The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1866-10-04


Many years ago We read DR.. Johnson's de-
scription of the happy valley Of Rasselas but
we never imagined that we should find happy
valley SO near New York as Fordham. Yet in
every charm Of nature the valley in which
Jerome Park is located may compare favorably
with that Of Rasselas. II Is natural amphi.
theatre-a coliseum with hills for walls-and
seems expressly designed for the purpose to
which it has been assigned by the American
Jockey Club. The races that have been re-
Gently held there have been in every way sue
cessfdl, and they closed yesterday with fine
display Of speed, fashion and enthusiasm.
1t is by no means creditable to the press OF
New York that, with the exception Of the tech
nical portions Of the reports in the HERALD,
written by gentleman who is without an
equal In this specially in the country, there
has not been single description of the Jerome
Park races sufficiently graphic to do them jus
tice. The thousand amusing incidents ON tho
road to the park the unique and picturesque
con6guration Of the ground; the brilliant scenC
presented by the natural amphitheatre; the
crowds Of country people on the hills and
ridges around the clusters Of outside spectators
hanging upon the trees the bevy Of beauties,
with their gorgeous autumn toilettes, on the
grand stand; the throng of sporting men ON
the quarter-stretch; the hundreds Of carriages,
with their eager, laughing, shouting occupants;
the feet horses, ridden by gayly dressed
grooms; the fun, frolic and humor Of the
people; the excitement of the race; the rush
upon the course when the heat is over; tho
gossip among the members at their club room;
the busting preparations for departure; the
drive home in Indian file; the bracing scamper
through the beautiful park; the adventures Of
those who trust themselves to the tender mer-
cies Of the railroad-all these have yet to find
their chronicler but he will be on hand next
year. Let us hope that the Paterson races,
which begin next week. will be better de-
scribed, although they present not half SO good
materials for the reporters.
The American Jockey Club has inaugurated
new racing era in this country. The good
old days Of Eclipse and Henry will soon be re-
vived with all the modern improvements No
track in England is 80 we'll managed az
that of Jerome Park; for the gamblers,
roughs and rowdies of the British
race courses are rigidly excluded from the
course at Fordham. We are destined to sur.
paS the rest Of mankind in all the arts and
sports Of civilization and to make then all
subsidiary to our intellectual culture and no
1nement, like the ancient Greeks. Our people
win be immeasurably benefited by the lasts
for outdoor sports that ID now springing up
among tn EN-. Yachting In summer, racing In
the fall, skating in winter and baseball in the
spring will complete the circle of our open ail
amusements. Our ladies will no longer Ian
guish in their parlors and our gentlemen
wither away In the close confinement Of heir
counting rooms. More robust bodies and
more robust minds will distinguish the rising
generation and give us Q more enjoyable soci-
ETY. and greater country. The tremendous
reform that was initiated when our women
discarded paper soled shoes and began to wear
thick walking boots win regenerste the Amsr-
lean people, and we shall besome more vigor-
Gus and energetic a. . nation than ever be-
fore. As . means towards this salutasy 70
form the American Jockey Club and The
Jerome Park deserve no unimportaut place in
the history Of the metropolis.