SIR HOPE GRANT AND HIS BAY HORSE.

Dunstan Times, Issue 692, 23 July 1875, Page 3

SIR HOPE GRANT AND HIS BAY HORSE.

—o—“An old Pay-Sergeant of the Indian Anny,” I'esiciing in Edinburgh, sends the Scotsman some personal recollections of the late Sir Hope Grant, under whom he served in the year ISSS, in the province of Oude, Central India. These notes, soldier-like in their abruptness and brevity, give a graphic picture of the appearance and habits, while on active service, of the brave officer whose remains were laid to rest with all military pomp and respect in the Grange Cemetery last Saturday, and reveal a curious and interesting trait of which we have not hitherto seen notice taken. The correspondent writes “ Figure the 9th Lancers, all mounted, feet shoved home in the stirrups,' sitting at ease in the saddle -all wondering whether the Colonel will have any work for them to-day. They are looking aiixiously towards his bungalow. Every moment they expect him to appear mounted on either a hay or ehesnut horse. If on the latter, the men may retain an easy position ; if on the former, every eye brightens, and the slight movement of the horsea.indicates that the rein has been tightened, though the riders may not be aware of it When he does appear, the remarks of the rank-and-file are such as these—“ Ah ! the Colonel is on his fighting horse. We may expect to have hot work to day. Yesterday ho rode his chestnut, and remained in the rear the most of the time we were in the saddle. To-day you will see him take the front. And so it was. When he appeared on a horse of a certain color, the men knew almost to a certainty what was expected of them. He would take his position in front, cast a keen glance from right to left of the column, face his horse right-about, and with his toe lightly resting on the stirrupiron, while patting his charger on the neck, order ,the trumpeter to sound the,, march. A few minutes later, they trot, and away they went, commander and men ready for anything. When he rode in front on this horse the men were certain the enemy were near. All were on the alert, and when they met face to face, the' Colonel had little need to waste his breath shouting “ Lancers prepare for action !” Why ? Because he had taught them without words, and they wore ready and would have followed him to tire cannon’s mouth had there not been a man on the field to sound the charge when he gave the command.”

Science and Art.—A striking instance of the immense value a small piece of steel may acquire by tho great power of skilled mechanical labor, is tho balance spring of a watch. Prom its extreme fineness and delicacy four thousand weigh not more than one ounce, and exceed iu value £IOOO. A most interesting little work, describing the rise and progress of Watchmaking, has been published by J. W. Benson, of 25, Old Bond street, and the City Steam Factory. 58 and 60, Lndgate hill, London. The book, which is profusely illustrated, gives a full description of tho various kinds of watches and clocks, with their prices. Mr Bon»on, who holds the appointment to the Prince of Wales, has published a pamphlet on Artistic Gold Jewellery, illustrated with beautiful designs of Bracelets, Brooches, Ear-rings, Lockets, &c., suitable for wedding, birthday, and other presents. Illustrated catalogues sent post free for two stamps each, and they cannot bo too strongly recommended to those contemplating a purchase, especially to residents in the country or abroad, who are thus enabled to select any article they may require, and have it forwarded with perfect safety.