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HOW RACING GOES IN PERSIA. According to M. Eustace tie Lorey, who spent some years in Persia as an attache at the Trench Legation, and who has recounted his impressions of the eastern country in a recently published book, horse racing in Persia must he a queer sport, indeed. The Shah together with his court, and the diplomatic body, makes it his business to attend the principal meeting, and extraordinary to relate, always owns the winner. How this becomes possible is explained hi . the following terms by the author: "The meeting takes place at the back of the castle or Dowshantepch. Marquees are erected lined with handsome velvets and silks. That of the Shah himself is red outside. It is erected on the top of a little, natural rise of stones. His Majesty sits in an armchair with a telescope, like an admirals, whilst all his court is standing behind, except the Grand Vizier, who stands by his side. They have to stand thus for several hours. The horses, instead of running short distances, as they do in Europe, run sometimes ten or lif-teen miles, which makes the race very dull, and as diluent t to follow as a yacht race. This is Why dancers and musicians are performing in Mont of the Shah during the race. As soon as the horses have passed the Royal tent in each lap. the dancers liegiu again, though occasionally the Shadow of God takes a squint through his telescope at the progress of the race. "When the horses are coming round at the last lap, everyone gets frantically excited, though it Is always a horse belonging to the Shall which wins.. Men with sticks are waiting near the winning post to stop any other horse which threatens the legitimate result. If by any chance they fail to stop it, the unfortunate owner is obliged by etiquette to present the horse to His. Majesty, in order that the winner may belong to the Sliab in the orthodox way."
