The Idler Magazine, Volume III, April 1893 | Page 6

they are never
allowed to pass the night from home, being taken to and from the place
of exhibition each day by their careful guardians, Messrs. Brown and
Hill.
After an inspection of the well-kept stud-book, we at last turn to leave
the happy scene, a process viewed, evidently, with much relief by a
funny little, black-faced pug, to whom our presence and proceedings
throughout have seemingly caused the greatest astonishment.

But we have still Her Majesty's pets at the stables to look at before
returning to town, so we walk blithely down Herne's Walk toward the
Castle, putting up a huge hare, who leisurely retreats as if feeling
secure within the Royal precincts. As we go down the walk, we notice a
comparatively juvenile-looking tree in marked contrast to the giants
around. At its foot is the following inscription:--
This tree was planted by Her Majesty Queen Victoria To mark the spot
where Herne's Oak stood. The old tree was blown down August 31st,
1863.
There is an old tale goes that Herne the Hunter, Some time a keeper
here in Windsor Forest, Doth all the winter time at still midnight Walk
round about an oak.
--Shakespeare.
[Illustration]
After lunch at the nearest hostelry, we walk up to the Castle, and
enquire for Mr. John Manning, the superintendent of the Royal mews.
Mr. Manning first takes us to the harness-room, a well-lighted, pleasant
building with sanded floor, a stove burning brightly in the centre of the
room, and all round the walls harness and saddles symmetrically
arranged. The first set of double harness which he shows us is seldom
used, and is made out of black leather, richly embroidered in designs of
the Royal Arms, &c., with split porcupine quills, the work of some
Tyrolese artists who visited this country many years ago. Next to the
porcupine harness hangs a set of Russian leather sledge harness,
beautifully mounted with silver, and as soft as a kid glove. High over
the saddles (the saddles are hung up with what is known as a crutch)
are the collars of the Queen's carriage horses. In order to prevent
confusion, the name of each horse is printed above the collar, i.e.,
"True," "Ronald," "Sheridan," "Beau," "Force," "Belfast," "Middy,"
"Bashful," and so on.
Next door to the harness-room is a huge coach-house containing the
Queen's carriages, among them being a landau, sociable, driving landau,

waggonette, and a driving phaeton with curtains, which was much used
by the late Prince Consort. In one corner is a covered perambulator
belonging to Her Majesty's grandchildren, and close to it stands the
vehicle which is generally known as "the Queen's Chair," although it is
in reality a little four-wheeled carriage, with rubber tyres, and a low
step, the interior lining and cushions being a plain dark blue in colour.
[Illustration: "JACQUOT."]
This vehicle is much used by Her Majesty when driving about the
grounds, and is drawn by an exceedingly strong, handsome donkey
called "Jacquot," in colour a very dark brown, with white nose and
curiously knotted tail. "Jacquot," who is a very intelligent animal, with
a rather strong objection to work, and a great love of good living,
accompanies Her Majesty whenever she goes abroad, his next
destination being Florence.
In an adjoining paddock stands a nice, pleasant-looking grey donkey,
who munches an apple philosophically while having his portrait drawn.
He is a great favourite, the son of Egyptian "Tewfik," and takes his
share of garden work and in carrying the Queen's grandchildren.
The adjoining stable contains eighteen harness horses, most of them
grey. The stables themselves are beautifully kept, one groom being
generally allowed to every two horses. At the edge of each stall is an
artistically plaited border of straw. Close by is the riding school, a
handsome building sixty-three yards in length and eighteen yards wide.
The roof is supported on handsome oak brackets; at one end is a
balcony where it is said Her Majesty and the late Prince Consort were
accustomed to sit and watch the horses being exercised. In this gallery
are medallions of favourite horses, the frames containing locks of their
hair. The riding school is lit with gas, and the lower part of the walls
lined with kamptulicon, which never wears out, and prevents a horse
being much injured should he by any chance kick or fall against it. The
centre of the tan-covered floor is occupied by a mounting block.
This school is occasionally used for circus performances, and,
splendidly decorated, was the scene of the grand entertainment given to

the Belgian volunteers some years since.
[Illustration: A SON OF "TEWFIK."]
In a solitary loose box, warmly wrapped in rugs, her own natural coat
being like very thick, soft, black plush, placidly stands "Jessie," the
Queen's favourite old riding-mare. With her