31 MAY 1890, Page 25

to wit, and a novel incident—at least, as far as

our acquaintance with sporting literature is concerned—in the discomfiture of a rival by a man's skilful imitation of a horse's cough. Then we have some theatrical life, chiefly behind the scenes; indeed, there is very little about the drama, but much about refreshment- bars and programmes. The bargains made with contractors—not to the public advantage—are described with much appearance of intimate knowledge; nor does the writer seem unacquainted with the playful ways of the young ladies who minister in these departments. The tale would not have been the worse for the omission of the tragic element, and very much the better for a rigorous excision of superfluities, reducing it to a one-volume compass.