ntry--or worse--I don't know which!

[Illustration]

Sir MINTING BLOUNDELL, whose criticism on my contribution to your
well-written journal I invited, complimented me on my style, and
suggested that when giving my selections it might be as well to
refer to the "Home Trials" of the horses mentioned--but I venture
to disagree with him! Goodness knows we all have home trials enough!
(Lord ARTHUR and I frequently do not speak for a week unless someone
is present)--but I do not think these things should be made public,
and besides, it is an unwritten law amongst "smart" people to avoid
subjects that "chafe"--which sounds like an anachronism--whatever that
means! Having an opportunity of a "last word" on the Derby, I should
like to say that, although my confidence in my last week's selection,
_La Fleche_, is unshaken, I wish to have a second "arrow" to my bow
in _Llanthony_--of whom a very keen judge of racing (Lord BOURNEMOUTH
to wit) has formed the opinion that--in his own words--"he will be
on the premises"! The premises in question being Epsom Downs, there
will undoubtedly be room for him without his filling an unnecessarily
prominent position, so I will couple _Llanthony_ with _La Fleche_ to
supply the probable last in the Derby.

Meanwhile, I must say a word or two about the Ladies' Race at Epsom
on Friday next. There is absolutely no knowing what will start for
the Oaks nowadays until the numbers go up--and no Turf Prophet will
venture a selection until the morning of the race--and _this_ is where
the perspicuity of an Editor like yourself, _Mr. Punch_, scores a
distinct hit--for such a paltry consideration as "knowing nothing
about it" is not likely to daunt a woman who takes as her motto the
well-known line from SHAKSPEARE: "Thus Angels rush where Cowards fear
to tread!"--so herewith I confidently append my verse selection for
the last Mare in the Oaks!

Yours devotedly,
LADY GAY.

THE TIP.

'Tis the voice of the Sluggard, I hear him complain,
You have waked me too soon--an unpleasant surprise!
In an hour or so later pray call me again,
When, if feeling refreshed, I will straightway "_Arise!_"

* * * * *

QUITE IN KEEPING.--The Earl of DYSART has left the ranks of the
Liberal Unionists and become a Gladstonian Home-Ruler. "What more
natural?" asked one of his former Unionist friends. "Of course he's
dysarted us!"

* * * * *