which 18 tape-worms, about six inches long, came away; the panting of the chest increased at mid-day

COSEY.

-the dog very hot all over and the pulse very quick. In the evening took 13 oz. of blood, which was very hot and black, and what the faculty call buff, I believe. Night -gave 5 gr. calomel and 1 gr. tartar emetic, which purged the dog, of a greenish colour. The discharge of matter at the nose decreased this day.

4th day.-Gave salt and water, which produced green stools; the dog not so hot and feverish as the previous day. Palpitation of chest and heart excessive; pustules containing matter appeared on the thighs. The dog died suddenly at 8.30 a.m. Remarks: The dog was not in a weak state early in the morning, and it was hoped from his appearance that the disease had taken a favourable turn. The mouth and tongue were very foul before death.

The other dog was attacked on the evening of the day on which the former died. Not to take up too much of your room-the symptoms were much the same as above, a single worm came away in the first stage of the disease. As this dog was in good condition, and his pulse at 100, I took 15 oz. of blood on the first day and 16 oz. on the third day, and also applied blisters to the chest, the palpitation being violent as in the former case. The bowels were kept open throughout, and the dog eat broth and gunjee for the two first days. The pustules appeared on the thighs as in the former case. This dog died on the night of the third day. He