The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-08-13

1 investigation developed that the breed ing and turf interests of Tennessee were so interwoven with these interests ir other states, the scope of the volume had to be enlarged to the point indicated by | the title.
 | Most books about thoroughbreds of the period considered here are devoted chief ly to the science of breeding and methods i of training and to the physical well-beins | of the horse, and are of interest only tc horsemen. This volume endeavors tc | emphasize the effect that all these theories and experiments had on the GUS toms and habits of the people.
 | The labor system, the code duello, the religious campmeetings and the open house hospitality, of the ante -bellum | south have all been given their just | share of attention by historians. But the origin, growth and extent of the thoroughbred industry have not as far as I have observed received any consid- eration whatever by any book purport- ing to treat of life in any southern state.
 In this volume will be found material upon which the historian of the future may base a chapter on, "The America of Sir Archy," or 'The Tennessee of Le- vfathan," that will rival in interest Greens chapter on "The England of Shakespeare" In the absence of avail able facts to support such a chapter it would not be credited. Hence the de- tails.
 Whatever may be the demerts of the book I decllaim for it the fruits of origi- nal investigation. No one of the six stories I have written is in any sense a re-hash of any other account in any publication similar to this. In collecting material I have been rendered great as- sistance by many persons in various sec tions of the union, to all of whom I ex- press my deepest gratitude.
 There is one other whose influence is most manifest by what does not appear in the book; but for fear that what remains of my inferior capabilities should be accepted as the full measure of her judgment and superior attainments it is perhaps best that I should not call her name.
 Of Hon. Balie Peyton, whose pen and predilections for the turf have given to this volume many interesting features, it is appropriate that I should speak. The record of his public services has been written in several books and need not be followed here in detail.
 Tyler asked him to become secretary of war; but the position was not to his liking, When war came with Mexico, however, he did not wait to be asked to go to the field of action. There he became chief of staff of Gen. w. J.. Worth, after his own regiment of Lou isiana and Alabama men had been re- called by President Polk. At Monterey it became necessary for General Worth to communicate with General Taylor on the opposite side of the city. and Peyton was chosen for this errand. Mounted on thoroughbred by imp Flop, presented to him by his friend Lucius J. Polk, ,~l, 1o1 Ivy I1y,dn fira his horse bounding at the bursting of each shell near him. performed the trip at dead run and in safety. For this and other acts showing his courage and efficiency he was favorably mentioned in General Worths reports and was voted a sword of honor by the state of Louis- jana. With modesty and true sportsman ship he always credited the success of his trip to his horse."
 "REMINISCENCES"
 By John Massey. The Publishing House
 of the Southern Methodist Episcopal
 Church, publishers. Smith & Lamar, r Agents, Nashville, Tenn. s...l A
 "Reminiscences" by John Massey, is a book which is not only entertaining but educational; it is well written and covers an epoch in the history of belles-lettres that is at once of value to every student or history. LII d pIeldCt DS A. iIdIifA the author is paid the following highly deserved compliment
 Perhaps no man in the history of Ala bama has lived more usefully or labored more wisely and productively than John Massey, the author of this book of remin- iscences. The volume will yield both pleasure and profit to the very large cir cle of those who have learned to love and honor him both for his own and for his works sake.
 That work has been of immeasureable importance and benefit to the people of Alabama and of other states and has already during his lifetime borne much and rich fruit which, we are persuaded. is but the promise and prophecy of a much larger harvest to be surely reaped in future years by the multitude of men and women he has taught, inspired and guided in their school and college years and that other numerous company of us who outside the privileged circle of those who have sat at his feet as stu dents, have been touched and influen ced