he worthy proprietor and horse breeder. He had discussed the idea
with his neighbours in all its branches, and had appealed to his
paternal Government to assist him. The idea was a horse race, after
the English model. Tentative advertisements appeared in the Danish and
Swedish papers, and the replies in the support of the idea came in
from all sides. A few Swedish noblemen owned race-horses, and they
gave in their adhesion and support. The local horse-breeders and
dealers were eager in its support, and the Government expressed their
intention of assisting, in the hope that it might encourage the
breeding of better class horses.

John Hardy was early consulted in the movement, and heard a great deal
of good advice and well-intentioned talk on the subject of horses and
horse racing in particular. A prominent feature in the idea was
naturally where the races should be held, and on this point John
Hardy, at one time, thought the whole affair would fall through.

A field was, however, found that gave a course round it of one and a
quarter English miles, the soil was light, and the field did not make
the best racing ground; but there was no better to be secured for the
purpose, and the consequence was it was determined on. A grand stand
was erected, and the course staked out, the day fixed, and the entries
for the races were anxiously waited for by Herr Jensen, who acted as
honorary secretary. They at last were able to arrange several flat
races, a hurdle race--the hurdles rather low--a trotting match, a
steeple-chase, and a consolation race. The steeple-chase course was
down a sharpish incline, with a water jump at the bottom, and some
fences specially erected, and about the middle of the course a stone
wall of loose stones. This course was well in view of the grand stand,
as well as from the middle of the flat-race course.

John Hardy was implored by proprietor Jensen to enter Buffalo for the
steeple-chase, but he declined, on the ground that he preferred to
look on, and did not like risking so favourite a horse in a
steeple-chase race. Herr Jensen was in despair; he himself and all his
friends and acquaintances felt more interest in the steeple-chase than
all the rest put together. The only entries for the race were some
horses belonging to a cavalry regiment, but of these there were only
four. The pressure that was brought to bear on Hardy was so great,
that he saw he should give serious offence if he did not let Buffal