Portraits--Counting the Stars--Covent Garden, what it was,
and what it is--The Finish--Anecdotes of Characters--The
Hall of Infamy, alias the Covent Garden Hell._

Of all the scenes where rich and varied character is to be found in the
metropolis and its environs, none can exceed that emporium for sharps
and flats, famed Tattersall's, whether for buying a good horse, betting
a round sum, or, in the sporting phrase, learning how to make the best
of every thing. "Shall we take a _tooddle_ up to Hyde-park corner?"
said Echo; "this is the settling day for all bets made upon the great
Doncaster St. Leger, when the _swells book up_, and the knowing ones
_draw_ their _bussel_:--_Black_ Monday, as Sir John Lade terms it,
when the event has not come off right." "A noble opportunity," replied
Transit, "for a picture of turf curiosities. Come, Heartly, throw
philosophy aside, and let us set forth for a day's enjoyment, and then
to finish with a night of frolic. An occasional spree is as necessary to
the relaxation of the mind, as exercise is to ~328~~ensure health. The
true secret to make life pleasant, and study profitable, is to be able
to throw off our cares as we do our morning gowns, and, when we sally
forth to the world, derive fresh spirit, vigour, and information from
cheerful companions, good air, and new objects. High 'Change among
the heroes of the turf presents ample food for the humorist; while
the strange contrast of character and countenance affords the man of,
feeling and discernment subject for amusement and future contemplation."
It was in the midst of one of the most numerous meetings ever remembered
at Tattersall's, when Barefoot won the race, contrary to the general
expectation of the knowing ones, that we made our _entre_. With Echo
every sporting character was better known than his college tutor, and
not a few kept an eye upon the boy, with hopes, no doubt, of hereafter
benefiting by his inexperience, when, having got the whip-hand of his
juvenile restrictions, he starts forth to the world a man of fashion
and consequence, with an unencumbered property of fifteen thousand per
annum, besides expectancies. "Here's a game of chess for you, Transit,"
said Echo; "why, every move upon the board is a character, and not
one but what is worth booking. Observe the arch slyness of the jockey
yonder, ear-wigging his patron, a young blood of the fancy, into a
_good thing_; particularising all the capabilities