"TOMMY ONSLOW."

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Herald, June 26, 1802): "A curious bet was made last week, that Lord Cranley could drive a phaeton and four into a certain specified narrow passage, turn about, and return out of it, without accident to man, horse, or carriage. Whether it was Cranbourn, or Sidney's Alley, or Russell Court, or the Ride of a Livery Stable, we

TOMMY ONSLOW."

cannot tell; but, without being able to state the particulars, we understand that the phaetonic feat was performed with dexterity and success, and that his Lordship was completely triumphant."

In London, of course, the Park was the place for showing off both beautiful horses, and men's riding, and the accom

panying illustration portrays Lord Dillon, an accomplished rider, showing people

HOW TO BREAK IN MY OWN HORSE.

The costume here is specially noteworthy, as it shows a very advanced type of dandy.

That this was not the ordinary costume for riding in "the Row," is shown in the accompanying illustration, where it is far more business-like, and fitted for the purpose.

As we see, from every contemporary print and painting, the horses were of a good serviceable type, as dissimilar as possible from our racer, but closely resembling a well-bred

hunter. They had plenty of bottom, which was needful, for they were often called upon to perform what now would be considered as miracles of endurance. Take the following from the Annual Register, March 24, 1802, and bearing

ROTTEN ROW-1803.

A

in mind the sea passage, without steam, and in a little tub of a boat, and it is marvellous: "Mr. Hunter performed his journey from Paris to London in twenty-two hours, the shortest space of time that journey has ever been made in."

"The Silent Highway "-Watermen-Their fares-Margate hoys-A religious hoy -The bridges over the Thames-The Pool-Water pageants-Necessity for Docks, and their building-Tunnel at Gravesend-Steamboat on the Thames -Canals.

T

HERE was, however, another highway, well called "the silent." The river Thames was then really

used for traffic, and numerous boats plied for hire from every "stair," as the steps leading down to the river were called. The watermen were licensed by their Company, and had not yet left off wearing the coat and badge, now alas! obsolete even the so-called "Doggett's coat and badge being now commuted for a money payment. These watermen were not overpaid, and had to work hard for their living. By their code of honour they ought to take a fare in strict rotation, as is done in our present cab ranks—but they were rather a rough lot, and sometimes used to squabble for a fare. Rowlandson gives us such a scene and places it at Wapping Old Stairs.

In 1803 they had, for their better regulation, to wear badges in their hats, and, according to the Times of July the 7th, the Lord Mayor fined several the full penalty of 40s. for disobeying this order, "but promised, if they brought him a certificate of wearing the badge, and other good behaviour, for one month, he would remit the fine."

"ONE OF THE MISERIES OF LONDON. Entering upon any of the Bridges of London, or any of the passages leading to the Thames, being assailed by a group of Watermen, holding up their hands, and bawling out, "Sculls, Sculls! Oars, Oars! "

Their fares were not exorbitant, and they were generally given a little more-they could be hired, too, by the day, or half day, but this was a matter of agreement, generally from 7s. to 10s. 6d. per diem; and, in case of misbehaviour