A GRINNING MATCH.



- Remove fera monstra, tuaeque
Saxificos vultus, quaecunque ea, tolle Medusae.
OVID, Met. v. 216.

Hence with those monstrous features, and, O! spare
That Gorgon's look, and petrifying stare.
POPE.

In a late paper, I mentioned the project of an ingenious author for
the erecting of several handicraft prizes to be contended for by our
British artisans, and the influence they might have towards the
improvement of our several manufactures. I have since that been
very much surprised by the following advertisement, which I find in
the Post-boy of the 11th instant, and again repeated in the Post-boy
of the 15th:-

"On the 9th of October next will be run for upon Coleshill-heath, in
Warwickshire, a plate of six guineas value, three heats, by any
horse, mare, or gelding that hath not won above the value of 5
pounds, the winning horse to be sold for 10 pounds, to carry 10
stone weight, if 14 hands high; if above or under, to carry or be
allowed weight for inches, and to be entered Friday, the 5th, at the
Swan in Coleshill, before six in the evening. Also, a plate of less
value to be run for by asses. The same day a gold ring to be
grinn'd for by men."