BANQUET ON HORSEBACK.

COSTLY FREAK OF AN AMERI-

CAN MILLIONAIRE.

Mr C. K. G. Billings, a Chicago million^ aire, celebrated the opening of the stable he has built in New York at a cost, of £40,000, with a novel dinner, to beserved and eaten on horseback.

The dinner cost £20 for each cover. The thirty-six guests were booted and spurred, and wore riding coats. A bed ot' rosea was laid as a centre-piece in the open court of the establishment, and a broad border of greensward garnished the bed of roses. At the edge of the greemswai-d, thirty-six horses, the'piek of Mr Billings's stable, Were stationed. _ v On the whjte satin saddlecloths, bearing the monogram of tbe Equestrian, Club, specially upholstered saddles rested. The trappings and bridles were of hesivy gold cord. There were individual tables for the guests two feefc square, and fastened securely to the front of the saddle.

A groom stood ab the head of each horse to remind him of his table manners. A vaudeville performance entertained tbe guests during the dinner.