Page 30 - BOOK OF B B AND FONS

The Blaker Society

of all gaiety and cheerfulness and the gathering forcibly reminded us of one of
the “business meetings” of Newmarket race course, instead of gay, pleasurable

assemblage. The dullness of the weather, and the chilly atmosphere,
accompanied by a sort of “Scotch mist” or small rain, was a lamentable draw

back to the sports and amusements of the day. Shortly before two o’clock the
gentlemen Toxophilites had completed their “long range,” when they retired

the refreshment tent, accompanied by the lady archers and their friends, and
partook of a most magnificent cold collation, provided by Mr. Cooper,
confectioner, of the Queen’s Circus. The tables were handsomely decorated,

upon which were placed a most liberal supply of good cheer, consisting every

delicacy requisite for the occasion. The catering of Mr. Cooper was excellent,
and showed that in the commissariat department he was no niggard, and
reflected no little credit him for the manner had performed his part of the

contract. The luncheon having been disposed of, the bugle of Mr. Hardwick
summoned the Archers resume the sports. Almost immediately afterwards the

lady shooters (sixty-one in number, most elegantly attired in fancy dresses, the
ladies of the Cheltenham Club being all dressed alike, in green and white,) took

their stations at their respective targets. According to the scheme, the
gentlemen were to re-commence their sport at eighty yards, with four dozen

arrows, and two dozen at sixty-one yards. The distance allotted to the ladies
was sixty yards, with four dozen arrows, and fifty ditto with two dozen; and
right bravely did they acquit themselves of the allotted task. The ground at this

time presented a more animated and gay appearance, the gloom and mist
which hung heavily over the Cotswolds during the morning gradually

disappeared, and even occasionally the sun put forth a few of his cheering
rays, as if to remind us that had not taken his departure for a more congenial

climate. Throughout the afternoon the company were enlivened by some
popular airs from the celebrated band of the Coldstream Guards. The sports of

the day terminated about six o’clock.

THURSDAY — SECOND DAY.