Chicago. It has been stated on good authority that where there were formerly five such men on hand, at the sales this summer there were fifty, and they readily picked up all the fair-looking, sturdy, short-legged, short-backed, square-gaited animals that could be found. For anything exceptional they have on occasion been found to pay long prices, and at some of the summer shows in the neighborhood of New York they have secured prize winners for export, one pair of such horses being recently sold for shipment to Scotland at $2250. There is also a private trade of this character going on all the time, showing that men who take the trouble to select and make horses with due care and judgment can always secure advantageous bargains from foreign customers. At the New York show this year every encouragement is being held out to foreign dealers, the catalogues and connected advertising matter being freely distributed on the other side. It is a far cry from here to Europe, but may it not yet be that such benefits will ultimately accrue from properly conducted and wellsupported shows in San Francisco?

As a striking illustration of the possibilities and advantages of horse shows, perhaps the annual fixture in Dublin is the most conspicuous. The exhibition consists of light horses entirely, hunters, and ordinary saddle and harness horses, and this year aggregated thirteen hundred head.

The exhibitors numbered about 600, the show having been held annually for a period of twenty-eight years. In the hunter classes the five-year-olds and upwards alone, comprising four classes, numbered six hundred and thirty-six head, all of which were entered in classes where the first prize is limited to one hundred dollars. It will readily be understood that the value of the prize has no weight with the exhibitors, their main object being to attract public notice to their animals,

which in most instances are on sale. The show, therefore, is their market par excellence, and the stronger the support it receives, the greater the inducement for the buying public to be present. This is the lesson the Californian horse breeder has to learn, and each and all should strive to make the San Francisco show a world-renowned institution. After ten years' experience the New York men have caught on and now they are striving hard to reap the results of their good work. It need not take California a decade to become educated in this respect; let her go-ahead people imbibe the notion at the start and secure the full commercial benefit which such an undertaking provides for them, when rightly organized and manipulated.

If the spirit in which the first show was entered upon and carried through by the management and exhibitors alike be maintained, the course of things in the future must of necessity tend in the direction indicated. No more striking instance of such spirit can be mentioned than that displayed by Mr. J. B. Haggin, who in the most generous manner possible supported last year's show by exhibiting his famous and priceless stallions and broodmares from Rancho del Paso, not for competition, but as his personal recognition and approval of the objects of the undertaking. This step he will magnanimously repeat at the coming exhibition, varying his string in all probability by introducing fresh celebrities in the world of horse. Since November last he has, amongst others, imported the following stallions, some of which are pretty certain to come to San Francisco for the show:

Watercress, by Springfield; Wharfdale, by Hermit; Goldfinch, by Ormonde; Thistle, by Scottish Chief; Golden Garter, by Bend Or; Sanda, by Wenlock; Star Ruby, by Hampton; Ormee, by Bend Or;

and the Australian horse July, by Traducer-Idalia, a full brother to Sir Modred, the Australian sire that has done such wonders for Mr. Haggin during the last few years. The student of contemporary turf history and breeding will see that in the foregoing list of importations, a wealth of fashionable and well-performing blood has been secured for Rancho del Paso.

The liberality of the prizes at the forthcoming show cannot but command attention, and the valuable rewards in cash, silver cups, and trophies, donated by well-known citizens as special prizes, surpass anything attempted elsewhere in the same line and have the genuine California ring about them. The arrangements contemplated by the Association provide for improved accommodation both for exhibits and the visiting public, while the plan of securing thoroughly qualified and expert judges from the East for some of the classes proved so successful last year that the same policy will be still further extended. Not only is this system of immediate benefit in the administration of the judging process, but it serves to guide and inform exhibitors, breeders, and others, on many points of vital importance, which in a young and to a great extent unsettled community, are apt to be ignored and overlooked. Take, for instance, the question of saddle horses. So confused is the public mind here upon what constitutes a good saddle horse that it is really almost impossible to procure an animal which a man or woman, whose tastes have been cultivated in the right direction, would care to ride. The horse that is broken for the purpose of carrying a vaquero on a rounding-up job is not the beau ideal for the park, nor indeed for useful and comfortable saddle work of any other kind. It is in this view that the rules of the New York show prescribe that the "paces" required to be shown

shall be the walk, trot, and canter, although in one class a concession is made to the National Saddle Horse Breeders' Association, so far as to recognize the "gaits" prescribed by their rules. Speaking generally, "paces" are the natural modes of progression of the horse, while "gaits" are more or less artificial or enforced methods, and there cannot be a doubt that adherence to what is natural, improved by development, will prove the right course to follow. It is to be hoped that the judges here will insist firmly on the New York rule. It took a few years to reach this stage in the East, though well educated horsemen knew that it must come to that eventually. Matters were not benefited probably in any way by the delay, rather the contrary, and therefore the local show authorities may just as well stand firm at the beginning and settle the matter without further loss of time.

The hunter is an unknown quantity in the California horse world unfortunately, as riding to hounds is not practised in this State as it is in Europe and the East, so that local shows must needs go short in that department, which is an especially interesting one in countries where hunting is a regular and fashionable pursuit. The game of polo, however, has made some progress here during the last. three or four years, and in consequence, the attractive little animal needed as a mount in that exciting sport commands increasing attention. So far the ponies in use for the purpose here lack as a rule that quality and finish which would be required where the game has been longer in vogue, but after a time no doubt this will be otherwise, and in the meantime, the show offers encouragement decidedly liberal to exhibitors of this class of animal.

Following the Eastern example, separate classes are provided for high-steppers

in harness, but this is a feature that might well be eliminated. High-stepping is an incidental merit in action, or in other words, a component part of the forward movement which, when properly balanced by other desirable qualities, hock action in particular, entitles to distinction. A good judge of action will look for the horse that can "shut his hocks," as well as "pull up his knees." By itself alone high-stepping partakes of the form of wasteful extravagance, and therefore to elevate that one feature to the dignity of special classification is misleading and to some extent harmful. The local practise might therefore well be to discard these classes in future programs.

The interests of draft-horse breeders are liberally considered by the Association, which wisely recognizes that, in order to extend the benefits of shows to so important a branch of the horseowning community as the farmers in this great agricultural State, its exhibitions must embrace animals devoted to work as well as pleasure. In this view there is much wisdom shown, for in every way it is desirable that the public should appreciate the utility of horse shows and be relieved of the impression that they are promoted merely as an opportunity for ostentation on the part of the wealthy, who can afford to indulge in all that goes to constitute handsome and expensive equipages. At the present time San Francisco itself is not distinguished for its attractions as a driving or riding locality, and an annual horse show mainly dependent upon its resources alone in the way of turn-outs would soon cease to be worthy of the serious notice of the horselover.

The draft-horse section last year was inadequately represented, as has already been remarked, but if it shows improvement as time goes on, it will be certain to secure increased benefits. Not

the least of these would be a bette understanding of the respective merits of the different breeds, and the employment of expert judges, selected from outside the State, to determine points apt to be overlooked by men not thoroughly educated in and acquainted with animals of the draft type. Such men are not frequently met with in California.

The lessons derived from last year's show were so patent to every one the least interested in the venture and have since been so generally recognized that it seems hardly worth while on the eve of the succeeding exhibition to refer to them in any way. At the same time lest any reader should be led to ask, Cui bono? a few words thereanent may not be out of place. It will readily be conceded that the breeding, raising, and handling, of horses is one of the principal industries of the State, and the establishment of any institution calculated to foster and develop such an industry, is clearly a benefit both to those immediately associated with its welfare and the public generally, whose sympathies and intelligent interest largely contribute to its well-being. So far the general proposition, -as to particular effects, we have an increasing desire on the part of the well-to-do classes to possess themselves of good horses, elegant vehicles, and good harness, all tending to benefit those engaged in the supplying of these requirements. The cultivation of the taste for such things tends to encourage the true love for the horse and everything legitimately belonging to him, as opposed to the spurious affection for the noble. quadruped professed by the man who seeks to profit by his speed and courage on the race track and can see no other compensation in concerning himself about such creatures. The rivalry amongst exhibitors has a wholesome effect, savors of manly sport, and promotes pleasant

social feelings amongst various classes of the people, and that proper pride in their animals which redounds to the comfort and careful treatment of the best of God's dumb creation. Such influences are of necessity civilizing in their nature, and help to brighten life in many different ways. Education in an important branch of business is provided in a form highly attractive and palatable, while the results. attained by comparing the various exhibits, noting their points, and observing the judgments of the experts, who are called upon to determine their respective merits, are of the highest value to breed

ers, owners, and every intelligent visitor to the exhibition. Even in the face of much financial stringency and trade depression a distinct improvement in the best class of horse business has been noticeable since the last show, and there is room for little doubt that the coming event will emphasize this tendency and demonstrate the sagacity and good judgment of those citizens who have so earnestly devoted themselves to the good cause of making the San Francisco Horse Show an annual undertaking in every way worthy of their favored State.

Benedict.

XIII.

S SOON as Phyllis Murray had crossed the threshold of Rufus Barrington's house she told herself that she was heartily glad she had come. She encountered the warmest greetings. Helen, indeed, had met her at the station with the brougham, and she had thoroughly enjoyed the novel sensation of being whisked along behind a pair of highstepping, dock-tailed bay horses, with all the pomp and circumstance which attend a perfectly appointed equipage. Mrs. Barrington kissed her tenderly and led her to her room, where, laid out upon the bed were a scarlet costume, a sealskin jacket, and a dainty hat, with Virot's name inside.

1 Begun in August Number.

Mrs.

"The costume and the jacket, my dear, are my New Year's gifts to you."

"And the hat," cried Helen," is from me. It's a love of a hat, and I'm simply dying to see you put it on."

The girl's pride was completely disarmed. Who could resist such kind smiles, such pleasant words? Mr. Barrington, in a moment of expansion, had shaken her warmly by the hand as he bade her welcome to his house. Later on he confessed to his wife that the grace and beauty of Phyllis had taken him by storm. He had seen her last at an awkward age, and had carried in his memory a somewhat blurred picture of a "scrawny schoolgirl, all arms and legs," as he expressed it.

Despite her son's wishes, Mrs. Barrington had insisted upon paying for the jacket herself. Since her husband's speech she had felt more easy in her

mind about using his money. An Englishwoman to the core, ultra sensitive, and possibly, absurdly scrupulous, she had always remembered, with a certain sense of shame, that she had come to her husband empty-handed. The rights of a wife to community property she had never sought. Her husband had been so generous to her; so careful to anticipate every wish; had taken such genuine pleasure in making her the most magnificent presents; that she had naturally shrunk from the odious task of asking him for money to spend upon a sister whom he cordially detested, and who, for her part, returned his dislike with usurious interest. Perhaps Rufus Barrington appreciated the delicacy of his wife's scruples. Perhaps, in his masculine breadth of view, he overlooked their existence.

At any rate he had never till the other night - expressly authorized her to do something, as the phrase runs, for Mrs. Murray and her niece.

"So this is the costume," said Phyllis presently.

Those readers who have been fortunate enough to see Miss Ellen Terry in the rôle of Portia will recall the scarlet doctor's gown that the great actress wears in the judgment scene. It is very becoming (to tall women, bien entendu), and lends itself admirably, as a disguise, to masquerading purposes. A similar gown Phyllis held aloft and examined with keenest interest.

"Mine is just like that," said Helen. "With wigs and masks on, there is not a man, or woman either, in San Francisco who will tell us apart. Several persons know already that I've chosen the character of Portia, but my double will confound them. We 're just the same height, Phyllis, and our voices are not dissimilar."

"Your laugh will betray you, Helen."

66

O no. I'm looking forward to some fun, but it will be of the silent sort. My laugh is under good control I can assure you. I shall not discredit my part; a doctor, learned in the law, may smile, but not laugh."

She rattled on, long after Mrs. Barrington had withdrawn to her own room, and Phyllis noted with some surprise that she seemed unreasonably excited. An almost hectic bloom fired her cheeks, and the pupils of her lovely eyes were dilated. But the reason of this feverish disturbance was not as Phyllis supposed - prospective, but retrospective. Chetwynd, since the night of the dinner, had not been seen in the neighborhood of Nob Hill. According to the Enquirer he had developed a passion for bowls at Del Monte. Why - Helen asked herself had he suddenly left. San Francisco? To this pertinent question she could find no satisfactory reply. It had been definitely arranged that Chetwynd should don his harness in Dick's room. The armor had been exquisitely polished, and Helen had attached to the casque a couple of fresh ostrich feathers. Lord Marmion would keep his tryst; that much she knew for certain, but this visit to Del Monte was both inexplicable and exasperating.

"How many people are you expecting?" asked Phyllis, She was sitting in a low chair by the window which overlooked the bay. The sea fog was rolling in from the ocean, but above it Mount Tamalpais reared its crest, and the outline of the Marin County hills stood out boldly against the evening sky. The masses of cloud threw purple shadows upon the water, but wherever the sun penetrated were lines of dazzling yellow light, flecked with crimson and translucent greens.

"About two hundred and fifty. We've had some amusing experiences. The