'%' / -J ) '..■•'■:'■ X ." 1. iJ> ^ ' * .-^ At *- <- L. V ^'hr^yLo^Ay^yr >; § M g. jr 00 £ti ^ ^HS"g^o .^'uil ^E :re ngm nds r hirle; John lean HUN any o mder Y, and Coo copy ,s>.T3 Let them jostle, or cross, for a start or a lead ; Upon selling their nags, more than hunting, intent. And scarce knowing the meaning of what is called — scent. All declaiming at once — such a shout, such a yell. Doing only what monkies might do full as well ; Where sport depends quite upon knowing the cover, And the very best run in ten minutes is over. May such hunting as this never fall to my lot. Let them race, if they like it, I envy them not. The blood of Old Trojan is all I desire. So give me the hounds of the Warwickshire Squire ! Mr. Corbet never failed to be in Warwickshire on the 5th of November; on which day, if not on a Sunday, some favorite cover was drawn. A day or two previous to this, were the Warwick Hunt Races, at which Mr. Corbet gave a plate of .£50. for the Farmers, who were proud to win it, not so much for the value, as for the sake of him who gave it. — NiMROD. The following were the conditions : — Half-bred horses, that had been regularly hunted with the Warwickshire Hounds, and had never won before running ; to carry 12st. ; 2 miles, heats ; and to be rode by Gentlemen. — venator. MR. J. CORBET— 1808. 85 BY A YEOMAN. MEET WELLESBOURNE. Mr. Corbet's hounds once had a famous day's sport when the meet was at Wellesbourne Wood ; we found in a small cover close to the wood on the right of the village, and our fox led us away at a rare slapping pace. He first ran through Wellesbourne Wood, and on by Sir John Mordaunt's house, at Walton, as if he would make a point for Kineton Holt, but here he turned to the right and went straight to Black Marton. From that place he brushed quickly through Mr. Shirley's park, at Eatington, crossed the Stour at Newbold, and then ran over Armscott Field, Blakewell Field, and over Meon Hill. Leaving Mickleton to the left, by Norton Burnt House, and on to Weston, where he got into a hedge ; he was whipped out by Mr. R. Canning, and the hounds soon turned him up in gallant style. Although there was a large Field in the morning, not more than five or six were up at the death ; the distance was great, and the pace, at times, very quick. 1 We had a short burst or tv\^o this morning, and killed. At three o'clock we found a gallant fox at Ufton Wood ; he led us away by Chadshunt, over Edge Hill, and on beyond Upton HoiTse ; here he turned rather to the right, and ran close to Epwell White House. At this point the fox turned a little to the left, and ran over Brailes Hill, and straight into Long Compton Field. Poor reynard was nearly beat 1 Mr. Corbet, Mr. R. Canning, Mr. H. Robbins, Mr. R. Bradley, Mr. T. Handley, the Huntsman and the Whipper-in, were in at the finish, but their horses Avere done up. Mr. H. Robbins was obliged to leave his hunter at Mickleton for the night; and Mr. T. Handley, in consequence of going to the end of this run, sold his horse to Mr. Bradley for a large sum. F3 86 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. at this place, but meeting with a shepherd's dog, they fought until the latter carried as much scent as the fox himself ; the hounds soon got up to them, and hit upon the scent of the dog, which they followed until it was dark, when they were whipped off. Had it not been for this circumstance, we should soon have killed our fox ; nevertheless, we were perfectly satisfied with the day's sport. 1 We found, this morning, at Crimpscott Gorse, and had one of the most severe bursts I ever witnessed. The fox went away across Armscott, Newbold, and Blakewell Fields ; then straight for Shipston-on-Stour, but turned to the left, and went to ground in a sough at Honington. Mr. R. Canning, 2 and Mr. H. Robbins, went away with the hounds, and had the whole of this splendid burst to themselves. April 2\. — Mr. Corbet's hounds finished this season on Monday last, by meeting at Lord Northampton's, near Edge Hills. The season had afforded much excellent sport, and it is believed that no pack, in this part of the kingdom at least, had more capital runs, or killed more foxes, than the pack of this veteran Sportsman. — venator. Dec. 22. — This celebrated pack had a most capital run on Monday last. The meet was at Clifford Bridge, near Stratford, where they Tallyho'd a fox away, and after a 1 Mr. Corbet, Mr. T. Cattell, Mr. H. Robbins, and a few others, were up at the death. 2 Mr. R. Canning commenced hunting with the Warwiclvshire in the year 1791, and continued to enjoy the sport for eighteen years. — VENATOR. MR. J. CORBET— 1809. 87 most tremendous burst, and a severe run of nearly two hours, the hounds ran into him at Ashorne, near to the seat of Mr. W. Little. — venator. BY AN OLD ONE. MEET — SHEEPLEY'S GORSE. One day, when the hounds threw off at this fixture, a season or two previous to the resignation of Mr. Corbet, we had an excellent day's sport. We found a very good fox at Preston Bushes, that broke cover in an instant, and went away, with the hounds close at his brush, over Crimpscott Field, Newbold Field, across by Tredington mill, and then on to Honington. He next dashed forward to Idlicote, passed through Winterton Shrubs and Winterton village, and ran to grouiul in the main earth at Lord Northamp- ton's, after a capital thing of above an hour. This was a very severe run, the pace was tremendous the whole of the way, and not the least check occurred during its continuance. Mr. LocKLEY, on Confidence, and Mr. Cockbill, on The Straw-Horse, were the only two up with the hoimds when pug took the earth. Bill Barrow was very handy, and several others came up shortly after the thing was over. There was a very numerous Field in the morning, many of them crack riders well moimted, and determined to go, but expecting the fox would go from Preston Bushes to Meon Hill, they were thrown out, and lost the principal part of the run. MEET — IDLICOTE. About the same i)eriod, we had an excellent day's sport from Idlicote. We fomid, very quickly, at Honington Spiuies, and our fox seemed determined to lead us a gallant run. He broke instantly away to Idlicote, through Hell Brake into Whatcote Field, by Mr. Dyer's, of Kirby, into Tysoe Field ; crossed it, and went on at a good hunting 88 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. pace, by Hardwick, Battle Farm, Gaydon, Thistle Farm, and over Kineton Big Field. He next crossed the brook opposite to Mr. Jones's buildings, passed on through Mr. Anderton's spiny, in Burton Fields, then up Burton Dassett Hill, where he went to ground. In Kineton Field, Mr. CoCKBiLL, on Mr. Barke's Sky-Scraper, and Mr. R. Bradley, were leading the way. Mr. Hawkes, of Snitter- field, Mr. Kynaston, and several others, afterwards got up. The former gentleman was riding his well-known horse The Printer, and cried out, ' They are going the right pace now, I will shew you what blood can do ; ' and so he did, for at the end he and Mr. Han cox were both up, with those mentioned above, and had a good station at the close of the run. I have seen many quicker things than this, which was a smart straight forward run of about 1 5 miles, done in very good time. The horses were beaten, as the country which the fox took was not the best he might have selected, although the hunters out were of the right sort to follow in such a way as would make some of the ' slim bits of blood,' of the present day, tail off before they had got half the distance. Mr. Corbet's last fixture was on Saturday, February 9th, 1811. Mr. Corbet, when he had finally determined to give up the Hunt, advertised 60 couple of foxhounds, and most of his hunters, for sale. — All the hounds were bred by himself. The valuable hunters, 1 2 in number, were disposed of, at Stratford, by public auction, on the 28th of February. Two of them sold for 250 gs. each, and the whole brought upwards of 1220 gs. MR. J. CORBET— 1810. 89 On giving up his hounds, Mr. Corbet was presented with a very magnificent Silver Vase, by the Warwickshire Sportsmen, in testimony of their gratitude and respect. Some time about the year 1807-8, the meet was at Warwick Park. Mr. Corbet rode his favourite grey, and we have seldom witnessed a more splendid Field than was assembled on that occasion. The Master was in high spirits, and conversed with those about him with his usual good humour and affability. As they were drawing the top part of the wood that falls down to the New Water, a young hound gave tongue to hare ; Mr. Corbet detected the error in an instant, and a whip cantered off in search of the delinquent. At this moment a carriage approached from the verges, containing some ladies and two or three fine healthy boys. They were soon understood to be Mrs. Corbet and family. The little fellows amused themselves, at times, by playing with the brush of some gallant old fox, several of them hanging in view in different parts of the carriage. — venator. Mr. Corbet's forbearance and kindness were prover- bial, but not more so than they merited. One day the meet was at Wolford Wood, and having sent their hunters on to the cover, Mr. Corbet, Mr. Holyoake, and Mr. Stubbs, had a chaise from the White Lion, Stratford, to Shipston, where their hacks met them. The driver was directed to wait for them at the George Inn, but it was late before they returned, which afforded him an opportunity of taking more grog than was at all consistent with the rules of the new Temperance Societies ; in fact, as Peregrine Pickle said of his Tutor, he had ' drank himself into a state of sweet intoxication.' The gentlemen, not being aware that their saddle-bumper had got ' just a drappie in his e'e,' seated 90 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. themselves comfortably in the chaise, and they set off home- ward, confiding entirely in the care of their leader, to take them safe to Stratford. He had not proceeded more than 500 yards, when he upset the chaise, and tumbled the gentlemen into a deep wide ditch full of black mud, which, from the stagnant state of the water at the time, was by no means pleasant to the olfactory organs of those sportsmen. After some delay, the gentlemen resumed their seats, and were driven to Stratford without any further accident. On the following morning, Barke, the landlord, was informed of the circumstance, and he immediately went to Mr. Corbet, who was walking out his hounds, and apologised for the conduct of his i)ostboy, at the same time threatening that he should no longer remain in his service. Mr. Corbet instantly replied, ' Oh no, dem'me, Barke, he shan't be turned away 5 but mind ye, he never drives me again .' — venator. It was the custom of Mr. Corbet not to fix one of his prime places on a Saturday, as it was market day at Warwick, and he had a consideration for the yeomen and farmers, whose business obliged them to attend there. — Warwickshire never knew better days than under Mr. Corbet. The farmers had all })lenty of money, and the landlords too. Exclusive of his civility to the farmers, Mr. Corbet took care to satisfy the complaints of their wives, for the damage done to their poultry by the foxes. The celebrated Wolford Wood had hmg been infested with fox catchers, who took them alive. By way of putting a stop to this destruction by the trap, Mr. Corbet agreed with those men to give them £40 a year to discontinue it, which they received every Christmas day. Lord Middleton, while he MR. J. CORBET— 1811. 91 had the Hunt, paid them the same sum, and they adhered to the faith of their engagement. To the last year of his life Mr. Corbet was remarkable for the neatness of his person, and extreme gentlemanly appearance. His manners were peculiarly adapted to a man at the head of a pack of foxhounds ; being civil and obliging to the whole field, and particularly to the farmers, by whom he was much respected, and the destruction of a fox by foul play was never heard of in Warwickshire. In society Mr. Corbet was a most cheerful, as well as an entertaining companion. I was once present when an anecdote was told of a gentleman having purchased a pack of foxhounds, but on their arrival at his house his wife went into fits initil they were sent back to their original owner. ' If my wife had done so,' said Mr. Corbet, ' I would never have kissed her again until she took off her night-cap, and cried 'tally-ho." — nimrod. The observation has been made by more Sportsmen than one, that Warwickshire, next to Leicestershire, is the finest sporting county in England, and in heavy seasons preferable even to that county. A blank day very rarely occurs, and many of the covers are seldom drawn without finding a fox. Mr. Corbet's motto was — ' Deus pascit corvos.' 92 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. DEMISE OF MR. CORBET. On Monday, May IQtli, IHI7, at Muddiford, Hants, died John Corbet, Esq. of Sundorne, Salop, in the 65th year of his age. A man almost universally known, and as universally respected, for his integrity and benevolence — a man by whose death society in general has lost a link of a most valuable chain — a man who might not pass away from life without a tribute to his character such as the writer can supply. To scatter a flower on the grave of departed worth, and with a tear to sprinkle it, is a sad but not unpleasing task. To the strictest moral and religious principles, Mr. Corbet joined the best affections of the heart ; warm, sincere, and steady in his friendships ; the most affectionate of husbands ; the kindest of fathers ; an indulgent master j a generous landlord. To the needy a most liberal and constant benefactor. His manners were the most gentlemanly and unassum- ing 5 his disposition the most amiable and cheerful. Affec- tion for his family, the welfare and amusement of his friends, and benevolence to all mankind, constituted the happiness of his life. The poor, who frequently partook of his unostentatious bounty, will shed the tear of sympathy on his bier. For many years previous to his death he led a quiet life ; but his hospitable table was ever open to a few select friends, who esteemed him when living, and will feel his loss with peculiar regret. The sudden rupture of a blood vessel on the brain was the fatal cause of Mr. Corbet's death j a calamity which MR. J. CORBET— 1811. 93 assailed him on the preceding day, whilst in his usual good health, and surrounded by his family. The most skilful assistance was instantly obtained, but human aid was fruitless, and at the end of a few short hours society was deprived of one of its brightest ornaments. Peace to his shade ! — and may ' Goodness and he fill up one monument.' Mr. Corbet had filled various public situations in the county of Salop, namely — High Sheriff ; Treasurer of the Infirmary in 1775 ; Lieut. -Colonel of the County Volunteers and Local Militia ; and was elected one of the Represen- tatives of the County in Parliament upon the death of Lord Clive, in 1774. THE FUNERAL. The remains of Mr. Corbet were conveyed to Sundorne on Saturday, the 31st of May, and on Monday they were removed from thence to Battlefield for interment in the family vault. A very large concourse of persons assembled to witness the movirnful scene, and to pay their tribute of respect to his memory. The tenants formed part of the solemn procession, preceding the corpse ; and, beside the usual attendants, four mourning coaches, containing relatives, &c. of the deceased, each drawn by four horses. Mr. Corbet's and sixteen gentlemen's private carriages joined in the mournful train. 94 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. THE MONUMENT. To the Memory of JOHN CORBET, Esquire, of Sundorne, who departed tfiis Life on the 19th day of May, 1817, aged 65 years. He was in the twenty-first degree of lineal descent from Corbet, a Nobleman of Normandy, who accompanied William the First to the Conquest of England; and received an ample donation of lands and manors in the county of Salop, during tlie reign of that Monarch. In tlie same vault are deposited the remains of his first Wife, EMMA ELIZABETH, daughter of Sir Charlton Leighton, Baronet, of Loton, who died the 19th day of September, 1797. And of their only Son, JOHN KYNASTON CORBET, who died the 23d day of April, 1806, aged 15 years. This Monument is erected by his second Wife, ANNE, daughter of the Reverend William Pigott, A. M. Rector of Edgmond and Chet\vynd, as a Tribute of Gratitude and Affection to the best of Husbands, the Remembrance of whose Virtues is deeply engraven upon her Heart. MR. J. CORBET.— ISll. 95 DEATH OF BILL BARROW. Bill Barrow is dead. After Mr. Corbet had given up hunting the Warwickshire Country, and had retired to his mansion at Sundorne, Salop, Bill Barrow hunted his harriers. In following them one day, in 1825, his horse fell, and in three weeks he was in his grave. In boxes and in old stockings was found £1,400, and suits of new clothes sufficient for a parish. He was buried at Uffington, a mile from Sundorne. The following lines are inscribed on his tomb — Of tins world's pleasure I have had my share, For few the sorrows I was dooni'd to bear ; How oft I have enjoyed the noble chase, Of hounds and horses, striving for the race! But the knell of death calls me away. So Sportsmen, farewell ! I must obey. Bill Barrow was Mr. Corbet's huntsman for 15 years ; and his foxhounds were remarkable for brilliant runs when they were hunted by him. He was as good a horseman as ever rode over a country. His View Halloo was the best I ever heard, and so melodious, that to see him, and hear him, by the side of his favourite bitch-pack, give — Have at him, my Lasses ! — to a Sportsman was truly delightful — nimrod. ** J.ORD IMIDDLETON The voice of some old trusty hound, Starts reynard from his kennel, round ; With ears erect, and piercing- eye. He stands, prepar'd to couch or fly. Should danger on his peace intrude Within his Avoody kingdom rude. Lord MiDDLETON purchased Mr. Corbet's hounds for 1200 guineas, and became Master of the Hunt. His Lordship was well known to the Warwickshire Sportsmen, having previously hunted the country, when Mr. WiLLODGHBV, before he succeeded to his title. Every one was perfectly aware, that any Gentleman who followed Mr. Corbet had many difficulties to encounter, and some strong prejudices to surmount. Lord Middleton was known to be a man of splendid fortune, a gallant rider, and a good Sportsman, and that he had liberality and spirit enough to hunt the country in the best style, regardless of 98 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. expence. His stud of hunters, at that time, was allowed to be equal to any one in the kingdom, and from his Lord- ship's general knowledge of hunting, and his great partiality to the chase, the friends of foxhunting anticipated, upon reasonable grounds, a delightful succession of their favourite amusement. Lord MiDDLETON, when he succeeded to the Hunt, divided his hounds into two packs, dogs and bitches. His Lordship's first meet was at Itchington Heath, on the 11th of February, 1811. His Lordship gave a sumptuous dinner at the Sun Rising, Edge Hill, soon after he took to the hounds, to upwards of 60 farmers and other guests. Every person present expressed his determination to preserve the foxes on that side of the country. For a few seasons, his Lordship, following the example of his predecessor, continued to give a Plate of £50, to be run for over Warwick Race Course, in November, upon the same conditions as that given by Mr. Corbet ; but he afterwards discontinued it, in consequence, as it was then said, of the many disputes it occasioned among those who contended for the prize. BY ANONYMOUS. MEET FARNBOROUGH, FEBRUARY 22nd, 1811. We found a fine old fox this morning at Burton Dassett Hill, which led us over the country and through Knightcote Bottom, at a tremendous rate. The hounds, all the time, were on good terms with their fox, and when they had pressed him along the low grounds, he turned to the right and took over Fenny Compton Field, through Wormleighton LORD MIDDLETON.— 1811. 99 Bottoms, and on to Bodington Hill. Being driven through that cover, he took off to Hardwick Field. The fox was not headed, nor did the hounds come to a check the whole of the distance. From this place to Red Hill Wood, the pace was a killing one, and has seldom been equalled at any time. Here the hounds first came to a check, which was a relief, though only a very short one, to the Field, as most of the nags had got a pretty good dressing, and were nearly all blown. Reynard now shifted ground, doubled, and crept into a small furze brake. At the very instant the hunted fox doubled back, a fresh fox was tally-ho'd away ; this divided the hounds, and the consequence was both of them were lost, after a very good run, which up to the time of falling in with a fresh scent, must have afforded delight and satisfaction to every one who saw it. THE SAME, BY VENATOR. ' Wlien tlie morn stands on tiptoe 'twixt mountain and sky, How pleasant to follow the hounds in full cry ! When the bright spangling dew drops the meadows adorn, How delightful to follow the hounds and the horn !' While at the glass dull squeamish beaus Adjust with girlish pride their clothes ; Or idly chaunt the morn away. Trimming their whiskers, black or grey ! Give me, well hors'd, the chance to seek Rude health o'er hill or valley bleak ; Down sloughy lanes to covert ride. And over fences high and wide, Led by the all bewitching sounds Of the sweet horn, but sweeter hounds — That Ivisty health, which labour, kind, Bestows upon the sturdy hind. G 2 100 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. The meet to-day might proudly vie, In Sportsmen choice, of spirits high. With any field that did appear At any time in Warwickshire. At Burton Hill a fox we fomid, A better never led a hound Over a country — one so good Was seldom rous'd in brake or wood I Hark ! as the pack upon him dash. The clear, harmonious, thund'ring crash ! All silent now — the scent so strong. They dart as swallows swift along ; Bearing in style each head and stern. They all with matchless ardour burn ; While scent, that mystic subtle thing. Is floating caught on zephyr wing ! Pug first o'er Kuightcote Bottom stray'd, Then to the right a turning made ; Thence over Fenny Compton Field, Too brave and stout to skulk or yield ; Over Wormleighton Bottom ran. And to the hill of Boddington. In gallant style the pack pursue. And drive him the thick covert through ; Then off to Hardwick Field he led. Impeded not by check or head. To Red Hill Wood, the killing pace Was seldom equall'd in the chace ; Here the first check was timely found. For horse and rider, fox and hound ! LORD MIDDLETON.— 1812. 101 Reynard, by this, tho' stout and fleet. Had no desire again to meet An enemy who on him press'd Without a moment's time to rest ; So shifting ground he doubled sly, And crept into some furze hard by ; Where, trembling for his life, he lay Until the field had gone away. The moment he had doubled back, Under the noses of the pack. Another fox, to our dismay, Was loudly tally-ho"d away ; Being divided, baulk'd and cross'd, The hunted fox, alas ! was lost ! 1 The first meet this season, 1812, was on Monday, October the 26th, at Avon Dassett. The last meet on Saturday, April 14th, 1813, at Birchley Hayes. On the 3 1 st of May the following notice was announced from authority : — The Members of the Warwickshire Hunt are informed, that by the regulations newly adopted. Lord Mtddleton's hoimds will permanently remain throughout the year within the county ; and the covers will be hunted from their different kennels, early and late every season. The first meet this season, 1813, was on October 25th, at Edge Hill. 1 This was a most capital run, and the disappointment at the conclusion was more than compensated by the diversion it previously afforded. G 3 102 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. The last meet, this season, April ^Qth, 1814, was at Long Meadow Wood. The reader, probably, will be surprised that the hounds have not been more freqviently noticed while under the management of Lord Middleton. This apparent omission we shall now explain. His Lordship called upon the late respectable proprietor of the Warwick Advertiser, and desired him not to insert in the paper any accounts of his hounds unless they were sent by himself, or by his authority from one of his intimate friends. This injunction was complied with, but many of the farmers who occasionally joined the hunt, complained of the interdict. ' It is too bad, (said one of them,) when we take so much care to preserve the foxes, and our bvisiness will not permit us to go out with the hounds, to deny us the pleasure of seeing what they are doing in the newspaper.' The annual Hunt Ball was held at the Court House, in Warwick, on the 20th of January, 1814. The floor of the room had previously been ornamented in coloured chalk. On the left, was represented a full length figure of Guy Earl of Warwick, in complete armour, complimentary to the honourable house which now bears the title of that redoubtable champion ; and on the right, in the uniform of a member of the Warwickshire Hunt, a gentleman taking a flying leap over a barred fence. The company was very numerous, most of the first families of the county being present ; the scene was splendid and delightful. The table was laid at the Warwick Arms, where the noble Master of the hounds presided. The cawsey, from the inn door down to the Court House, was laid with matting ; and the arrangements, which were made on the Ijest scale, met with the approbation of every one. LORD MIDDLETON.— 1814. 103 The Stratford Hunt Ball, held on Saturday the 7th of December, 1813, was attended by a gay assemblage of rank and fashion. Amongst them were — Lady C. Greville, Lady Somerset, Hon. Mrs. Verney, Lady Clonmell, Lady Elizabeth and Miss Townsend, Mrs. Mills, the Marquis of Worcester, the Earl of Aylesford, Lord MiDDLETON, Lord Clonmell, and Messrs. Cannings, Giffards, &c. &c. Of the decorations was the appropriate one — ' The Flight of Buonaparte across the Rhine.' BY ACT.^^ON, JUNIOR. MEET ALSCOT, MARCH IfiXH, 1814. ' Wlioii the season's fine for sporting;, What to hunting can compare? Noiicflit in life, except 'tis courting, Wlien v.'e press tlie yiehling fair. See, tlie liounds begin to featlier. There's a touch by all that's good ! Hark ! they're getting fast together, 'Sow tliey thunder down the wood ! This day Lord Middleton"s hounds met at Alscot, the seat of J. R. West, Esq. The noble Peer, on the preceding evening, had given a splendid ball and supper, and this morning brought out a numerous well-appointed Field. We found in a small gorse cover called Gaily Oak, a downright good little fox, which instantly broke away in view ; the pack followed close at his brush, and dashed him along the meadows by Preston Bushes, the village of Admington, to the foot of Meon Hill, at their very best pace. Reynard next tried the earths at the top, went through Mickleton Wood, touched Hitcote Coombs, crossed the Campden road, for the Burnt House, then on for Lord Harrowby's, skirted Weston Park, passed near Farncombe, then over the hills to the village of Saintbury, about a mile 104 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. beyond which place we killed him in the most gallant style, in the open flat, after a slashing rmi of one hour and 30 minutes. The pace was quick, and the vale country deep ; but when we reached the hills the ground was as hard as iron, and covered with snow. Indeed, the northern slopes and sides of the fences had scarcely been thawed since the winter, which was a severe one, as I find we did not hunt from the 24th of December, at Alveston Pastures, until the 1 2th of February, when the meet was at Austey Wood ; and from the IQth of February, at Alveston Pastures, to March the 2d, at Oakley Wood. The riding was terrible, and very few, out of one of the best mounted Fields, were in a humour to face this rough and gallant chase. Sir Charles Mordaunt, Mr. R. Canning, Mr. H. WiLLOUGHBY, and Mr. Yates, were determined to go, and distinguished themselves highly on this pressing occasion. Nor must we forget that the Squire of Charlecote (Mr. G. Lucy,) Mr. J. Lucy, Mr. W. Russell, of Blockley, Mr. Pickering, Mr. Cockbill, sen. and two or three others, rode close in their wake, and were gallantly up at the end of the run. Dick Bradley was one of those that came up at the death ; Harry Jacksons, the huntsman, and Tom Smith, the whip, were close to the hounds at the end of this remarkable day. THE SAME, BY VENATOR. We met, as Sol his face unveil'd, A num'rous well appointed Field ; Were to a small gorse covert led, Call'd Gaily Oak ; found snug in bed LORD MIDDLETON.— 1814. 105 A stout good little fox, and who Instantly broke away in view. Close at his brush, the nimble pack Did not the scent o'errun, nor slack Their pace, in dashing him along Over the meadows deep and strong, By Preston Bushes ; here the pace Was now the quickest in the chase. To Admington, at this village Reynard stopp'd not to rob and pillage. Made th' foot of Meon Hill, and tried In the earths at the top to hide. Finding no refuge there, he stood For Mickleton ; took through the wood ; Touch' d Hitcote Coombs, and right across The Campden road for the Burnt House ; Pass'd Lord Harrowby's noble seat, Then drove along at killing rate. Skirted the park at Weston, then By Farncombe ; and away again O'er those heart-breaking hills ; and tried The country on the other side To Saintbury village ; and now The hardy rogue began to shew Symptoms of weakness — yet about Another mile he still held out ; The hounds in style up to hiin go, And kill him in the flat below. The length and tlie pace of this run did not fail To puzzle the head — while they bother'd the tail. The first meet, this season, was on November the 4th, at Frizhill. 106 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. BY TAG. MEET FARNBOROUGH, DECEMBER 23rD, 1814. We met a good Field, this morning, at the seat of one of our most ardent Sportsmen, Mr. W, Holbech. We instantly drew Mollington, and found a game fox which dashed away at a slapping pace for Itchington ; but sinking the vale at Radway, he came up by the Round House, and took the hill. Then he went away for Edge Hill, on to Lord Northampton's, by the Compton Turnpike, almost reaching Hook Norton Lodge, and \ery nearly down to Aynho. Our fox then made Wichford, where he tvirned for Rollright Coombs, over the hill just by the turnpike gate to the other side of Long Compton for Barton, and passed quickly through Barton Grove and \illage. He then crossed the roads between Wolford Wood and Stowe, near to the Fourshire Stone, then away for Bourton-on-the-Hill, but we killed him when he reached Evenlode, in the county of Worcester. This, certainly, vvas one of the best things I ever saw with hounds ; the distance was 'J.'^j miles, and done in two hours and 20 miniites. Mr. CoCKBiLL, of Radway, on Sidentail, a bay horse of the right sort ; and Zac Goddard, the first whip, on Little Surprise, a capital chestnut horse bought from the .stud of Mr. Corbet, were the only two present when the hounds tiirned up their game. Just as it was getting dusk the pack viewed their fox, when Mr. Cockbill and Zac were close together, Mr. C. taking the lead over the last fence, an awkward hog-backed stile and ditch. When he had safely landed, he halloo'd to the whip ' hold hard ! ' as the hounds were all singing with their heads in the air, and LORD MIDDLETON.— 1814. 107 had come to a suddeii check. The pack quickly re-passed over the stile, with the exception of a one-year-okl bitch. Bauble, by Trojan, out of Beatrice, which in taking her leap endeavoured to alight on the top of the stile, but tumbled over. She gained the stile, however, instantly, and seized pug by the hind quarters, but he held so fast to a tree she could not pull him down. Zac caught him by the back of his neck, and dragged him from his hold, but he was quite stiff and cold. Having halloo'd for two or three minutes, he secured his l)rush, and gave him to the pack. Mr. HoLBECH first came vip, and was followed by Lord MiDDLETON and a few others, whose horses had not quite come to a stand still. Mr. Bayzant rode very hard to Barton, where he gave uj). The weather in the morning was very snowy, and the riding bad, until we had passed Lord Northampton's, when the weather cleared up, and the riding was excellent. A two-year-old hound, called Woodman, by Dndd, out of Wildfire, led the run to-day. Little Surprise died in about two seasons after this run, and one of his hoofs was preserved by his master. Old Zac, whom he had carried to the end of many a good run. An austere winter, this year, suspended entirely the sports of the Field for some time ; and in consequence of the deep snow and severe frost, no fixtures were announced from the 3d of January to the 14th of Februaiy. 108 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. LORD MIDDLE TON'S FOXHOUNDS, 1 81 5. STUD. Na»ies. Sires. Datns. Wildfire ....} Traffic V Remnant V. . . Amazon V. . . ( Active V S Beatrice V.. . Basket V. .. Tansy Trojan Archer \ . . . Bachelor Beanty Carnage .... Conqueror . . Duchess .... Fearnought V, Radiancy V. Ribster V. . . Remus V. . . Sarsnet V. . . Taster Tifter Truelove Barmaid . . . . ^ Bowler ^ Bashful Calvin Cheerful Columbine V. . . Cora Finder Guiler V Jumper V. . . ^ Jessica V. . . ,> Jezebel V. . . ) Jasper ( Juncket .... ^ Jointress Rockvvood .... Roman V Termagant .... Vaulter V Wilful Bred by Mr. Corbet Gayman SEVEN YEARS. Rally wood SIX YEARS. Bustler Ranger Bred by Mr. Corbet Mr. Chavvorth's Lifter . . FIVE YEARS. Raymond Mr. Chavvortli's Lifter . . Bred by Mr. Corbet Carver Fearnought Duncan Rally wood Ranger Basker Mr. Smith's Saladin Traveller Ditto Ditto Twister Dreadnought Climebank Ditto Mr. Smith's Courtier Furrier Fearnought Ravager Lord Lonsdale's Jailor Sir M. Sykes's Woodman. Ditto Driver Rally wood Sir M. Sykes's General.. Vigilant Tarqnin FOUR YEARS. Rampant. Bonnybell. Roguisli. Regan. His Tuneful. Active. His Bluebell. Tawdry. A SoliliuUBeagle Modish. Fairmaid. Regan. Sir H. Harpur's Bitch. Gargle. Whimsey. Languish. Laura. Blossom. Beauty. Tempest. Tasty. Bounty. Comely. Tragedy. Gipsy. Rhapsody. His Desperate. His Blowsy. Rally. Rosebud. His Tarnish. Active. Wildfire. LORD MIDDLETON— 1815. 109 Names. Basker V. . Bouncer . . . Bounty Bluebell ... Bonnylass . Blucher V. . Boaster V. . Bridesmaid V. Convoy . . Chirper . Conquest . Darling . , Dauntless V. Desperate V. Fencer . . . Frolic .... Fairmaid . . Nectar V. Nelson V. Norman V. Rallywood Ruler V. . . Regan V.. . Rarity v.. . Rector V. Royster V. Rantipole V. Ravager V. Sultan V. Tantrum . . Valentine V. Vanity V. Vengeance V. Valiant V. Wellington Woodman Admiral Alfred .. Amity . . Brazier Buxom . . Bauble . . Cathcart Chacer . . Costly .. Cowslip Coaster Conunodore . Chaiuitress THREE YEARS. Sires. Basker S- M. Sykcs's Wonder Mr. Heme's Bedford Barrister Mr. Chaworth's Champion . . . . Trojan Duke of Grafton's Dreadnought Mr. Chaworth's Barrister Mr. Heme's Nectar Mr. Chaworth's Rallywood . . . . Radnor Radnor Radnor Sweeper Tartar Vigilant Ditto Sir M. Sykes's Wonder Druid rfVO YEARS. Duncan Sir M. Sykes's Triumph Trojan Bachelor Conqueror ]\Ir. Chaworth's Champion . . . . Ditto Dams. Abigail. Bounty. Ditto. Carnage. Traffic Damsel. Gossamer. Fancy. Stella. Flourish. Parasol. Gadfly. Costly. Amazon. Tempest. Rapture. Active. Captive. Wildiire. Amazon. Blossom. Beatrice. Captive. Active. Beauty. Radiancy. no WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. Names. Chanticleer Champion Coimtess . . Darter .... Driver .... Lascar .... Lazarus . . Loyal .... Ranter .... llummager Ranger. . . . Topper Tragedy . . Trinket . . Tricksy .. Tempest . . Terrible . . Vestal .... Verity .... Witchcraft Bridegroom . . ^ Barrister . . . . > Bustler 5 Balancer Carver Comrade ^ Comus > Constancy . . 3 Conjugal Danger Denmark Damper Jester Joker Joyful Roderick . . , Ragman . . , Ringlet Stonner . . , Tosser Tomboy . . . Tantalus . . . Tenderness. Tidings . . . Tarquin . . . Timon Vanguard . . \ Victory . . . . ^ ill > .rk . . . . p TIFO YEARS. Sires. Dains. Champion Jessica. Trojan Darling. Sir M. Sykes's Triumph Lavish. RallyAvood Comfort. Breed unknown Sir M. Sykes's Wonder Traffic. Sir ISL Sykes's Triumph Truelo\c Vaulter Wildfire. Sir M. Sykes's Wonder Tuneful. OXE YEAR. Conqueror Bashful. Bachelor Vengeance. Vaulter Carnage. Mr. Chavvorth's Champion .... Jessica. Calvin Beauty. Vaulter Duchess. Jumper Radiancy. Reveller Bluebell. Ditto Racket. Mr. Chaworth's Royster Truelove. Ditto Champion Sarsnet. Tosser Cohunbine. Mr. Chaworth's Royster Termagant. Vaulter Traffic. LORD MIDDLETON.— 1815. Ill Na?nes. Viceroy . . . .'J Vampire . . . . ' Villager . . • . ^ Vigilant . . . . ^ Wildboy 'i Wanderer . . ^- Wizard .... 3 Warrior Second Litter. ONR YEAR. Sires. Vaulter , Vaultcr Vaulter Bams. Remnant. Wildfire. Wildfire. BRED BY SIR R. PULESTOJV. ONE YEAR. Patriot Palemon . . i Prcttylass . . > Playful .... 3 Pastime Prompter . . ^ Pilgrim Plunder Palafox Perdita Pander s s Forester Torment Dreadnought Forester . . . Sultan Valiant Sailor Lady. Truelass. Susan. Darling. Wanton. Frolic. Proserpine. BRED BY LORD FOLEY. ONE YEAR. Christopher ••• I I Chastity. Random | Random ' Rattle. TOTAL— Eighty Couples and a Half. The hounds marked with V. are from Sudhury 112 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. BY TAG. MEET FARNBOROUGH, ABOUT 181.1. We met one morning at Farnborough, when the weather was so foggy we could not recognize any one, even at the distance of two horses' length from each other, and stood by the side of the cover at Mollington for some time. Several of the gentlemen were smoking their cigars, and cracking their jokes, to pass away an hour or two, as it wan considered impossible to hunt on such a misty day. Mr. MoRANT, however, coming out for sport, appeared deter- mined to have some, and recommended the Sportsmen to whistle, (as sailors do at sea when they cannot discern each other,) by way of caution to any one they might hear approaching them. Some of the senior Gentlemen laughed at the idea, and remarked the impossibility of hunting on so unfavourable a day ; but were jocosely answered by Mr. MoRANT, who said, ' I don't ever wish to see more than twice the length of my horse before I leap j (and then looking upwards, ironically observed,) any one with a keen eye can see the sky through this bit of a fog. Hoicks ! hoicks! have at em, my lads!' Lord Middleton, little anticipating the result, after the noise which had so long been made outside the covert, consented at length to draw Mollington, and the hounds were thrown in. They had no sooner entered, than the soul-stirring sound of ' Gone away! ' roused from his lethargy and excited the oldest veteran, and off they brushed, neck or nothing, after a fine dog fox. The hounds kept well together at starting, followed by Mr. MoRANT, and Zac, the first whip, — the other Gentlemen having taken a different direction. When they reached Hanwell brook, Mr. Mo rant charged it, but his horse did not attempt to jump, and both of them fell souse into the water, and disappeared for a short time ; on regaining the land, he quickly resumed his .«eat, and caught Zac, who had LORD MIDDLETON— 1815. 113 then lost the hounds in Hanwell Spinies. Here the pack was divided, and the whole Field riding they knew not where, but following the sound of any one who might be before them. Towards four o'clock, however, as Zac was returning along the Claydon road, he heard some hounds growling at each other, and on riding vip to them, found they had turned up their fox, and eaten all but his head. He alighted and took the head from the jaws of Reveller, a two-year-old hound, by Mr. Chaworth's Rallywood, out of Flourish. With great difficulty, by fastening the head to his whip, and trailing it along the ground, he kept the hounds together, and led them home. What country they took, or exactly where they killed, no one could tell, as most of the Gentlemen had ridden 14 miles out of their way, and had never caught a glimpse of the hounds from the time they were thrown into cover. MEET — FARNBOROUGH, ABOUT 1815. FROM TALLY-HO. One morning in this year, we found a fox in a small cover at Fariiborough, which quickly went off and faced the open country, at a smart pace. He led us several rings about the cover, and at length shot away straight for the New Inn, at Wroxton. He then turned back to Hornton, where he ran three or four rings before we could get him fairly off. On being viewed and Tallyho'd away, he made the best of his ground over the country to Alscote, and was turned up near to Edge Hill. Our fox ringed about for at least three hours, without the hounds meeting with more than three or four checks. The ground ran over was at least 20 miles, and the falls and accidents have seldom been outnumbered in any one day. 114 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. THE SAME. BY VENATOR. ' What a head the pack now carry! Oh ! it is a gh)iious run ! Jack is down — and tliere goes Harry — Bob is blown — and Dick is done ! To-day^, we could with pleasure boast^ In presence of our Noble Host, A Field scarce equalled, to renew Our sport ; which many Sportsmen true Prefer either to cards or dice, Or any minor selfish vice. Reynard, in a small covert found, Rush'd quickly to the open ground, And sharply led, (ungrateful things,) The Field about in teasing rings. Then shot, the hounds well in, a-head. And straight for Wroxton New Inn made. Turned back for Hornton ; where he ran As he at first his course began. Several rings, p'rhaps three or four. Nothing distresses horses more Than those perplexing circlets, when Riders urgently press to gain Almost by racing, the front place They held till lately in the chase. Our fox, sly artful rogue, tho' stout, Found this false curveting about Covdd not protect him long ; for now He hears the rattling Tally-ho ! A Tally-ho that made him quit His ringing system, ere he met The destiny, which no effort That he could make would long avert. LORD MIDDLETON— 1815. 115 The pack, having their game in view, By eye and nose hotly pursue Him over freshet, fence, and rill. To Alscote, under fam'd Edge Hill • And here, seiz'd by each gallant hound. Old reynard his quietus found ! The fox kept dodging in and out, By ringing artfully about For three successive hours, not less. Vexatious, hurrying, spiritless. Checks two or three might intervene To pose the Field, and change the scene ; Provoking checks, by all agreed, As ever harrass'd man or steed. The ground the Field had now ran o'er Was twenty miles, or something more. More hurly-burly in one day. Few Sportsmen saw — as Sportsmen say ! The whole of the horses were by this time very much beat, and out of a large Field there were not above six up at the death. Mr. Mo RANT tired his favourite and famous old hunter, No- Pretender, and he died shortly afterwards. Mr. Lawley, (now Sir Francis,) also beat his horse. He jumped off his back, when he could get him no farther, and left him standing in a field near Hornton, and ran on foot to the place where the fox was killed. When Mr. Lawley returned, he found his horse standing on the spot where he had left him. H <-l 116 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. This was a capital run, and the hounds, under the management of Harry Jacksons, the huntsman, went well, at a rare splitting pace, the whole of the time. Last meet, this season, April i/th, 1815, at Hampton Coppice. MR. STUBBS. On Monday the 18th December, 1815, at his residence at Rumour Hill, near Stratford-upon-Avon, died Walter Stubbs, Esq. aged 54. Mr. Stubbs, of Beckbury, in the county of Salop, was a resident at Stratford, and an enthusiastic admirer of fox- hunting. He was often heard to lament there was not an Act of Parliament to enable all the Sundays in the year to fall together in a frost ; which, he said, would strengthen the spirit of devotion, without interfering with foxhunting when the weather was open. He never rode over a fence, but went about nine miles an hour, a cantei', and his pace over a country was proverbial — but he was sure to arrive soon after the sport concluded. The day never appeared too long for him. He would often recommend his brother- sportsmen to draw for a fresh fox when the day was far advanced, at the same time reminding them there was a moon to kill him by. Mr. Stubbs had a peculiar practice of keeping one eye shut, but which, on any occasion of surprise or alarm, as invariably opened. Having made a bet one day, in the ring at Newmarket, and lost it, he was suddenly accosted by the winner for the money ; this had the usual effect on the optic. On looking into his face, the stranger apologised for his mistake, and rode away, observing — ' That the gen- tleman he had bet with was a one-eyed one.' — nimrod. LORD MIDDLETON.— 1815. 117 Mr. Stubbs was an ardent Sportsman, and followed the hounds as a foxhunter, in Staffordshire and Warwick- shire, for many years. He was a constant attendant at Warwick Races, and much esteemed by his sporting friends. At the latter part of his life, his hair became perfectly white, which gave him the venerable appearance of having attained a much greater age. — venator. First meet, this season, November 7 th, 1815, was at Whichford Wood. On Monday, February 6th, 1816, the meet was at Redfern Hill ; which was the first announcement of fixtures to hunt five days a week. The hounds were sometimes at cover by seven o'clock in the morning ; and they generally met at eight, both in Mr. Corbet's and Lord Middleton's time. Last meet, this season, Tuesday, April 30th, 1816, at Middleton Hall. FROM TALLY-HO. MEET UFTON WOOD, ABOUT 1816. Our place of meeting, this morning, was Ufton Wood. In trying the Holt, a fox was seen to break away ; he took straight for Napton, and ringed about there for some time. It was a fine hunting morning, and the scent lay well, and we ran him, at a good pace, near to Fenny Compton, when he turned short back for Napton, but before he could reach that place he was turned up by the pack. This run lasted 80 minutes, quick work ; the hounds had not one check, nor was the fox once headed the whole of the way. H 3 118 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. We then drew Debdale, where we soon hit upon a rare okl fox, that, as soon as he broke from the cover, dashed off at a slapping pace, for Itchington, then through Off church and almost to Radford ; he then ran near to Leamington, and on for Stoneleigh Abbey. Here we got a view of our fox, and we made the woods ring again with the cheering sounds of Tally-ho ! Being almost spent, and hard pressed by the pack, he was forced to take into the Avon. The hounds dashed in, and he was killed and eaten in the river. THE SAME, BY VENATOR. ' To the scent the pack when setth'd, Then who'll lead the daring throng ? Foxhunters, alike high-mettled, Shove their smoking steeds along.' Whene'er we meet at Ufton Wood, We rouse a fox of courage good ; One that can nimbly make his way O'er closure green, or fallow clay. A fox was shortly seen to bolt Before the pack, out of the holt ; To Napton made by shortest route. Where he for some time ring'd about. The morning fine, well lay the scent. As he for Fenny Compton went ; The hounds essay, by effort strong, To drive the cogent knave along ; When fearfvil of the ardent pack. He artful turnd for Napton back, But ere he could his grovmd retrace He lost his life — thus ends a chace Of eighty minutes — without halt. Head, check, or any other fault. LORD MIDDLETON.— 1816. 119 Then Debdale cover drew — and found A rare old fox — no country round For many years has higher stood Than this for foxes — better blood. More game or strength, swifter in speed, Scarce gave a breathing to a steed. Reynard rush'd from his hiding place, At what is called a slapping pace, For Long Itchington — and then to Weston — next passing Off church through, Ran near to Radford — Some might think He'd stop at Leamington, to drink Of the health-giving fountain there. When he had got so very near. But no, this did not suit his taste. And so he scamper' d off in haste. Turning, at Radford, to the right. Leaving of Leamington the sight. To Stoneleigh Abbey ; far renown'd For buildings grand, and fertile ground. Having of reynard got a view. Aloud thro' all the woodlands flew The wild ecstatic Tally-ho ! While closer still the ruthless foe Press on him — his trailing brush now told His sad distress — yet he a bold, Last effort made — when hound and horse Into the Avon reynard force. The pack dash'd in — and here the brave Old fellow met a watry grave; Or we should say, it might have been, Had the hounds left or bone or skin ! 120 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. Id est — as some witty gallant. Jocund son of Erin, valiant. Would say — ' The old boy, a brave one, Plung'd boldly now into the Avon, And there, to vex the Field and hound, Just savd his life — by being drown df This run lasted two hours, and the distance from Debdale was 14 or 15 miles. The horses were all beat. Lord Middleton, Mr. Barnard, and the huntsman, were up at the death. Sir C. MoRDAUNT left in the middle of the run. The hunts- man's favourite horse, Bluebeard, was got to Warwick, and there died. Harry Jacksons, the huntsman, has now in his possession an easy chair, made by order of Lord Mid- .DLETON, covered with the skin of Bluebeard. No one could sit a horse better than Lord Middleton when he chose to ride. He would sometimes jump every thing that came in his way, and beat the whole Field ; and at other times stay behind, and lead his horse over the least fence he met with. Such was his strange humour. FROM NIMROD— BY VENATOR. MEET IDLICOTB, 1816. ' A cry more tunable Never was halloo'd to, or cheer'd with horn.' We found early to-day, and the numerous throng. Alive to the sport, push'd pug smartly along ; But a gloom o'er our spirits a moment did lour. As the run only lasted the fourth of an hour. LORD MIDDLETON.— 1816. 121 Found again — and again all are anxious and gay, And our fox in his cunning made dexterous play ; He pick'd, as in spite, the worst route he could find, Not caring, it seem'd, for the trailers behind. His speed to our nags told a troublesome tale, As he led us some miles o'er a strong and deep vale. The Oxfordshire hills he next ventur'd to face. And gave us enough of his rate and his pace ; Yet we ran the stout felon, at Ditchley, to ground. Eighteen miles from the covert in which he was found ; And ten miles from Oxford, where Arthur the King Caus'd the fountain of learning to flourish and spring. No man describes a run better than Nimrod — take his own words for the rest — The most remarkable part of this story, (he says,) is yet to come. There were about 150 persons present when the fox was found, and among them a sprinkling of Mel to - nians. Every man got a fair start, but strange to say, Mr. John Lucy was the only man who went with the hounds to the end, and was up when they lost their fox. Lord MoLiNEUx, on Oxford, and Mr. Hugo Campbell, came up in about ten minutes after the hounds had lost their fox in Ditchley Park. The late Sir Charles Mor- DAUNT, on a horse he had just given 450 guineas for, to Mr. Manning, went well to Eathorpe, where he came to a stand-still, and died the next day. Not one of Lord Mid- dleton's men, capitally mounted as they generally were, could ever get within reach of their hounds, which were left in the Duke of Beaufort's kennel for the night. I was riding a horse a friend had lent mc, with a particular reqiicst that I would sec what he was made of ; and he could not have been put to a better test. The 122 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. material was by no means bad 3 for though short of work, he went to within the last six miles, when not being able to get him over a sheep hurdle, and finding some of the hard riding dons, (Sir James Musgrave among the rest,) unable to go any further, I tin-ned his head homewards, to save his life. The pace Lord Middeeton's hounds went, through the whole of this run, (the severity of the country also being taken into consideration,) exceeded any thing I had before seen or heard of, or that I have ever seen since ; and which only hounds in the very best condition could have gone. It is worthy of remark, that during the run it hailed and rained, with a cutting north-cast wind ; and if my recollection serves me, it was a day before or after Christ- mas. I was asked the same night, by several hard-riding men, assembled at the club-room, Stratford-upon-Avon, ' What is become of the fox ?' which I could not answer, but it proves my assertion as to the severity of the run. — Thus far Nimrod. THE SAME, BY ACTION, JUNIOR. In a communication from Action, jun. that gentleman informs us — The Field, on the day this capital run took place, met at Idlicote. Found, and after a sharp burst, killed towards Lord Northampton's. — Then drew all his covers until they came to Gilk's Brake, where most of the Field left. We fotind here, and our fox went straight for Tibbard ; turned to the right for Eathorpe ; over Thurlaston hills, and then for Ditchley, where he earthed. We did not hunt the next day, as the hounds stopped at the Duke of Beaufort's kennels all night. Sir Charles Mordaitnt's horse was left at Lord Clonmell's. at Weston. Sir LORD MIDDLETON— 1816. 1^3 Charles sent for Mr. Welchman, of Kineton, and Mr. Kent, of Stratford. Mr. Palfrey, veterinary surgeon, of Worcester, was ultimately sent for, and on his arrival he declared that nothing could be done for the horse ; although he did not die until three or four days after. Mr. Alfred Lloyd, of Goldicote House, vi^ent v^-ell to the end of the run, and then rode his horse, in the evening, back to his abode at Goldicote. In the week beginning Monday, February l'2th, 1816, the hounds met every day. This Hunt was always attended by some good fellows, eharacters in their way, who did not don the seailet. Amongst them was Mr. Richard Bradley, a dealer, M'ho lived at Newbold, near Shipston, and aftenvards removed to the Crofts Farm, a short distance from the town of Stratford-on-Avon ; he was esteemed by judges to be the finest rider to hounds in England. His man Harry, a high-shouldered, swarthy little fellow, of light weight, in the opinion of some even excelled his master ; he would ride at any thing, and stop at nothing. Bradley had generally a great number of hunters, amounting sometimes to sixty or seventy, and perhaps more, in his stables ; and their very superior riding has sold many horses at good prices to the gentlemen who had joined the hunt. Some years ago, when the Prince Regent, afterwards George the Fourth, was returning to town from the seat of the Marquis of Hertford, at Ragley, he called to see Bradley's stud. Dick Bradley was one of the best hearted men in England — a facetious and jovial companion — and his anecdotes, Avhen told in his humorous jocular way, were irresistible. One day, in going at a fence, Bradley's horse made a slip in taking up, and gave him the spill. The fall was a tremendous one, and he lay insensible and motionless on the ground. ' Death and nature did contend about him, whether he'd live or die.' Several of the Sportsmen stopped to assist him ; on being bled he gradually recovered, and was taken home. When Bradley got quite M^ell, and the danger of the accident was partly forgotten, his friends used to tell him that after he fell, no one in the compjiny had any instrument in his pocket to bleed him, and that a journeyman carpenter, who came up by chance, Avith a basket of tools on his back, opened the vein with a gimblet ! Bradley laughed, as heartily ;is any of his acquaintances, at this joke. 1'24 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. FROM TALLY-HO. MEET FARNBOKOUGH, FEBRUARY, 1817. We met at Farnborough, but we did not find until past twelve o" clock. When we found a fox he ran us a sharp ring or two round the covert, and then made over the country, at a killing pace, for Edge Hill. He then pointed away for Lord Northampton's, took over the hills at Brailes, and on for Weston House. Leaving that place to the left, he passed by Whichford Wood, and then ran, nearly as straight as a line, to Barton-on-the-Heath. His pace now became rather slow, and he was ran into in the middle of a large field, near Morcton-in-Marsh. THE SAME, BY VENATOR. ' How thunder the chase at his heels ! How vengefuUy tremble their throats ! He totters, lie staggers, he reels, He dies, 'midst the echoing' notes ! Past noon, by the dial, old reynard we found. Who a sharp ring or two ran the covert around ; Then made thro' the country so fast for Edge Hill, We thought he could fly if he had but the will. His pace was so killing ; he did not here wait To skulk into the earths, but his way pointed straight For Lord Northampton's, as if meaning to shew His Lordship, in courtesy, how he could go. Then over Brailes Hills, and near to Weston House, Without stopping either to lunch or to bouse ; Some way to the left he passd old Whichford Wood, Which in the same place many ages has stood ; Then nearly as straight as shaft flies from a bow. Made Barton-on-the-Heath ; his pace rather slow. LORD MIDDLETON.— 1817. 125 An item, when failing in speed, strength, and breath. That a fox from the pack must soon meet with his death. Near Moreton-in-Marsh, in the midst of a field. Nolens volens old reynard was gallantly killed ! There was a very sharp frost in the morning, and we did not throw off mitil between one and two o'clock. It was quite dark when we killed our fox, the run having lasted two hours and fifty minutes. There was a great deal of snow on the ground, and very few of the Sportsmen followed to the end of the run, which exceeded 20 miles. As the fox ringed about a great deal, at times, cold hunting succeeded for about three quarters of an hour. When reynard was almost beat, he lay down in a field, and when started was killed immediately. The odds were ten to one against our killing him on such an unfavourable day. The snow was very thick for several miles near Whichford Wood. Mr. W. HoLBECH, of Farnborough, I believe, was the only gentleman close up at the death. The Huntsman and the two whips kept their places. — tally-ho. FROM TALLY-HO. MEET UFTON WOOD, 1817. When we threw the hounds into the cover, we got up two or three foxes at the same time. After running one or the other of them round the cover for a long while, one took off for Itchington Heath. The dew was very heavy upon the ground, and we had but an indifferent scent. At Itchington the fox took into a brake of gorse and waited for us. The scent got better, and our fox took away, at a sharp pace, for Kineton. When he left that place, the Field 126 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. was for some time delayed, by cold hunting, up to Pillerton Gorse. The scent again got better, and we ran him, at a quick pace, on to Tysoe. There he turned to the right, and led us on to Idlicote Hill, and we killed him just before he could reach the cover at that place. The fox kept dodging about for three hours in one place or other ; but he always kept the Field in play at a slapping pace. THE SAME. BY VKNATOR. ' Thro' vallies umlauiitcil he Ixmml.s, O'er ui)laiuls he measures liis liead ; Still hears he the cry of the hounds. It strikes on his bosom with dread. He stays for a moment to breathe, He listens with throbbing" affri^''ht, In quickness alone can he live, He flies — 'tis the ebb of his mi^ht ! When a good fox is singly found, He soon breaks through the woody bound ; When two or three the covert scout. It takes some time to get one out. Three foxes, ere the sport began, A long while round the covert ran. Hit off — Itchington Heath at length. One of them sought, to try his streiigth. When heavy dews pervade the plain. The scent but feebly doth remain ; The lucid globules, as he goes. Are drawn into the mouth and nose By ev'ry hound — this annoyance Bids the keenest pack defiance ! LORD MIDDLETON.— 1817. 1'27 At Itchington the crafty rake Took shelter in a gorsy brake ; Seeming to say — as you can't follow, I'll wait to hear your boasted halloo ; And fairly test your vaunted speed — If you can follow, I can lead ! For Kineton reynard sharply went. The hounds here found a better scent ; Leaving to the right that place. Cold hunting now delayed the chase ; For Pillerton Gorse ; and then quick Made Tysoe ; here, sly cunning trick, He turn'd towards the right again, Leading in style the goodly train Up to the Hill of Idlicote, Where the death-halloo, fatal note ! Announc'd his end. Too late to try His life to save in covert nigh. The fox kept dodging in the chase. For three hours, at a slapping pace ! The whole field was beat, and very select at the end of the run. Mr. Hugo Campbell, Sir C. Mordaunt, and Mr. Augustus Berkeley, were up at the death. Mr. Napier, to-day, rode a famous black horse of Lord Clonmell's, but could not get him in at the death. He left the horse in a field, and ran alongside the huntsman, whose horse was also beat, to the place where the fox was killed. Mr. Campbell was the first up, and obtained the brush. Lord MiDDLETON got on to Idlicote, where he stopped, ' and was done for the day.' 128 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. FROM TALLY-HO. MEET LOUD NORTHAMPTON'S, 1817. We had a very good Field out this morning at Lord Northampton's, where we found a fox that we killed after a run of half an hour. We next drew Pillerton Gorse, and found a fine old fox that soon broke cover, and led us, at a famous pace, to Lord Willoughby's. Then striking off to the right, he ran forward to Moreton Wood. Here he turned, and made quick away to Oakley Wood. After shifting for some time in this cover, he passed through the Wood, and went off to High Down Hill, and on to Whitnash. Here the hounds pressed closely upon him, with a capital scent, and he was killed in Whitnash Fields. This run lasted for 70 minutes, without a check, and many of the horses had fallen off before it was finished. THE SAME. BY ^ ENATOR. ' That echo ! see, yonder he flies, How quickly he speeds o'er the plain ! His art ev'ry cunning contrives, Alas ! all his runnings is vain ! A good Field out, and soon we found A fox, alas ! who'd not the power To stand before the well-trained hound More than the space of half an hour. Mov'd on again in spirits high And speedily Pillerton Gorse drew. From whence a noble fox did fly. The moment, almost, that we off threw. LORD MIDDLETON.— 1817. 129 When found, we have not yet been told Whether the knave were coil'd or sitting ; But this we know, the varlet bold Went off at that rare pace called splitting ! First, to Lord Willoxjghby's we find Him striking off in right direction ; Hoping, no doubt, in covert kind To meet with covertly protection. Scarce staying now to pay regards To friend or love, had he one met there ; He spank'd away briskly towards Old Moreton Wood, and chanc'd to get there. This wood is better known, 'tis true, If we should call it Moreton Morrell ; And now the pace began to shew Which the best horse was — bay or sorrel. Diverging now, he quickly made For the long-noted Wood of Oakley ; And here began his shifting trade The pack to him at such a stroke lay. Rush'd thro' the wood, as here he found The covert cold too hot to hold him ; He knew this would not baulk the hound. Or else some friendly brother told him. To High Down Hill at speed made play. Then to Whitnash turning, rallied ; The hounds press closer on the way. The scent approaching near to calid. 130 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. View'd now, the rattling Tallyho Rang in his ears an awful omen ; Met in these fields an overthrow — Few finer nans M-ere seen by no men. For seventy minutes, without check, Some nags were done ere they got lialf way ; And Johnny Newcomes — saving neck — Flat, here and there, as ever calf lay ! Mr, R.Barnard, of Lighthorne, Mr. H. Campbell, and Mr. Hancox, went well, and were up at the death. Several falls occurred in the course of the run, mostly to young riders, who made too free with their nags. Lord MiDDLETON staked his favourite grey horse. Smoke?', which cost him 500 guineas, near Moreton Morrell. The huntsman told him of the accident, but his Lordship continued to ride him. He was at length taken home, and, though treated with the utmost care, he was shot to put an end to his sufferings. His Lordship had the stake taken up and preserved. Lord Middleton's first meet, this season, 1817 -18, was on Monday, November 10th, at Edge Hill. During this and the preceding year, the fixtures, generally, were five days each week. Last meet this season, March 30th, 1818, at Newnham Paddox. The first meet this season, 1818-19, was on Monday, November 2d, at Walton House. The last meet was at Admington, on Monday, the 29th of March, 1819. LORD MIDDLETON— 1819. ISl Since the regulai- hunting season commenced, a period of 158 daj^s, the hounds have hunted 91 days, and killed and accounted for, in the course of that time, 94 foxes. — TALLYHO. FROM TALIiYHO. MEET — BINLEY. We found this morning at Brandon Woods, and went away with our fox by Brinklow, through Lord Denbigh's covers, very near to Endleby, in Leicestershire ; leaving Croft's Hill to the right, he came with a ring back, pointing for Lord Denbigh's again — then for High Cross, (said to be the centre of England,) in Leicestershire, took several short rings about, but did not go into the covers. He was afterwards headed by some people at plough, and when he had run a short distance farther, his strength failed, and he was thrown up by the pack, near to High Cross, in the county of Leicester. Mr. Sedgley, of Dunchurch, got a second horse. Mr. BouLTBEE, of Kineton, Mr. Garforth, and two or three others, were up at the death. The run lasted two hours and 9.0 minutes j and the distance was very great. The country being woodland, the Field in the morning was but small, as they expected the fox would only run from cover to cover. I 2 132 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. THE SAME, BY VENATOR. ' O list to tlie sound of the horn ! It sAvells on the light-flowing breeze ; It hastens the breaking of morn, And trembles the dew on the trees.' List, Meltonians ! then you'll hear — Not dull monotony in dirges — But from the tuneful Warwickshire Music sweet upon your verges. At Brandon Wood^ we reynard founds Who speedy made Earl Craven's covers. By Brinklow ; a more pleasing sound Seldom around the welkin hovers. Had his Lordship, aside the wood. Met the gay Field in friendly greeting. Doubtless that gallant Sportsman would Have been delighted at the meeting. Now off at desp'rate speed he flew. Into the open country ventur'd ; Dashing Lord Denbigh's coverts through, In minutes few after he enter'd. We wish his Lordship had appear' d Just then, and seen the joyous party ; A Sportsman true, as we have heard. Noble, gen'rous, firm, and hearty. Then to Endleby very near, f Within old Leicester's famous county ; Which Nature kind in her career Has largely blessed with ev'ry bounty. LORD MIDDLETON.— 1820. 133 Leaving to the right Croft's Hill — then. By craftily his course reverting, Ring'd for Lord Denbigh's back again, Rings seldom to a Field diverting. Next for High Cross, in Leicestershire, Which is, some say. Old England's centre ; He ring'd about in circles there, Biit did not the thick coverts enter. Headed, poor rogue, by folks at plough. Few Sportsmen in the chase can follow ; The matchless pack turn reynard now, And near High Cross — Hark ! the Death Halloo ! Harry Jacksons, the huntsman, in riding his horse (which was a good deal beat,) rather sharply to get the hounds back to the fox after he had been headed, was thrown by his horse putting his foot into a trench, and broke his collar bone. This was in the middle of a field, and no one being near, he remounted his nag, followed the hounds until they turned up their fox, and held him until the whip came up. The first meet this season, was on Monday, November 27th, 1820, at Edge Hills. I 3 134 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. FROM ACTION, JUN. MEET EATINGTON. About a season or two before Lord Middleton gave up the hounds, but the exact time I do not recollect, we met, I think, at Eatington House, We drew Eatington Grove and very soon found ; the fox went out at the bottom of the grove, straight through the Park to Lindell's farm house on the hill, close by Fulready. He next dashed across the low grounds, where the sport was the more delightful, as the country was nearly all grass land, and left Hell Brake and Pillerton to the right and left. Passing on to the right of Oxhill, he touched hard upon the Tysoes, in a line for Lord Northampton's, but declining that point, he heaved away to the left, keeping vmder Edge Hill, and popped into the earth, at Radway, after a capital thing of 50 minutes. THE SAME, BY VENATOR. O, ye Sons of the Chase ! while your spirits are gay, To the Warwickshire Country let's hasten away ; Where foxes in plenty are sure to be found, And Sportsmen, the primest of fellows, abound ! As Eatington Gorse we drew now, A fine fox was promptly found ; Winding brisk the brush-wood through now, At the noses of the hound. When the pack gives tongue, how cheering Is the sweet melodious note ! First, sly at the bottom peering. Then dash'd off old reynard stout. LORD MIDDLETON.— 1820. 135 When a fox is rous'd from kennel. Sportsmen, hound, and horse, elate ; None stay, save some puny wennel. Foxes stout but seldom wait. Through the Park away made reynard ; Lindell's farm house on the hill Quickly left behind him — then hard Tried the Field o'er fence and rill. Soon we find him near Fulready ; Then down the low grassy grounds He led at a rate brisk and steady. The unerring, anxious hounds. Leaving Hell Brake and Pillerton, Right and left, both once in sight ; Then away he bravely spurt on By Oxhill, standing to the right. Touching hard upon each Tysoe, Earl Northampton's seem'd his aim ; Why he pass'd his Lordship by so, Has not been divulg'd by fame. Declining that point, he then toil'd To the left with crafty skill. In a line that often has foil'd Many Fields under Edge Hill. Gaining the main earth at Radway, By a well-tim d desp'rate rush. Else he'd soon been in a bad way To preserve his pads and brush ! 136 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. In this delightful run, every body had, or might have had, a good start ; but only a few stuck to the hounds through the Park, a great majority of the Field having unluckily gone round by the Lodge : and although the distance was but short, they never could afterwards recover their ground. Without a check, and at a gallopping stroke, the pack kept on, with the vanguard close at their sterns ; and excepting a flounder, a trip, or a roll, every man got well to the end of the fun. Mr. Shirley, Mr. J. Lucy, Mr.'LLOYD, of Drayton, Mr. Miller, Mr. Henry Wyatt, Mr. Pickering, Mr. MoRETON, Mr. WoRRALL, and Mr. H. Newman, were amongst the first. R. Bradley, the huntsman, and Tom Smith, on The Roan Banker, were up. I heard Lord Middleton refuse 800 guineas for that horse a short time afterwards. — ACTiEON, jun. The last day of the season, 1820-21, the meet was at Admington. A good Field out, and amongst them Lord Warwick, Lord Clonmell, &c. &c. As the Master was gallopping round the field, his horse fell and threw his Lordship, and afterwards rolled upon him, injuring his shoulder and thigh. He was taken to the house of Mr. Corbet, of Admington, and pvit to bed. Fortunately, however, his Lordship sustained no serious injury, although he was seldom seen to ride any thing but a pony in the field afterwards. LORD MIDDLETON.— 1820. 137 THE EARL OF WARWICK. This Nobleman, when Lord Brooke^ was often seen at the covert side in the latter part of^Mr. Corbet's time, but more frequently when the hounds were under the management of Lord Middleton. His Lordship's stud was selected with great care and judgment^ and his hunters in general cost high prices. His Lordship usually hunted one half of the season in this county, and the other part in Leicestershire 3 and was well known to the Members of the neighbouring Hunts, as a good Sportsman and a capital rider to hounds. After his Lordship met with an accident when hunting with the Oakley hounds, in Bedfordshii'e, he was not so often seen in the field. His Lordship had a famous grey horse, a great favourite, and upon him he has frequently held a prominent place in the Field, at the end of many a long and hard day's sport ; this fine animal met with an untimely end. The late Major-General Sir Charles Greville has sometimes met the Warwickshire ; but that gallant Officer was too actively employed in the public service, to attend much to the pleasures of the chase. In the year 1808, a litter of foxes was bred amongst the thick ivy upon the wall just over the Green Wicket Gate that leads from the Lawn, in front of Warwick Castle, towards the gardens. There were four or five of them, and when they were disturbed from their kennel, in their younger state, would run backwards and forwards upon the wall with amazing activity, and could be seen, at intervals, where the ivy was not thick enough to hide them ; they were shewn to mc as a great curiosity. —venator. 138 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. RESIGNATION. Lord MiDDLETON finally resigned the Warwickshire Hunt this season, fiaving been Master of the Hounds for ten successive years. His Lordship's last fixture was at Harwood's House, on the 23d of March, IS^l. In the first year after Lord Middleton took to tht' hounds, they killed 49^ brace of foxes ; the greatest number they ever killed within the same period of time, whilst under his Lordships management. Lord Middleton's Stud of Hunters was sold about the middle of November, 1823, at the Swan-with-two-Necks, Leicester. There was a good company, and the horses were knocked down at high prices. DEMISE. On the 19th of June, 1835, at WoUaton House, Not- tinghamshire, died, the Right Hon. Lord Middleton, in the 75th year of his age. His Lordship, who derived his title from Middleton, in the county of Warwick, married, in 1793, Jane, sister of the lale Lord Wenlock, and of the present Sir Francis Lawley^ Bart. Having no issue, his Lordship is succeeded in his title by his cousin. Captain DiGBY WiLLOUGHBY, R. N. Motto — ' Verite sans pcur.' — Truth without fear. LORD MIDDLETON. 139 HUNTSMEN AND WHIPS. Will Barrow, Mr. Corbet's huntsman, hunted the hounds for a day or two, after they were taken to by Lord MiDDLETON. — He was succeeded by Will Don, who con- tinued with his Lordship for one season. — Tom Steeples was engaged as huntsman for one season after Don left his situation. — He was succeeded by Harry Jacksons, for- merly Lord Vernon's huntsman, who remained with his Lordship until 1818, when he was disabled by a severe fall. — Tom Smith hunted the hounds until the last day of the season 1820-21. — Zac, Tom Smith, and Jack Stevens, were his Lordship's whips. HARRY JACKSONS. Harry Jacksons received an annuity from Lord MiDDLETON, after he had relinquished the hounds, and resided in Stratford. He first took a public house in the town, and was supported by many of the gentlemen, who sent their horses to that place in the hunting season. He did not, however, succeed in his undertaking, and he retired upon the munificence of his noble and respected master from the cares of business. In May, 1836, while sitting in his two-arm chair, at breakfast, poor Jacksons was suddenly seized with a para- lytic stroke, of which, after lying in a speechless state for a month, he died, in the 62nd year of his age. Jacksons was a steady good huntsman, and sat his horse in a style far superior to any one of his class. If we may be allowed to make use of a sporting phrase on this solemn occasion. Old Tallyho, as his friends familiarly called him, was actually chopped in cover ' 140 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. THE FOX. The superior instinct of the fox, in every country where his powers and faculties have been fully called into action, has excited notice and given rise to observation and remark. It is in the means he employs to supply himself with food, and the stratagems he adopts to elude his enemies, that all his energies and cunning are called forth, and displayed. The rapacity of the fox is unbounded. Some years ago, Mr. R. Cattell, farmer, of Milverton, near Warwick, obtained a cub when very young, and reared it, tame, in his house. It was the pet of the children and servants, played upon the hearth like a kitten, and came when called by name. When a few months old, little reynard began to get shy, and when any bustle occurred, or a stranger entered the house, he crept under a dresser in the kitchen, and remained there until he was gone ; but he did not attempt to run away. One morning when the family got up, a flock of geese, 13 or 14 in number, were found in the yard, dead. Suspicion fell vipon the cade fox ; and on making enquiry, Mr. Cattell found that he had been shut out all night, and as soon as one of the servants opened the door, he came into the house and immediately skulked under the dresser. There he lay for some time, and neither calling nor the offer of food could induce him to leave his retreat. He was at length got out, and as no doubt remained that he had killed the geese, Mr. Cattell took him into the homestead, gave him two or three smart strokes with a light whip, and then sent the ingratc off into the open cmmtry, to shift for himself. LORD MIDDLETON. 141 A thousand authentic anecdotes have been told, by different writers, of the fox ; but we do not remember one that records such a remarkable instance of the strength and perseverance of that animal, equal to this : — Within our remembrance, a vixen deposited her cubs in a retired place very near to the walls of Warwick Castle. One of the domestics, aware of the circumstance, frequent!)- visited the spot, merely from a wish to see how the dam provided for her offspring in that place. To his great astonishment, however, he soon found that the dam kept a larder almost as well stored as that of his master's cook, and could boast of being provided, in her way, with as great a variety of dainties. The remains of hares, rabbits, partridges, ducks, fowls, and of some small birds, lay strewed about the kennel ; and the havoc increased daily imtil the cubs had in part left the place. ' The business of the victualling-office department is devlish well managed, at any rate,' exclaimed our informant, one day, as he picked up a fine young cock turkey, within three or four paces of the kennel, under one of the shrubs. The bird was not bitten any where but on the neck, and the finder, acting practically upon the adage, that there is no harm in taking from a thief, bore off the prize; and, making some of his fellow- servants acquainted with his good luck, they had it dressed for supper at a public-house in the town. The turkey weighed 17lb. and as one of a similar description was lost from a farm house about a mile off at that time, M'e may presume it was the same, and that the vixen fox had not only dragged or carried the turkey the whole of that distance, but had swam with it across a wide part of the river Avon. 142 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. THE WARWICKSHIRE HOUNDS. A SONO, WRITTEN BY A GENTLEMAN OF THE HUNT, AND SUNG BY HIM AT A SUPPER GIVEN BY LORD MIDDLETON, AT STRATFORD. The triumphs of heroes let others declare. Or in ecstasy sing of the charms of the fair ; Of love, or of war, may the verse freely flow. May the glass aid my song, and good humour have place, While I sing of the joys that arise from the chase, Tallyho — Tallyho ! may the Warwickshire hounds ever gallantly go ! With a southerly wind and light clovids in the sky. The air light and mild, nerves and spirits all high, Tallyho — Tallyho ! to the covert we go ,• Hark, Bachelor 1 speaking — by heavens ! 'tis good. Ride on, Bill, and cheer them well out of the wood. Tallyho — Tallyho ! see the Warwickshire hounds how they gallantly go ! With face beaming cunning, and light tripping pace. See the fox view'd away, hark the hounds in full chase ; Tallyho ! Tallyho ! how they eagerly go. Hold hard for one moment, and give them fair play. You'll want your top speed if they once get away ; Tallyho — Tallyho ! see the Warwickshire pack how they gallantly go ! Bachflor. 1 — This hound was presented to Jjord Middleton by Mr. Musters, and was hunted with the pack for three or four years, and then returned to his former owner. He was a good cold-hunter, and his Lordship was very partial to him. LORD MIDDLETON. 143 Now some, fairly mounted, go splashing along, While others hard labour with steel, bit, and thong ; Tallyho — Tallyho ! how they struggle to go ; One loses a shoe, and another votes lame, Who's that in the ditch ? oh don't ask his name. Tallyho — Tallyho ! see the Warwickshire pack how they gallantly go ! For a moment a sheep walk has baffled the scent. See them stooping and questing, each tries where he went; Tallyho — Tallyho ! how they cavitiously go ; Hark, Vanguard 2 has hit it, no doubt can remain. Not a moment is lost — they're together again ; Tallyho — Tallyho ! see the Warwickshire hounds how they gallantly go ! Vanguard. 2 — This hound was by V'aulter, a famous hound, present- ed to Lord Middleton by Lord Vernon, out of Mr. Corbet's Traffic. He was a very excellent hound either for cold or quick hunting, and a particular favorite of Lord Middleton's. In the middle of the season of 1817-1818 the meet was at Pillerton Gorse, and the huntsman, Harry .lacksons, asked his Lordship to permit Vaulter to go with the pack, as he would be of as much service as three of the others, and he consented. The hound had not been out for some time, in consequence of the fear Lord Middleton had that some bad accident would befal him. Tliey found at Pillerton Gorse, went away by Oxhill for Idlicote, turned and took straight to Brailes Hill, where the fox went to ground. The pack was whipped away to Lord Northampton's, but did not again find. When a short distance from the hill where the fox took to earth, Vaulter endeavoured to get back to the place, but was prevented by his Lordship and the W^hipper-in. He skulked away, however, unperceived, and nothing more was heard of him ; but it was supposed he had entered the earth too far, and could not get out again. The stock of this hound was of the stoutest kind, and remarkable for their nose and speed. Lord Middleton very much regretted this accident* and for a long time mentioned the loss of his favourite hound with gi-eat regret. — tallyho. 144 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. Now look down that meadow — liow motley the scene ! Here men want their horses, there horses want men ; Tallyho — Tallyho ! how they labour to go ; Hold hard is the word, yet I shrewdly suspect. Not the men, but some horses are brought to a check ; Tallyho — Tallyho ! see the Warwickshire hounds how they gallantly go ! At length, boldly struggling, poor reynard is view'd. By a few, save the pack, any longer pursu'd ; Tallyho — Tallyho ! how he struggles to go ; Not pluck, speed, nor cuiming, the chase can prolong, So ' Whoop' is the word, and ' Whoop,' to my Song ; Tallyho — Tallyho ! may the Warwickshire hounds ever o-allantlv 2:0 ! WILLOUGHBY DIXIES WILL. I, WiLLOUGHBY DixiE, of Bosworth Park, Without the aid of scribe or clerk. Or pettyfogger of.the law. Ready to make, or find a flaw ; With ev'ry symptom of decay, And wearing dev'lish fast away ; With haggard phiz, and tott'ring limb. With moonstruck mind a prey to whim, A stupor seizing both my eyes, All my effects do thus devise. LORD MIDDLETON. 145 To Sister Eleanor, 1 of Bourn, (Lest she the fate too long should mourn, Of her lamented Brother dear,) In rent twelve hundred pounds a year ; And on dear Eleanor I fix To be my sole Executrix. To Rosamond, 2 (whose joyless bower. Of bliss ne'er knew one single hour,) Twelve pence I give — far more than due To such a cursed vexatious shrew. To Elder Drakeley, 3 (faithful found Thro' all my life's eccentric bound, A jackall constant to provide Whate'er could feed my lust or pride,) A sacrifice, to him I doom. Of bullocks half a hecatomb ; In cash, a bill, no little sound ! The sum of seventeen hundred pound. To younger Drakeley, firm and true. Who did all th' Elder could not do. Thro' fire and water e'er would go To please me, or to spite my foe ; Of sheep I leave two hundred head. As good as ever Bakewell bred. My pointers, spaniels, guns and stocks, By Egg, by Manton, or by Nocks. 1 Mrs. PocLin. 2 Mrs. Kinnersley. 3 The Steward. 146 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. To Dick, the groom, who swore my stud Surpaps'd by none in shape or blood ; And that no 'Squire of high degree Couhl ch(iose a horse, or ride hke me, — I leave my hunters, hacks, and all That grace the mead, or fill the stall ; With saddles, bridles, boots likewise. Spurs, whips of every sort and size. To Sam the bailiff, who knows how To handle either ox or cow. Well skilled to take the jolters in, (His bargain never fails to win,) To him I freely do assign The residue of sheep and swine. Calves, lambs, and plenty of store beast. Worth full five hundred pounds at least. Unto the Butler I resign My stock of every kind of wine ; Puncheon as tight as any drum, Well filled with brandy, gin, and rum ; Pipes, juglers, glasses, every thing That makes the jocund table ring. To James the Brewer, all the ale And porter too, both mild and stale ; With barrels, cocks, hops, malt in store, Tliat when all's drank he may brew more. Unto the Gardener — rake and spade. And every tool that suits his trade ; Fruit yet unpulled, potatoes, greens. Carrots and turnips, kidneybeans. Seeds of all sorts, with hi\ es of bees. Celery plants, and nursery trees. LORD MIDDLETON. 147 To Her who keeps the house in awe, And rules supreme by kitchen law, I give the sugar and the tea, The plumbs and spices, and coffee. Preserves and pickles, peppermint. And other waters, without stint. Unto the housemaid's noisy Crew, The chairs and tables, (not a few,) Brushes and brooms, dusters and wings. And sundry other useful things. The mats, the carpets, every skreen. And all that they have used to clean. To Dorothy the dairy-maid. Who reared of lambs, full many a cade, I give permission for to seize The churn, the butter, and the cheese. Bowls, buckets, puncheons, lead, and all That to the lot of dairy fall. To her who keeps the linen clean. The Laundrymaid 's the girl I mean. The shirts, the sheets, the napkins white. With table cloths, shall be her right. And to the Cook, whate'er befits Her occupation ; pans and spits. The poker, tongs, the fork that toasts. And all with which she boils and roasts ; Hams, tongues, and bacon, be her lot. And every thing that goes to pot. k2 148 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. Unto the Scullion, all the cook By choice or chance may overlook ; Grease, matches, coals, and candles good. Fagots, and billets of dry wood. And that no varlet may repine. To labourer Tom I give the swine, Snouters collected at great pains : With all the stock of swill and grains. Mr. Dixie has been represented as a noble specimen of the fine Old English Foxhunter. He was a Sportsman of great experience in the Field, a bold and good horseman, and, from a stud selected with great care and judgment, always appeared at the covert side on a nag of the right sort to carry him well up to the hounds through the hardest day. The warm benevolence of his heart, and the bland sincerity of his manners, gave dignity to his station as a private country gentleman 3 and whether presiding at his own hospitable board, or sitting at the table of a friend, we may safely infer from reading ' The Will,' that he was a boon companion — one who, by facetious observation or witty remark, was often ' wont to set the table in a roar.' The above ' Will ' has for some years been read from manuscript for the amusement of private and select com- panies. The whole of the parties alluded to are now no more, and this is the first time, we believe, that it has been permitted to appear in print. LORD MIDDLETON. 149 MR. HAWKES. John Hawkes, Esq. resided for several years at Snitterfield, near Warwick, and was well known by all the Sportsmen of the Warwickshire Hunt ; he was considered as the best gentleman rider in the country, and has often rode in matches and sweepstakes, over Warwick race- course. ' He was, (says Nimrod,) the model of a light dragoon, and a famous jockey ; ' and not only clever in his saddle, but right in his attics,' says Mr. Buckle. He rode a steeple chase for George the 4th, when Prince Regent, who asked him if those were the best spurs he had ? He replied, ' Yes, your Highness.' ' Here then,' said the Regent, ' take mine.' A person asked him one day how he liked a particular horse ? ' I like, (said he,) very few horses, very few women, and d — d few men.' Mr. Hawkes died at Norton Hall, near Cannock, Staffordshire, on the ] st of November, ] 834. He was the author of a book called ' MeynelUan Science.' The spurs given him by the Prince Regent hung up at Norton Hall, (as a respectful memorial to the giver,) at the time of his death.' When he resided in Warwickshire, Mr. Hawkes had a very good horse which he called The Printer, a fast gallopper, that has kept his place in the run at the end of many a tough and doubtful day. >>^^^ K 3 MR. SHIRLEY OAKLKY "WOOD FOX. E. J. Shirley, Esq. of Eatington Park, (elected, in 1836, one of the Representatives in tlie House of Commons of South Warwickshire,) succeeded Lord Middleton in the management of the hounds, and hunted the country by subscription. He was well acquainted with the county gentlemen, a good sportsman, and knew the country he had to ride over. The first meet was on Wednesday, November the 7th, IS'ai, at Edgehill. 15^ WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. Jack Wood, who had been for some time huntsman to Lord Althorpe, and Sir Charles Knightley, in North- amptonshire, and to the Duke of Beaufort, in Oxfordshire, now entered into the service of the Warwickshire, first hunting the hounds under Mr. Shirley. Bill Boxall was then a whip. BY HARK-FORWARD. MEET ALSCOT, FEBRUARY 3ld, 1822. The morning was cloudy, with a cold drizzling rain, and we were for some time doubtful if the day wotild afford us any sport. We at length mikenneled a game fox at Fir Grove, a wild sort of animal, that led us away at a rattling pace to Alderminster Hills. Having quickly gained the top, he turned to the right, took down into the lowlands, and crossed the Avon in the valley. He then took over Crimscott Grounds, when he turned again and ran on to the Ilmington Hills. When over the hills, he kept up his speed till he came to Foxcote, and ran close by the house of Mr. F. Canning. On pushing him do%vn to Toddenham, the pack gained considerably on their fox, and at length had him in view. The exhilarating Tallyho announced the glad tidings to the anxious Field, and the hounds turned him up in prime style, in a field near to Wolford Wood. This famous run lasted an hour and 40 minutes. The horses were all beat ; the pace being very quick, the fences strong, and the country heavy. Mr. Shirley, on his old chesnut horse, Mr. Napier, Mr. H. Campbell, Mr. J. Lucy, and Capt. Lewis, were np at the death ; and several other Sportsmen had good places. Jack Wood was close at the stern of his hounds. MR. j^HTRLEY.— 18<2'2. 153 THE SAME, BY VENATOR. ' Early, tlie winding' Avon and tlie luintsnian's voice Let loose the gen'ral chorus ; far around Joy spreads his wings, and the gay morning smiles.' The morning tho' cloudy, and drizzling the rain, The Field and the Master met joyful again ; When our pulses beat high, gay faney will trace Bright pleasures imknown l)ut to Sons of the Chase ! Had Neptune's Arioii, that famous old horse Who won the grand prize on the Nemaean course For Argos' great king, been amongst us to-day. He'd not have won here, we may venture to say ; With his old master Hercules, stout, on his back, He'd had no more chance with our nags than a hack ; The Field, if on turf or in clay to the hocks, Would have shewn him the way to spank after a fox ! Found quick at Fir Grove — our iox was a game one. Sportsmen prefer a wild fox to a tame one ; To Alderminster Hills, and stoutly maintain'd His speed till their summit he safely had gain'd. By the glance of an eye down the hill he caught sight Of the well-mounted Field, then turn'd to the right ; Cross'd the lowlands beneath, then boldly swam thx-o' The Avon which flows down the valley below. Pass'd o'er Crimscott Downs, then diverging the chase, Reach'd Ilmington Hills at a sharp rattling pace. To Foxcote as soon as the hills he got o'er, By the house of a Sportsman — a sportsman no more ! Then reynard direct ran to Toddenham down ; Soon after the Field, their day's labour to crown, "View'd their game — Tallyho ! — the pack firm and good, Threw him up in a field near to old Wolford Wood. 154 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. The last meet, this season, was on Monday the 1st of April, 1822, at Ufton Wood. In the season of 1822, the Master purchased the Cranbourne Chase hounds, consisting of 24 couples. They formed as pretty and steady a little pack as ever left a kennel, and lay well to their fox, but were rather too small for this country. The first meet, this season, was on November the 2d, 1822, at Edgehill. BY TAG. MEKT — EDGK II ILL, 1822. We met this morning at the abo\ e fixture. A fox stole away from Knoll End, and we did not get upon good terms with him until we came to Alscot village, where we set to in good earnest. He led us tip the hill at a pretty brisk rate by Warmington, crossed the Banbury road by Wroxton New Inn, went away for Shutford, Ijrushed through the spinies, and bore off for SwaclifFe. He then took a straight line to Bodicote brook, and again crossed the Banbury road near to that town, and on to Aynho, where we ran into him and killed. The Master, Mr. Fellowes, Lord George Forester, Mr. J. Lucy, Mr. Cockbill, Mr. Cockbill, jun. and a few others, wex-e up at the death. Zac, the first whip, on a famous horse called Farn- borough, once the property of Sir Charles Greville, was also up, as well as the huntsman, Jack Wood, and the second whip. MR. SHIRLEY.— 1823. 155 Mr. CocKBiLL, jun. on a capital little brown mare by Knowesley, out of a thorough-bred mare, 15 hands high, cleared Bodicote brook, a distance of nine yards, when it was brimful, and impossible to see where to take up. Lord G. Forester, on a good bit of blood, also cleared it, but the bank gave way, and his horse slipped backwards into the water. His Lordship, however, was on the alert, and throwing himself over his liorse's head, seized the bridle, and with a little assi.stance extricated his nag ; exclaiming, — ' That's better than going to the bottom, a good deal,' — and off he went at his usual slapping rate. Mr, J. Lucy was not so fortunate ; by some mishap, his horse fell headlong into the brook, and threw his rider upon the land on the opposite side, but very unkindly swam out at the wrong bank, and the rider was obliged to wade across to secure his nag. An Irish gentleman, a stranger, charged the brook, but failing in his attempt to clear it, was soused into the water ; he disappeared for a short time, and then got out on the opposite shore, in no enviable trim, as the day was cold. The last meet, this season, was April 5th, 1823, at Hook Norton. The first meet, this season, wus on November 3rd, at Alveston Pastures. On the 1st of March, 1824, the hounds were sent to Kenilworth. BY HARKFORWARD. MEET FARNBOROUGH HOUSE, DECEMBER 16th, 1823. This morning produced a capital Field of Sportsmen. We drew the Farnborough covers, blank ; then went off to Edge Hills, where we quickly started a game old fox that led the pack away at a famous rate. He left Farnborough to the right, and on being pressed made straight for Whinney 156 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. Comjiton, but again turning, he dashed up the vale on to Itehington Heath. Here he pointed for Chesterton Wood, which he left al)out a furlong to the right, and took at a desperate pace away to Moreton Morrell, and onto Walton, where getting safe to ground, he was allowed to remain for another day. Mr. Richard Bloxsidok, on a horse called Jostler, which Mr. Shirlky hoiight in a day or two after for £"200 ; and several other gentlemen of the old school were well up at the deatli. Mr. K. (tueknway, of Warwick, purchased Jostler, and another little horse named Ttirk^ one of the right sort, for a good round sum, when Mr. Shirley di.sposed of his stud. The above gentleman, and Mr. G. C. Grkenavay, his brother, (a heavy weight,) were often in the field, and rode well up to the hounds. Tin: SA.MK, BY VENATOK. ' Taiitin' the luuitsinan he starts for the chase, In g-ooil humour, as fresh as the morn, ^\'hile health and litlarity beam from his fare, At tlie sounil of the mellow-ton'd horn.' To-day we met a goodly rank. And quickly drew the covert, blank ; Then to Edge Hill — fell, vengeful place — Where men chas'd men, we foxes chase ! A fine old fox we found — and one Who would not stop — away he's gone ; 'Twas clear, from such a splendid burst, No second rater would be frst ! MR. SHIRLEY.— IB-^a. 157 Farnborough to the right \vc \ iew, ,As we the flying game pursue ; Then off for Whinuey Compton turn'd, As fiercer still with ardour burn'd The silent pack. Diverg'd again, And turn'd short to the left — Sportsmen Seeing how well the pack inhale The fervid scent, dash up the vale To Itchington's infertile wild, Where horses, not a few, w-ere foiled. Next off to Chesterton he flew, Whilst we as fast his foot pursue ■. The wood, our game, tho' not in sight, Left near a furlong to the right. By Moreton Morrell, where the pace Was much the quickest in the chase ; At Walton reynard took to earth, His refuge, if not place of birth. A fox so gallant, fleet, and stout. Could we ungallantly dig out ? The chase lasted one hour and 50 minutes, and was as good and fine a run as any Sportsman could desire to witness. The conduct of a Gentleman Sportsman renders him an object of veneration to his friends, an ornament to society, and an honour to his country. He is the very man upon wliom ' Nature seems to have lavished her choicest gifts,' without the need of embellishment from the interposition of art. So says a Veteran Sportsman, and from our own observations mc can confirm the fact. The first year a fox is called a cub ; tlie second year a fox ; and the third year an old fox. 158 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. BY HARK-FORWARD. MEET EDGE HILL, PECEMBEU 22nd, 1823. Although this was one of the dullest mornings in dull December, we found at the covert side a splendid Field. The hounds had scarcely began to try, when we found a good fox near to the Round House. He first made for Warmington earths, but being stopped out at that place, he passed Wroxton Abbey a short distance to the left, and went over Shutford Hills. When he had almost reached Bloxam, he turned, and left that village about a mile to the right ; then bore to the left direct for Banbury, and afterwards took off for Middleton Cheney. We killed our fox, after a noble day's sport, near to that place. THE SAME, BY VENATOR. ' O'er hill and plain, thro' brake and dell he scours, Scents the fresh dawn, and like a Sportsman flies.' A much better Field we scarce can remember, Tlian we met to-day for equipment and splendour. December's wet month doth not often agree With the dame in thin shoes, or the nags weak and free j That rear, prance, and pull, ere notice of starting, And fall into a ditch with their riders ere parting ; Trim nags, one might think, did we not better know. Had been taught to dance by the matchless Ducrow. The horse we require, when meeting at cover. Can streamlets and yawners in safety fly over ; Pop over a gate, jump a terrible stile. And leave all competitors minus a mile. Such nags, we allow, are not very common. But prime ones, if ridden by Member or Yeoman. MR. SHIRLEY.— 1823. 159 Threw off, and within a few moments we found, A famovis game fox at the dwelling called Round. To find a good fox we expect at Edge Hill, They're the sort for the pow'r, the speed, and the will. Now reynard's away — we'll endeavour to trace How many could live at his rate and his pace. Made Warmington earths, where of shelter bereft. He pass'd Wroxton Abbey a glance on the left; Then o'er Shutford Hills, which most of us know Are sure to try hard the weak horses and slow. Ran almost to Bloxam, then turn'd to the right. Leaving Bloxam village a mile from the sight ; Inclin'd to the left, as for Banbury down. But shy'd when he came within view of the town. Off to Middleton Cheney, where we can say We kill'd him — and so made an end of the day. This was a most capital thing of about two hours and 40 minutes, and the distance not less than 17 miles. Mr. Shirley, Mr. Napier, Mr. John Lockley, and Mr. H. CocKBiLL, on his little brown mare ; and Mr. Bush and others from Lord Seagrave's hunt, went well, and were up at the death. Jack Wood knew his place, and how to keep it. The Stratford Hunt Ball, on the 28th of January, was well attended by the Members of the Hunt and many other gentlemen, and a splendid company of ladies. The hounds threw off, for the last time this reason, at Hook Norton, on the 5th of April, 1824. 160 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. The first fixture of this season, 18'24, was on the 1st of November, at Wroxton New Inn. BY ANONYMOUS. MEET ALVESTON PASTURES, JANUARY 21st, 1824. The Warwickshire foxhounds had a most briUiant run on Saturday, the 21st of January. They met at Alveston Pastures, two miles from Stratford-on-Avon. In a few minutes a fine dog fox broke cover, and took direct across the country, through Charlecote Park, leaving the Plesters fox covers to the right. Swam the canal, crossed the Warwick road, and through Leamington, where he was shortly headed. Reynard then sprang forward again at his best pace, dashed through the Avon, and took for Leek Wootton, and was finally killed in the turnpike road near to Chesford bridge. Never was a chase so hardly contested, lasting two hours and 1'2 minutes, and the ground gone over could not be less than from 28 to 30 miles, as he was headed several times. But very few, ovit of a numerous Field, were in at the death, and the whole of the horses were more or less distressed from the severity of the pace, at various times, during the run. THE SAME, BY VENATOR. ' Each sounding horn proclaims the felon dead, And all the assembl'd village shouts for joy.' The morning dull, dark vapours low'r. While now and then a chilling show'r. Blown by a keen south-easter strong, Patter'd the leafless shrubs among ; E'en fancy could not, by the way, To us predict a sporting day. MR. SHIRLEY.— 1824. I6l We met — those clouds of murky hue Had now assum'd a sombre bkie ; tEoIus, to diffuse the hght. The mists dispers'd from human sight. . No longer aw'd by sleet or rain, Hope cheers the happy Field again. The busy hounds no sooner spoke. Than boldly from the covert broke A fine old fox as ever run. The sire of many a felon son. On the qui vive each man and horse. Quickly the hounds press him across The country — then thro' Charlecote Park — Where Poet Will had us'd to lark By moonlight — and with cronies dight Catch a fat buck or two at night. To right the Plesters coverts lay, As pug, game fellow, led the way Thro' the canal — where some who chose Dash'd in, lest they the sport should lose. Whilst they, the careful of their kind, Rode here and there a bridge to find ! Darting the Warwick road across. He took thro' Leamington his course. When he, unkindly headed back. Was thrown upon the vig'rous pack. Reynard, hard press'd, his brush to save. Swam o'er the Avon's listless wave To Leek Wootton — there's no respite. Whether he turn to left or right. Tb 162 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. The pack so close he durst not stay, Too feeble now to get away ; Beaten, but still too brave to yield, He yet led on the anxious Field. The nags that slacken'd in their pace, Were urg'd by spurs to keep their place ; While the tough thong, freely apply'd, Weal'd, ev'ry stroke, their tender side. By course direct pug sought to gain Some covert on the grand demesne Of Stoneley 1 — in whose stately wood He'll meet no more his kindred brood. Near Chesford, where the bridge doth stride The Avon deep from side to side. The hounds upon the public road Threw up their fox — and now the proud Field give the death-whoop — th' welcome sound Echo repeats for miles around. When the hounds crossed the Avon, the only gentlemen who followed to the bank of the river, were Capt. Russell, Mr. H. Wyatt, Mr, Napier, Mr. W. Pickering, Mr. F. Holland, Mr. Smith, surgeon, of Evesham, and Wood the huntsman. Not fancying a cold bath, they galloped along the meadows, and crossed the water at Guyscliff Mill and were in at the death. — act.«on, jim. 1 Stoneley Park and Abbey, the noble and magnificent residence of an ardent foxhunter — Chandos Leigfh, Esq. MR. SHIRLEY.— l.S^24. 163 BY HARK-FORWARD. MEET ALVESTON PASTURES, 1824. One day thi.s season, but I cannot recollect the date, the Master met a most capital Field at the Pastures. The hounds were no sooner put into the cover, than a fine old wild fox went away at a -rattling pace, taking his course towards Fir Grove. He then sunk the uplands, and pushed for the Stour ; having swam that ri\ er in style, he boldly passed on to Preston Bushes, and then through Admington and Quinton, and away up to the top of Meon Hill. When horses go at half pace up this hill, they appear to go quick, if not well. The fences here are thick and strong, and the country was so heavy that the best nags had no chance to make play. When the summit of the hill was attained, the pack for a short time lost scent, and came to a check. They soon hit him off again, but the hunting was cold, while reynard made head at a gallant pace. We followed him to Pebworth, when our nags were beat, and our fox was lost. I 1 Nothing, observed a A'eteran Sportsman, ran distress half-bred horses more than the being eontinued a great length of time at the top of their speed ; and even tlie best hunters should not, after veiy severe aliases, be too soon brought into similar exertions ; numbers are crippled, and irrecoverably ruined, for want of a little pnidence and precautionary patience ; for, being brought into the field too early, with a stiff rigidity in the limbs, and without the usual elastic pliability in the joints, tlie spirits as well as tlie frame naturally become equally affected by a consciousness of the deficiency, and the rider, upon making the discovery, moves in little less misery than the horse, who, feeling his temporary debility, is evidently in fear of falling at every stroke. Any horse, having been greatly fatigued by a rapidly severe, or tedious and long chase, is best recovered from the effect by a great deal of gentle walking exercise upon the turf, and equally patient friction in the stable ; for no horse, perceptibly affected in this way, and by these means, should be brought again even into exercise gallops, until every degree of stiffness is gradually worn away, and obliterated in gentle motion, of which they are themselves the first to make a discover)-, by their palpable renovation of spirits, strength, and action. l2 164 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. THE SAME, BY VKNATOK. ' Huntsman prepare, ere yet the morning peeps, Then to the copse, With silence lead th}- many-colour'd hounds, In all their beauty's pride !' 1 Thy fields, lovelj' Alv'ston, no longer are seen Cloth'd rich with a carpet of velvet and green ; Thy fine stately elms by their fol'age afford Kind shelter no more to the flock and the herd. Bereft of its leaves the grey aspen forlorn No longer salutes the bright goddess of morn. Yet Spring, lovely Alv'ston, will shortly restore Those sweet matchless charms which thou boasted of yore ; The wild bee in clusters thy oaks will surround. Whene'er on their leaves is the honey- dew found ; The asp leaf will tremble once more on the spray. When Spring, blooming Spring, doth her beauties display. We cannot opine what's become of the dame, Diana, that lady of stag-hunting fame ; Did she once hear the sweet-noted voice of the hound. She'd no more with her dog, a mere lurcher, be found ; The bow unregarded for ever would lie. If a red coat could give her one kiss on the sly ; If she once saw our sport, and tasted our wine, She'd no more return with their godships to dine. If to courtship inclin'd, she might here find a man. As Endymion handsome — or ugly as Pan ! 1 An old Sportsman, amongst other judicious observations which he made upon the practices of others when the hounds were drawing a cover, frequently used to say — When in the field, I never desire to hear any other tongue than the tongue of the hound. MR. SHIRLEY.— 18^24. 165 One day in the season, we cannot say when, A capital Field met the Master again. 1 Our fox from the covert in minntes a few Broke forth, and wild over the country he flew At a fine rattling pace, by way of Fir Grove, Then push'd for the Stour from the uplands above. Swam the river in style, and boldly pass'd on By that cover known as the Bushes of Preston. When nags from these Bushes are led up Meon Hill, At half pace, they appear to go quick, if not well ; Thro' Quinton and Admington kept on the chase, To th' top of Meon Hill, at the best of his pace. The fences are here all so thick and so strong. The nags, unless prime ones, can't bundle along • The country up hill the best part of the way. And so heavy they have not a chance to make play. 1 The perfect Sportsman, it has been remarked by the intellig^ent author of the Sportsman's Cabinet, whether the hounds are drawing or running, is never seen in a place to incur disgrace by heading the game, or obstructing the hounds ; the chase is a business in which he is a proficient, and lie is never at a loss in the execution. From an innate and invincible attachment to the sport, and implicit observance of its strictest rules, he becomes constitutionally insensible to the less attentive part of the company ; but is, nevertheless, incessantly alive to every tongue of a hound. Not a promising whimper, an exhilarating challenge, or a palpable hit, but vibrates sympathetically upon his anxious ear, and his whole soul seems absorbed in the earnest and eager hope of transmitting the enlivening signal of a view to his distant friends who surround the covert in equal expectation. The chase once conmienced, his utmost judgment is exerted to lay as well to the hounds as the speed of his horse and the state of the country will permit ; at which time he stands upon no specioTis ceremony with, or servile subservience to, local superiors ; this alone is the happy spot, as well as the critical and exulting moment, where all are equal, where personal pride can assume no consequence, dignity can claim no prece- dence, and where even an immensity of wealth is of no avail, but superlatively happy he who can excel his peers, and take the lead. L 3 166 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. The summit was scarcely attain'd, when the pack Lost scent, and the horses were sav'd by the check ; 1 Soon hit off again, but the hunting was cold. While reynard made head at a rate he could hold. To Peb worth we follow "d — and there to our cost Our horses were beat — and our fox he was lost. Mr. J. Lucy, on Merry-go-round, a famous horse he had just bought, led the Field to Mcon Hill. Mr. Whitwick, Mr. R. Greaves, and Mr. Patrick, rode well ; the latter got a slight fall at the top of the hill, from his horse slipping at the take-up. Many of the horses were rode to a stand- still, and the stoutest of them got quite enough of it. — The fox was killed at Pebworth by a shepherd's dog. Mr. J. Lucy first mounted his horse Merry-go-round, on this day, and he proved to be one of the right sort. He gave a large sum for him, but laming him by some means in the course of this run, and thinking he could not recover, he sold him to Mr. Russell for £50, who rode him for eight or nine seasons afterwards, and he always went well on a fast and long day. — a subscriber to the hunt. 1 A Veteran Sportsman remarks, — The zealous Sportsman will never condescend to be left a great way behind. He knows his place, and he keeps it ; he is never seen in the body and bustle of a crowd, riding' in a direct line with, and pressing upon the heels of the hounds, but in a tnie sporting style parallel with the three or four last couple of the pack. Keeping his ground in this situation, he rapturously enjoys every alternate change and variety of the scene ; by lying close to the hounds, and making the necessary observations, he is sure of seeing where and when they throw up, and of course knows to a certainty how far they have carried the scent ; consequently those only who are forward, and know the state of the chase, are the best qualified to give the signal of ' Hold hard !' to those behind, and not, as is too frequently the case, for those behind to transmit, inconsistently, the petulant ex<'lamatio)i to those before. MR. SHIRLEY.— 1825. I67 The last meet this season, 1825, was on the 30th of March, at Wroxton Abbey. The Warwickshire hounds have had an unusually fine season, and Jack Wood, the huntsman, gives universal satisfaction. Lord Middleton having no farther occasion for his services, they have got Zac for their first whip. Mr. Shirley, who has the management of the pack, does ample justice to this beautiful country. On the 1st of January, 1825, public notice was given, that Mr. Shirley had signified his intention to resign the management of the Warwickshire hounds. This notice excited the attention of the friends of the chase, who waited with anxiety the appointment of a successor. At a meeting of the Proprietors of coverts, and the Subscribers to the Hunt, held at the Warwick Arms, on Wednesday, March Qth, Mr. F. Canning in the chair, it was arranged that Mr. Hay should hunt the Warwickshire country for the two next seasons ; to hunt four days in the week, from the 1st of November to the 1st of April. Both those days included. It was also resolved, at the same meeting, on the motion of Mr, Holbech, seconded by Mr. J. Lucy, that a handsome Piece of Plate be presented to Mr. Shirley, for his management of the Hunting Establishment in this county. A subscription was entered into, on the proposition of Mr. T. Cattell, seconded by Mr. J. Lucy, and in the following week amounted to nearly £100, and considerably increased afterwards. 168 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. We should not forget the late Master of the hounds, E. J. Shirley, Esq. of Eatington, whose family possessed that lordship before the Norman Conquest. Dugdale says — ' The only place in this country that glories in an unin- terrupted succession of its owners, for so long a tract of time.' — Mr. Shirley does credit to his ancestry. He has given the most universal satisfaction, and his motive for leaving them, which I had from his lips, is creditable to his feelings as a man. ' We cannot do every thing, (said he,) I am building a house on my property in Ireland, where I mean to reside part of the year, and the hounds would be much in my way.' Were some other Irish proprietors to follow Mr. Shirley's example, Ireland would have reason to rejoice, and two hundred Mr. Shirleys, scattered up and down that ill-fated country, would do more for the souls and bodies of its inhabitants than their religious freedom — great as the boon may be — and three parts of their priests into the bargain. — nimrod. .. »» ^^<4«.. MR. HAY. W. HaYj Esq. then of Wcllesboiirne, in this county, succeeded Mr. Shirley in the management of the War- wickshire hovmds, with a subscription of £1,500 per annum. He hunted them himself, but kept Jack Wood as kennel huntsman. Bill Boxall was first whip. This gentleman resides at Dunse Castle, near Berwick. At the commencement of the hunting season, 1822, Mr. Hay took possession of Almington Hall, near Market Drayton, in Shropshire, and, with a superior pack, hunted that district, which inchtded a large trract of country in the county of Stafford. The first meet was on Monday, the 31st of October, 1825, at Chesterton Wood. 170 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. In making some observations on the Warwickshire Hunt, while the hounds were under the management of Mr. Hay, Nimrod says — Leamington is within reach of four hunts. The Warwickshire ; Lord Anson, when at his Dunchurch kennel ; and also by being occasionally within the Duke of Beaufort, Sir T. Mostyn, and Mr. Musters. Amongst the sporting characters, are Lord Avonmore, Hon. Mr. Yelverton, Sir Loftus Otway, Col. Robbins, Col, Davenport, Major Moray Stirling, and Messrs. Shakerley, Wightwick, Meyrick, Buck, Williams, Gee, Leader, &c. &c. 1 A RUN WHILE CUB-HUNTING AT PRINCETHOUPE. The hounds, when taken out one morning cub-hunting, found an old fox in the above wood. He went away at a good pace for Stretton ; when he got near to the Black Dog, he turned short to the right for Frankton Wood, and went to ground at Bourton earths, after a run of 40 minutes. 1 Those constitutional admirers of the chase, w ho for time imme- morial have been better known by the appellation of Sportsmen, (says a spirited writer of great experience in the field,) are almost proverbial for their mutual offices of civility and friendship ; no class enter more into the openness and glowing warmth of unsuspecting society, the genial inspiration of philanthropy, and the infinite inexpressible extent of unsullied hospitality. A Sportsman, who was a regular attendant in the field for more than thirty years, makes the following remarks upon the conduct of some young newly-initiated Sportsmen, who frequently visit and annoy the field : — WTien the hounds are thrown into covert, and every old and experienced Sportsman is in silent but eager expectation for the first challenge, it is generally their peculiar care to become the only subject of vociferation, by noisy and extraneous remarks, or weak or puerile observations. It is no uncommon thing for them to gallop from one extremity of the covert to the other, when the hounds are harking to each other, and eveiy moment expected to find; by which indiscretion they not only prevent the game from breaking away, but frequently occasion its death without a view. MR. HAY.— 18*25. 171 Found again at the Bull and Butcher Wood, when our fox took straight away to Debdale, pointing for Stockton earths ; he afterwards t'lrned to the left, and went over the hill at Leamington Hastings, and right through Thurlaston village. Leaving Dunchurch on the left, he crossed the Londoii road, and ran through Barby Wood. He then left Brauuston Cleeves on the right, and was at length run into and killed between Ashby Salloway and Crick. BY SPANK-AWAY. MEET ALVESTON PASTURES. The first time I saw Mr. Hay in the field, at the head of these hoimds, the meet was at Alveston Pastures, where a great number of Sportsmen had assembled. The hounds were put in at the top of the cover, as usual, and after trying nearly the whole of it, at the very last part, we had the unexpected but welcome notice by the Tallyho given, that a fox was away. The wind was tremen- duously high the whole of the morning, and those gentlemen who remained in the field at the top of the covert could not hear the glad summons, and were unluckily thrown out altogether. Away went reynard at a slashing pace ; the hounds ran him in view across the first field or two, and those gentlemen who started with the pack were obliged to go their best pace to live with them at all. He made his first point for the oziers, at Alveston, but on being headed he took a southernly direction, crossed Mr. Gibbs's Hill Farm, and then took off in a straight line for the top of Clifford, where he crossed the Stnur. Mr. Hay, being unacquainted with the country, followed ; his stirrup-leather came off. 172 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. and both the horse and his rider got a good ducking in the river, bnt they were soon got ovxt. A few gentlemen, with the huntsman and whips, who knew the line of country, went over the wooden bridge at the mill. Then away went our fox for Gaily Oak, but not daring to stop there, he still led them along at a tremendous pace, and without a check, across for Quinton windmill ; here he appeared to make a slight turn, as if going for Ilmington ; he continued in that direction until he got near to Adming-^ ton, when he was headed by some men at work in a field in the occupation of Mr. Smith. He then crossed Meon Hill to Clopton, and over the Cambden turnpike road, where they came to a check. This pause was heartily welcomed by the Field, as many of the nags had long stood in need of a chance of recovering their wind. In a few minutes, however, the hoimds again hit off the scent, and the cry of Harkforward ! Tallyho ! called them once more into action. Away they went, still going well, considering the killing pace they had been led along in the former part of the run. Reynard, determined if possible to shake off his pursuers, took across the grass fields from Clopton to Broad Marston, and at length, being closely pressed, he took into a fold- yard at Pebworth, when the hounds could not drag on him again, and he was lost. The hounds, horses, and men, it was clear, were all willing to say — Enough — as they had spanked along at a slapping pace, through a run of about 14 miles. I noticed some gentlemen, who were lucky enough to get a start with the hounds, who went well to the end of the rim. Amongst those select few, were Mr. Charlton, on his favourite chesnut horse Holiday ; Mr. R. Greaves, MR. HAY.— 1825. 173 on his black mare ; Mr. C. Davenport, on his grey mare ; Mr. W. Smith, of Stratford, on his little Fyldener mare, and on this occasion I never saw a little one go better to the last. FROM NIMROD, BY VENATOR. MEET COMPTON VERNEY, IOtH OF DECEMBER, 1825. ' 'Twas an old fox, 1 said, and he knew ev'ry trick That ever was practis'd, I tliink, by old nick.' The morning may smile, the proud hunter look gay, Yet who can foretel the events of a day ? Compton Verney the Master had fix'd as the meet. Of noble De Broke the fam'd mansion and seat. 1 This fixture, whatever be said of the rest, Has long been acknowledg'd as one of the best. Found a fox — Hark away ! and the blithe Tallyho ! Inspire the gay Field, from the swift to the slow ; O'er hedge, gate, and stile, they bound helter-skelter, At a rate one would swear they were match'd for The Welter. Our game brush'd along at a bold rapid pace. With only one check during half an hour's space ; 2 By turning and curling, his course all the while Resembl'd the run of a hare on her foil. 1 The paternal residence of Lord Willoughby de Broke. 2 Take tlie words of Nimrod ; tliat interesting writer says — Two peculiarities attended this burst. The pace tlie hounds went at was tremendous ; but from the short and curling manner in which the fox ran — almost equal to tliat of a liare on her foil — it was most difficult to keep up with them. 174 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. Hardest riders Mere baffl'd — at times in the burst, The first became last;, and the last became first ; So speedy afoot was our fox, and so sly. The best of our nags of the pace appear'd sh^^ Enough of what Patlanders call ' wicked riding,' A bore to John Bull when he can't well confide in His horse — timber fences at least ev'ry other, A wide yawning ' squire-trap,' on one side or t'other. 1 The hats of some gentlemen, spite of their tying. Ballooning were seen, in the air rudely flying ; Gallant Mevrick, who always goes well, 'tis agreed. And some others lost hats in the height of their speed. ^ To stop in the chase for a hat there's no merit, A thing never dreamt of by riders of spirit. That reynard escap'd from the Field it is plain. Then rouse him once more, boys, and at him again. The hatless, instaiiter, sans picking and choosing, The choice, like old Hobson's, left no time for musing, Quickly drew from their pockets a kerchief and bound. To keep off the weather, their temples around ; And look'd at a distance, 'twas waggishly said. Like a group of old market-wi\ es cloak'd up in red ! 3 1 There were two bad accidents. Mr. Holden, of Barford, injured liis horse in the shoulder, but did not know how nor when lie did it ; and Mr. Williams, (son of the General,) staked his horse. 2 Mr. Mevrick, and an Irish gentleman staying at Leamington, rode bare-headed. 3 This run, as given by Ximrod, would have been inserted, had not the copy either been mislaid or not preserved. A similar excuse must plead in another run or two, for any omissions of the same desciiptioa. MR. HAY.— 1825. 175 MEET UFTON WOOD, DECEMBER 14tH, 1825. Di'ew the wood with the Field still and anxious around. Pug was not at home so he coxild not be found. Found reynard, a bad one, at Itc)iington Holt, He was loth to shew play, but they forced him to bolt 3 A short respite in Chesterton Wood did obtain. Being afraid to come out, tho' he could not remain. What hound pull'd him down not the huntsman could tell, But he soon lost his life — and ignobly he fell. 1 BY NIMROl). MEET WALTON WOOD, DECEMBER 17tH. We met the Warwickshire, this morning, at Walton Wood, near the seat of Sir J. Mordaunt, whex-e a fine day's sport was shewn. There was a burning scent, and the hounds ran away from every one for 20 minutes, the Field being obliged to go round for a bridge over the ri\ er, which was flooded. We found again at Bowshot, at two o'clock, and after three attempts to go, he put his head straight for the Edge Hills, going over a fine country of about ten miles extent. When the hounds got upon the hill, as is too often the case, they got upon a fresh fox, and it being impossible to stop them, away they went. Mr. Hay followed the line of the hounds until it got quite dark, when not knowing the country 1 Mr. Hay had what he called his small pack, and those hounds he brought from Wiltshire, out to-day. Mrs. Shakerley, (lady of Mr. Shakerley, jun- of Somerford Hall, Cheshire,) was upon her beautiful horse, ' The Golden Ball.' She is a French lady of high birth, and the most graceful horsewoman I ever saw. NIMROD. 176 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. he was obliged to give in ; and although Bill Boxall, the whipper-in, succeeded in getting hold of some of them, a part were out all night. It so happened, that, from the several baffling attempts this fox made to break from Bowshot Wood, the covert where he was found, very few got well away w-ith the hounds. All the Warwickshire old hands, to a man, were thrown out ; and some of them, together with myself, never knew which way the hounds were gone. Vexations like these prove that it is better to go through a covert after the hounds, at certain times, than keep outside it, with a hope of a good start, which may never be realized. Mr. F. Holland, and Mr. Patrick, on his famous little mare, Mr. Cockbill, jun. and Mr. Dew^p:s, had the best ; Mr. Holland and Mr. Meyrick, having the cream. Mr. Meyrick went gallantly on his favourite old horse Jack, but having over-marked him a little in crossing a deep wheat field, declined at the last. The horses were so distressed, that not one of them would face a small fence, until a little puff was afforded them, when Mr. Cockbill got over. Mr. H. Wyatt, Mr. H. Campbell, Mr. Fellowes, and Mr. Sheldon, (the flower of the Warwickshire riders,) were all imfortunate in not getting away. All the hounds but one had arrived by the next day. Mr. Seagrave and Mr. Hay, were also well up to the hounds. Major Bridgeman was thrown head-first into a wide brook, but when he got out he remounted and occupied a good place at the end. Mr. S. Bradshaw, on a little grey horse, once the property of Mr. Hornihold, formerly MR. HAY.— 1825. 177 master of the Worcestershire, likewise had a forward place in the run. There were several other well-known and good Sportsmen out on this capital day, many of whom were unfortunately thrown out, and the horses of others so much beaten that they were reluctantly obliged to turn their heads homewards. — hark halloo. THE SAME, BY VENATOR. ' Hark ! Dian, Hark ! the game is nigh, The huntsman in view, and the hounds in full cry !' At Walton, 1 where foxhunters often resort. We assembled and met with some capital sport. Pug found — at the speed of a racer he went, The hounds at his brush on a fine burning scent. For twenty-five minutes — the burst of the chase, No horse could maintain at the best of his pace. The flood from a river swoln over its bound, Urg'd the Field to a bridge nearly half a mile round. From this we infer, (for the writer don't tell us,) The fox sav'd his life — and the horses their bellows. Found at two, at Bowshot, — the lusty old varlet For ten miles gave a breathing to brown coat and scarlet. On starting, direct for Edge Hill he made way. O'er a country as fine as in turf ever lay ; The hounds these fam'd hills had no sooner reach' d — when, What had happen'd to others, now happen'd again ; On the scent of a fox, a fresh one, they dropp'd, And dash'd off so quickly they could not be stopp'd. 1 The seat of Sir John Mordaunt, Baronet, one of the Members for the Southern Division of the county. M 178 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. The Master still t"olk»\v'd, till day's waning liglit Was nearly obscur'd by the mantle of night ; Some hounds Boxall gain'd by his halloo and horn. The rest remain'd out till the break of the morn. Ere driven from Bowshot, his favourite bounds. Old reynard so baffled the Sportsmen and hounds. By doubling and twisting the covert about. The old Warwickshire hands to a man were thrown out ; E'en NiMROD, (that excellent Sportsman,) for one. Knew no more than a novice which way they had gone. Vexatious, 'tis true — but it shews that to ride Thro' a covert, is safer than keeping outside. From whence you may never obtain a good start, Nor e'er see the whole of the run — nor a part. F. Holland, I and Patrick, a bold and good rider, (A pippin of spunk from" the land of old cider,) On his fam'd little mare, ^ Cockbill, junior, and Dewes,3 Had each a good place, which is rather old news ; The best in the field, so to some it might seem. Still Holland and Meyrick, prime souls, had the cream ; How gallant the last dash'd along on the back Of his fav'rite horse so well known as Old Jack : In crossing a deep field of wheat push'd too fast. The honest old fellow was beaten at last. 1 Mr. F. Holland, then well known in the Hunt, now keeps a pack of harriers, near Evesham. 2 Lazy Bet, well known to the Warwickshire Sportsmen. 3 Mr. Dewes, of Wellesbourne. MR. HAY.— 1826. 179 So killing the pace, and so heavy the ground. That of all the best horses, not one could be found E'en to face a small fence — a run more severe Had never been witness'd by any one there ; As trembling they stood lost breath to recover. Young CocKBiLL, at last, by an effort got over. WvATT, Campbell, and Fellowes, with Sheldon the bold, (The flowV of the Warwickshire riders, we're told,) Had not the good fortune to meet with a place In this capital run — not excell'd in the chace ! BY HARK-HALLOO. MEET LIGirniORNE ROUGH, 1826. We met a very good Field one morning at Lighthorne Rough, and the weather favoured our expectations of a fine day's sport. The worthy Master of the hounds had no sooner thrown the pack into the cover, than away burst one of the fastest foxes I ever saw lead a field. The hounds were immediately halloo'd to their game, and pursued him with an eagerness and swiftness rarely equalled. They ran him into a drain near Gaydon town, and the distance, near eight miles, was done in about half an hour. It happened that Mr. Whitwick, a good sportsman of the right sort, dined with Mr. Hay the day before the meet I have been speaking of, and complained of the slowness of his hounds, observing, — ' Your hounds do not go half fast enough for me, I can ride over them.' When the fox had broke cover, and the pack was well settled to him, Mr. Hay said to Mr. Whitwick, ' Now ride over them if you can.' That gentleman certainly rode uncommonly hard and well, but he could not sail fast enough to occupy the first station, M 2 180 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. being beaten by Mr. R. Greavks and Mr. Patrick. Mr. Hay and Mr. F. Holland came up shortly after the fox took the drain. We put the tei*rier in, and reynard was killed as soon as he bolted. Shortly before pug ran to ground. Dalliance and Curious, two of the fleetest hounds in the pack, headed the others by about 1.5 yards, shewing their great superiority over the rest in speed ; and Mr. Hay said he would back them against any two hounds in the kingdom. Mr. Hay complimented Patrick on the superior man- ner in which he led the whole Field, following, near as he ovight, the exact line of the hounds. We found two other foxes in the same drain, and having turned one out, ran him a ring of 25 minutes, and killed him near Edge Hill, after a capital run. This was the fastest thing I ever saw with the Warwickshire, and it proves that bone and blood are both necessary to carry a man to the end of a good run over this country. A Sportsman of long practice has observed, — The moment leading' hounds are at fault, every judicious liorseman invariably moves to a proper distance, that the body of the liounds may not be interrupted in making tlieir casts, or get interspersed amidst the legs of the horses. Whenever a lucky hit is made, he instantly attends to tlie hound who made it, and upon a general recovery of the scent, goes immediately on with the chase, for the loss of ground, at so critical a moment, it may be sometimes veiy difficult to regain. In tlie midst of his entliusiastic attachment to the sport before him, the safety, ease, and preservation of his horse preponderates over eveiy other consideration. Equally a stranger to the furor of folly, and juvenile indiscretion, a sportsman of this description never embarks in any scheme of imprudence or unne- cessarj- danger ; he never enters into the spirit of racing competition during the chase, thereby distressing his horse, nor Avantonly wasting the strength that may be so much wanted at the conclusion of a long and very severe day. MR. HAY.— 1826. 181 THE SAME, BY VENATOR. Befriended by the goodly nine. Thy muse, sweet bard, (almost divine,) Has erst describ'd in matchless lay. The pleasures of a sporting day. 1 Had we thy pow'rfril classic pen Wed sing their praises o'er again j And call in wit to aid the laws Of learning, in the noble cause. Invoke arch Tristram's subtle shade, Who once the widow Wadman made Rise on one leg, in am'rous whim. To hear the voice of corp'ral Trim, When he, brave fellow, did expound My Uncle Toby's secret wound ; 2 The fire of Swift, the ease of Gay, The wit that in the pages play OfSHAKSPEAREj with the Theban lore Of Walter Scott, and Tommy Moore ; 3 The flow of Burns' rich playful thought, When he his Tam O'Shanter wrote ; Gleaning, en passant, by the way, The flame of Pindar, whom they say. His pen employ' d on themes unfit, Pindar the prince of caustic wit. 4 And magic humour freely draw From Butler's pungent Hudibras. 1 Somerville, author of ' The Chase.' 2 Sterne's Tristram Shandy. 3 Mr. Thomas Moore, author of the Melodies, &c. &r. 4 Peter Pindar— Dr. AVolcot. M 3 182 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. Those, and a hundred poets more. Whose works delighted we explore. Should grace, could we their charms inspire, Venator's Hunt of Warwickshire ! Met at Lighthorne to-day, and a mild cloudy sky Gave us gay expectations of pleasure and joy. The pack into cover no sooner was thrown By the Master, than off, our best wishes to crown. Went a fox that disdain' d in the covert to yield. The fastest and stoutest that e'er led a field. The moment bold reynard began to make play. The hounds, swift and eager, were halloo'd away, They press'd him so hard, whether up hill or down. He took into a drain near to old Gaydon town. The distance was nearly eight miles, if not more. And we gallop'd the ground in about half an hour. Whitwick, a good fellow, so all sportsmen say. Who din'd with the Master the preceding day, Of the speed of his pack said, ' Sir, I can see, I could ride o'er your hounds, they're too tardy for me.' Tis the zeal, not the fault, of good sportsmen who dine With a friend, to ride fastest when over their wine. When the fox had broke cover, and every hound Was well settled down to the game they had found. The Master, first smiling at Whitwick, his man. Said, ' Friend, now ride over my hounds if you can 3' And tho' he rode hard to the drain from the burst. He never could occupy station the first ; For R. Greaves, and Patrick, to no one gave place In this run, which for speed much resembl'd a race. The Master and Holland the hounds join'd again, Soon after the fox had ran into the drain. MR. HAY.— 1826. 183 By a terrier bolted, poor reynard was killed By the pack in an instant, in face of the Field. Patrick led the whole Field with great judgment to-day. And the Master prais'd highly the manner and way. As two other foxes remain'd in the drain, One was quickly turn'd out — now we're at him again ; For twenty -five minutes he led us a ring. We kill'd near Edge Hill — 'twas a capital thing. A horse o'er this country, by this we can tell. Must have blood and bone, or he cannot go well. We cannot conceive any thing more mortifying to the Master of the hounds, the good Sportsman, or to the huntsman, than for them to see the heedless and injudicious horsemen in the field ride amongst the hounds at any time, or to press upon them on a cold scent, or when they have come to a check. By the former, many a valuable hound has been struck by a horse, and disabled or killed ; and by the two latter, the fox has often been lost, and the sport spoiled for the day. Mr. Corbet, mild and forbearing in his manners as he was, sometimes lost his temper, when he could not repress the eagerness, or rather impru- dence, of some men of this description ; but he had a singular way of retaliating upon them for their indiscretion. When a fox had broke cover and gone off at a rapid rate, or when the pack, after a check, had hit him off, on an improved scent, and were following him at their best pace, especially if up hill, he would cry out, — ' Now, gentlemen, ride over my hounds ! Ride over them now, gentlemen ! Now, bran and chaff ! Go along, bran and chaff, and ride over my hoimds now, if you can !' — Then away he went, and although he seldom took even a moderate fence, at the latter part of his time, as he rode capital horses, he was seldom far behind at the end of a run, however long and severe, except thrown out by one of those incidents which sometimes occur to the boldest and best men in the field. — Bill Barrow used less ceremony than his master in speaking of these irregularities, and the offenders who knew him, took pretty good care to keep out of his \\'ay for a time. Bill freqtiently gave them what is termed — a blessing ! MR. FELLOWES. R. Fellowes, Esq. of Talton, near Eatington, in this county, (now of Shotesham Park, Norfolk,) succeeded Mr. Hay in the mastership of the hounds, on receiving a gua- rantee from the Members of the Hunt, that a sum should be raised, by subscription, to defray the expences of the establishment. Jack Wood was appointed huntsman. At the commencement of this season, (1827,) the Duke of St. Albans joined the Warwickshire, making Leamington his head quarters. The Duchess highly approved of the arrangement, and said, ' Well, your Grace, if you can find amusement in the field for the day, I will endeavour to provide for the evening ; and we will see if we cannot make Leamington as pleasant in the winter, as it is gay in the summer.' 186 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. BY ACT.f:ON. 1 MEET — OLD PARK, OCTOBER 27tH, 1827. This was what should be called a fine morning for hunting ; the wind not too high, the weather soft and kind. We had no sooner thrown the hounds into cover, than a fox was away. The hounds were so close at his brush, that it might truly be said, the fox and the hounds broke away close together. The pack was nearly silent, they hardly opened at first ; there was scarcely ever seen a more brilliant burst. Away we all went, at the very best pace, to Fern- hill, and then off to Kcuilvvorth Chace, In a few minutes they had made that well-known preserve, called Long Meadow Wood ; then to Tilehill, after taking in the whole round of the woodlands which abound in that fine country. The sound of the horn, combined with the musical voice of the pack, were thrown into the distance, retiring from the ear in concert of sweetest harmony. Our fox was now •sinking so fast, that not a royal reprieve could have saved him ; but luckily for him, we came upon a fresh fox, and that incident saved his life. During the chase, some of the old ones exclaimed, ' This day a fox must die ;' but their predictions failed ; and it was a bloodless day. This was an excellent run of an hour and 40 minutes. But, to be brief, no pack in the world could hunt better ; and although Jack Wood may not be the most brilliant huntsman in England, yet we venture to predict, that from his old-fashioned tactics, and admirable science, he will shew some excellent sport, and make some of the Warwick- shire nags cry out, ' Hold hard ! Enough !" 1 Sp. Mag-. Nov. lOtli, 1827. MR. FELLOWES.— 1827. 187 My neighbour Fellowes has killed a good nmnber of cubs ; the hounds are in rare order ; his men are pleased with the manner in which he has mounted them ; and every thing promises favourably for sport with the pack, THE SAME, BY VENATOR. ' Arise, now, ye shiggards, and join in the chase, Nor squander your moments away ; The morning's the time to invififorate health. And health makes us cheerful and f^ay.' Into cover the hounds had no sooner been thrown. Than old reynard, who should better manners have known. Abruptly went oft' without waiting to say, * Pray, gentlemen, how d'ye do r' in his way. But rous'd as he was, he'd no time, p'rhaps, to do't. Or no doubt he'd have giv'n us a morning salute. The wind not too high, soft and mild too the weather, ' Away broke the fox and the hounds close together 3' Nearly silent — the hounds hardly open'd at first. You scarce ever saw a more brilliant burst. Away we all went, ' at the very best pace,' To Fernhill, and then off to Kenilworth Chace. But a few minutes pass'd ere the Field had made good That cover well known as the Long Meadow Wood. To Tilehill away, taking in the whole round Of the woodlands which in that fine country abound ; While the sound of the horn, and the voice of the pack. In harmony sweet grateful echo sent back ; Sensations so pleasant don't often conspire To heighten our joys and our bosoms to fire. The Old Park, the prnperty of the Earl of Warwick, lies about two miles west of the town. 188 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. The strength of our fox we found sinking so fast. That a royal reprieve could not save him at last ; But soon a fresh fox for the old one we chang'd, And so the fine fellow again freely rangd. The wisest, at times, may anticipate fictions. And thus it was prov'd by the joyful predictions Of two or three old ones, who said in the chase, ' A fox this day must die' — but it was not the case. BY HARK-FORWARD. ' Hark ! hark ag^ain ! the horn so guy, The Tallyho ! and ' Gone away!' The hoiinds in full melodious cry, And horsemen o'er the fences fly.' MEET WOLFORD WOOD, NOV. 20tH, 1827. We found a good fox the moment the hounds entered the wood. After taking one ring in the covert, he went away at his best pace. Leaving Bourton on the left, he then took through Little Compton, by Chasselton, and over Kingham Field. We killed him at Sasden House, after a run of an hour and ten minutes. This was as fine a run as any sportsman could wish to see. When we got upon Chasselton Hill, the fog rather suddenly became so dense, that we could not see ten yards before us, and the hounds went at such a pace, as to give the slip to all the Field, with the exception of about eight or ten. Mr. Fellowes, knowing well the Oxfordshire country, made the best of his way, leading the others, to Kingham Field, where they saw the hounds again, carrying a most beautiful head ; they were sweeping along as close together as a flock of pigeons. MR, FELLOWES.— 1828. 189 MEET OXHILL VILLAGE, MARCH 4tH, 1828. Ou drawing the coverts, this morning, we fonnd a fine sporting fox in Hell Brake. Away he went at a rare pace up to Brailes Hill, by Sutton North, and then turned to the left by Brailes. Leaving Comptou Wynniatt on the left, he made for Shutford Hill ; still bearing to the left, he passed thi'ough Swacliff, and the hounds turned him uj) in prime style, at Tadmarton. This was a capital thing of an hour and 12 minutes ; and only a select few saw the death. Last meet this season, on Saturday, March 27th, 182S, at Oversley Wood. — <>^®<$^)— First meet this season, October 30th, 1828, at Uftou Wood. BY HARK-FOUWAKl). ' See my brave pack, lutw to the liead they press, Justling in close array ; then more diffuse Obliquely wheel, while from their op'ninf? mouths The volley'd thunder breaks.' MEET — CHESTEUTON WOOD, NOV. 3rD. We first drew Itchington Heath, where we found a brace of foxes. Took one away to Hai^bury Heath, when he was headed short back. He then led us through Ches- terton, Gaydon, and Chadshunt ; and the hounds ran into him at Kineton, after a good run of an hour. We then went to Bowshot, where we foxmd a Ijrace of foxes ; but the weather was so hot that the hounds could not hit off the scent. 190 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. MEET — MITFORD BRIDGE, DEC. !)TH. Wc" found this morning at Barton Grove. Our fox first took a ring in the covert, and then dashed off at his best speed, for Long Compton. Here he turned to the right, through Chaford Oaks ; on to Heythorpe Park 3 ran near to Great Tew, when he turned again to the right, and we killed him near to Ditchley. This was a fine run of one hour and 58 minutes ; the hounds hunted amazingly well the whole tiiue, and gave great satisfaction to every gentleman present. MEET FARNBOROUGH, DEC. IGtII. Having unkennelled a fox in a gorse-brake near the earths, he brushed off, taking a ring round Farnborough, and then went away, at a famous split, ])y Wormleighton 5 across the country, over Boddington Hill, and through Prior's Hardwick. He left Prior's Marston to the right, and when he got near to Shuckborough Hill he turned short to the right, by Catesby, where we came to cold hunting ; wc beat our fox near to Staverton Wood, after a good run of one hour and a half. MEET MITFORD BRIDGE, DEC. 29tH. We found a stanch fox, this morning, close under Barton village, which quickly made away, at a speedy pace, to the other side of Barton Grove, He then faced the open fields, and ran up to the farther end of Long Compton, without being headed, or having had a single check. We spanked after him in good style, and the hounds, by their speed, gradually gained ground upon their game. After crossing the Rollright road, our fox still kept on through the village of Over Norton, until we came within sight of Chapel House. Lea\ing that place to the right, he swept MR. FELLOWES.— 1828. 191 gallantly over the open grounds to Heythorpe Park. The pack still pressed him along until he headed and took for Sandford Park ; but how he kept his rate so long and well before the hounds, which never once fell into cold hunting, as the scent grew stronger the faster they went, astonished all who kept their place in this severe and almost matchless run. When near to Sandford village, he turned again to the right, and shortly after, for the first time, he was viewed by the gentlemen at the head of the field ; and we killed, near Kiddington, as stout a fox as ever broke away across a country. THE SAME, BY VENATOR. Close under Barton \ illage, pug In kennel lay, both warm and snug, When his gay horn the huntsman sounds To call up a few straggling hounds, Alarm'd, away at speed he goes. Ere nearer came his dreaded foes. To Barton Grove he bore away O'er tawny tilth and pastures grey. And soon, without a halt, made good, Through paths well known of underwood. The other side. Facing once more The open fields to try his pow'r. To Long Compton, the further end. Our fox his rapid course did wend ; No head from busy clown to throw Him back upon his desp'rate foe. Uncheck'd, the hounds their speed maintain'd. And on their gallant leader gain'd. Crossing the Rollright road, he still Kept on thro' Over Norton vill ; 192 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. Of Chapel House we caught a sights Then left it bearing to the right. Sweeping across the open grounds, He led, in style, the willing hounds To Heythorpe Park ; but even here No friendly refuge did appear. Still press'd along — he headed now. And took for Sandford Park — but how He kept his rate so long and well Before the pack, which never fell Into cold hunting — the fav'ring scent Grew stronger as they faster went, Astonish'd all who kept their place In this severe and matchless chase. Then near to Sandford village ran. Where, turning to the right again. He first was view'd — with ardour new The pack continud to pursue Their game — and kill'd near Kiddington As stout a fox as ever run. Kiddington village lies to the left of Ditchley Woods. The chase lasted an hour and 50 minutes. This was one of the finest runs we had seen for many years, and the termination was most satisfactory. Towards the latter end of the chase, the Duke of Beaufort, Lord Dillon, and some other gentlemen, joined the Field. Lord Clon?*iell, Mr. Shirley, Mr. H. Campbell, and Mr. J. Lucy, had good places, but their horses were all beat. The huntsman kept his place. The pack returned to kennel, not less than 30 miles, the same evening — not a hound missing. MR. FELLOWES.— 1829. 193 MEET WOLFORD WOOD, JANUARY 8tH. This covert has long been remarkable for stout wild foxes. We found one of that description this morning, that first ran round the wood, and then went away at a good pace across a heavy line of country, over Addlestrop Hill, and near to Stow-on-the-Wold. The scent lay but cold through the day, yet the Sportsmen did not complain of the pace, as the rising hills and fences found the best nags enough to do to keep their place. Passing by Heyford, he dashed over the enclosures and waste lands nearly to Aston Park Wood. Here the Field got view of their game ; and though he exerted all his powers, and ran some distance afterwards, the hounds still gained upon him, and at length turned him up in good style. THE SAME, BY VENATOR- ' Now reynard's turn'd out, and o'er liedge and ditch rush, Hounds, horses, and huntsman, all hard at his brush.' No covert, range Old England thro'. Can such a race of foxes shew As Wolford Wood. No better breed To lead a pack, and foil a steed. Reynard soon found — but ere began The chase, he round the covert ran — Then scampcr'd off at his best pace. To 'scape the foe he durst not face. Across the country ; upon ground More noxious to the horse than hound — Over Addlestrop Hill, near Stow, That lies within the wold below. 194 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. The scent lay coldly thro' the day. Oil tilth and fallow, sward and clay ; Still of the pace the sporting train Did not at any time complain. The rising hills and fences too, Found the best nags enough to do To keep their place ; as on he paae'd To Heyford, o'er closures and waste. Near to the wood of Aston Park The Field old reynard view'd — and, hark 1 The cheering halloo ! welcome sound To ev'ry Sportsman on the ground ; But to our fox, that nobly fell. It was — of death the direful knell. The fox was killed not far from Cheltenham, upwards of 15 miles from the place where he was found ; after a run, chiefly cold hunting, of two hours' duration. Lord Clonmel, Mr. Pole, of Todcnham, then a spirited subscriber to the hounds, Mr. Fellowes the master, some other Gentlemen, and the huntsman, were up at the death. BY HARK-FORWARD. MEET bishop's ITCHINGTON, MARCH 7tH, 1829. This morning we drew the coverts at Ladbroke, Rad- bourne, and Watergall, blank. The foxes had been rattled about so much during the season, that we felt but little disappointment at the result. We then went to Itchington Heath, where we found a good fox that led us away through Chesterton Wood ; then leaving Lighthorne to the left, he passed through Chesterton spiny, and from that place the pack pressed him gallantly along to Edge Hill, where he was killed, — The run lasted 54 minutes without a check. MR. FELLOWES.— 1829. 195 BY ANONYMOUS. MEET WOLFORD WOOD, MARCH IOtH. We started a fox out of this cover at the Moreton end^ the pack well up, and the Field in good place. As he crossed Moreton Common, the fleetest nags for a time had the advantage. He then took through Evenlode, and held stoutly on, at his best pace, unchecked, to Chastleton ; and led us gaily along to Addlestrop, in Gloucestershire. Then turning to the right about, he changed his route, took down the meadows, and over Evenlode brook ; crossed quickly the meadows on the other side, gained the high ground, and away to Broadwell. Our fox next made play through Upper and Lower Swell, Upper and Lower Slaughter, and passed by Cold Aston Farm. It was now pretty evident the hounds were gaining ground upon their game. We soon Tallyho'd him in view, and not long afterwards he was turned up by the leading hound. Hark-Forward has favoured us with a description of the same run. We killed our gallant fox, (he says,) near to Northleach. The run lasted two hours and 30 minutes, the first hour quick, and the latter part excellent hunting. As fine a sporting run as any gentleman could wish to enjoy. THE SAME, BY VENATOR. ' Happy the man, who With nnrivall'd speed can pass his fellows, And with pleasure view the struggling pack !' Sportsmen are flush' d with pleasures high When they this fav'rite cover try; While fancy and her gaudy train To charm the heart, inspire the brain ! N 2 196 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. Foxes — of better game or blood, Were never bred in brake or wood — Foxes — more hardy, brave, or stout, Were never roiis'd by hunters' shout — Foxes — none can more boldly lead O'er glebe and wold, at greater speed ! The hounds into the covert rush, And nimbly ply round ev'ry bush. With eager and sagacious nose, Where reyi^ard sly might seek repose. Silent the Field — a single word Is not from one good Sportsman heard ; With head askance, by ear to seize Floating upon the welcome breeze The first, the heart-inspiring note Of some stanch hound of tuneful throat. But now and then will intervene Some babbling tongue to mar the scene. From kennel rous'd, the game they send From covert at the Moreton endj The pack well up — the Field in place. Delighted join the doubtful chase ; And if in countenance we find An index faithful of the mind. There seldom was, at cover yet, A field scarce half so happy met, Cross'd Moreton Common, where the soil Favour'd the fleetest nags awhile j Through Evenlode without a stop To those who could the hedges top. MR. FELLOWES.— 1829 19/ Our fox, unc'heckd, held stoutly on At his l)est pace to Chastleton ; Then gaily led us pretty near To Addlestrop, in Glostershire. Here turning to the right about, He chang'd, capricious rogue, his route ; The meadows gain'd, and took his road Over the brook of Evenlode. Then quickly to the uplands flew Across the meads of greenish blue. Beat by the heavy ground, we find The weaker horses tail behind. To Broadwell next, and forward go The gallant Field — then leaving Stow Close on the left. The rampant, bold. Hot, restive nag, one scarce could hold When to the covert first he came, Is now, alas ! passive and tame. The prime in Ijlood, and stout in ))onc. Enjoy the sport almost alone ! Thro' Lower, and to Upper Swell The chase continued — few could tell, Tho' riding nags as whalebone tough, Which next would fail, and cry — ' Enough !' Upper and Lower Slaughter were Left at a distance in the rear. Passing Cold Aston Farm, 'twas plain The pack did slo\vly on him gain ; As he Farmington Grove drew nigh. We said, our gallant fox must die ! For the first time the morning thro', Reynard was ' Tallyho'd,' in view ; 198 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. Symptom of death — his daggl'd brush Trail'd on the earth — by ardent rush The leader of the pack, good hound, Stretch'd the brave fellow on the ground. We have been informed by another Sportsman who was present — That this run lasted two hours and 35 minutes, and was considered the best run that had occurred for some time. The first 50 minutes was very severe, and many Sportsmen disappeared Ijefore the end of the chase. Last meet this season, March 28th, 18^9, at Mitford Bridge. At the commencement of this season, the following Sportsmen, among many others, were at Leamington : — Sir Edward Mostyn, Sir E. Antrobus, Mr. Shakerley, Colonel NiCHOLLS, Mr. Cresvelt, Mr. Cardwell, Mr. G. C. Antrobus, M. de Normandie, &c. &c. BY ANONYMOUS. ' The fox has broke cover, and gallantly bounds O'er the hills and the dales, while the echo resounds.' MEET COMPTON VERNEY, NOV. 2nD, 1829. This well-conducted pack met at Compton Verney, on Monday, where a most brilliant muster of well mounted Sportsmen, among whom we noticed several County Gen- tlemen, and most of the Leamington Nimrods, assembled to witness the opening of the hunting campaign. MR. FELLOWES.— 1829. 199 On Tuesday, the hounds threw off at Farnborough, where, after a httle parley, a game fox broke cover, and led his pursuers at a very trying pace, over hill and dale ; when after a brilliant and gallant run of three hours and 20 minutes, reynard closed an excellent day's sport by suddenly taking to earth. BY HARK-FORWARD. MEET FARNBOROUGH, NOV. 3rD. Found on the Mollington side, and after our fox had taken a sharp ring for 20 minutes, he went to ground. We soon found a good game fox in that part of the gorse near the earths, which went nobly away. Ringed by Mollington, and then took straight over Boddington Hill, and through Prior's Hardwick. Taking the left of Prior's Marston, he led on through Griffin's Gorse, Hellidon village, and the Charwelton spinies, to Preston Gaps, and then to Church Wood, where we stopped the hounds, after a fine run of one hour and fifty minutes. This being early in the season, our horses were all I)eat ; and as we knew the cover to be full of foxes, we thought it would be the best plan to stop the hounds, which was done just before they reached the wood. MEET OXHILL VILLAGE, NOV. 7tH. After the meet, we found a capital fox in Hell Brake, and he went aM'ay at a good rattling pace to Brailes Hill, and by Sutton North. Leaving Cherrington on the left, he bore along straight through Wichford and Long Compton woods, and Rollright Coombs. By passing that village to the left he ran to Over Norton, where we ran into him, after a very good run of one hour and 4.5 minutes. This was a most severe day for the nags ; Captain Grkgoky's horse died near Halford Bridge. wo WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. MEET OAKLEY WOOD, NOV\ IfiTH. This excellent pack of foxhounds had another Ijrilliant run on Monday, when they met according to appointment at Oakley Wood, where they threw off in fine style ; a great number of ladies and gentlemen being spectators of the animating scene. In a few mimites a fine fox was found, who, with the sagacity of his species, after tantalizing his pursuers with running a few short rings, suddenly took to earth, and obliged them to proceed further in search of sport. Many of the field left here, and the hounds were drawn away to Lighthorne Rough, where, about noon, the merry cry was again heard, the hounds having started another fox possessing more game, and less cunning. He took off in gallant style, in the direction of Hill Farm ; then turning to the left he skirted Compton Verney House, and the beau- tiful woods of that domain ; bounded to the right in the direction of Brickhill Gorse, and after passing the Red House, went at a spanking rate across Brockhampton fields to Butler's Marston, where a very short check ensued. The pack soon hit off the scent again, and their fox led them close by the kennel to Blacklands and Pillerton Hersey, leaving Oxhill \illage to the left. Here reynard, turning to the right towards Hell Brake, put his speed to the utmost, and led the pack over hill and dale, through flood and field, in prime style, as far as Lord Northampton's, at Compton Wynniate, where he took refuge in the ice-house. The hounds closely followed, and Colonel Gilbert, Mr. R. Greaves, and the huntsman, obtaining a ladder and some lights, entered poor reynard's singular retreat, descended an ice pit about ten feet deep, and found at the bottom several of the hounds, who had devoured every part of the fox except his nose. MR. FELLOWES.— 18'29. '201 This run was one of the severest of the season, and. lasted an hour and 45 minutes. Of the few heavy weights who were up at the death, was the owner of Ben Lomond, Mr. W. Bellamy, of Haseley. Mr. T. Cumines, jun. and Mr. CocKBiLL, jun. were also up at the end. MEET FARNBOROUGH, NOV. 28tH. An excellent Field of Sporting Gentlemen assembled at the meet this morning. A fox, one that could go along, was soon found in the plantations adjoining the seat of W. HoLBECH, Esq. but after running a ring or two on the lawn, and twice crossing the fishpond, we killed him in front of the house. In a neighbouring gorse a second fox was found ; he led us a gallant chase of an hour and ten mimites, without a check, and ran to ground within about three miles of Banbury. MEET — WOLFORn WOOD. Dec. 1 — We met at Wolford Wood, and found a fox on the Leamington Hastings coppice side of that cover j he ringed about the wood and heath for an hour, before he left them. At last he went away in good style, for Leamington Hastings, the pack at times pressing hard upon his brush, and then he crossed the open country into Gloucestershire, and was killed at Shedcombe, between Cambden and Chel- tenham, about eight miles from the latter place. The run, which afforded some excellent sport, lasted an hour and 20 minutes without a single check. I 1 At the death, the Ijeaniini^toniaiis found themselves 34 miles from home ; a distance very distressing to horses after a long; and severe dav. 202 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. The hounds met both on Tuesday and Wednesday, the inth and l6th, but did not throw off in conscquenee of the foggy weather. MEET COMPTON VERNEY. Dec. 17 — The hounds met this day, (Thursday,) at Compton Verney, where they soon fo\ind a good fox in a plantation in front of the house. The fox led us off at a speedy rate, and after skirting Lighthorne Rough, Moreton Wood, and Oakley Wood, ran into Warwick Park, where it was thought they changed foxes. The second fox ringed for Oakley Wood and took to a drain ; he was got out and thrown up. after a chase of 20 minutes. 1 BY HARK-FORWARD. MEET — CIIESTERTON WOOD. Feb. 1 3th, 1830— The hounds had been kept out of the field for many weeks by the frost, and to-day the riding was very bad ; on the north and north-east sides of the fences the ground still remained hard, and to leap was highly dangerous both to man and horse ; but a few of those Spoi'tsmen which you will find in most countries, and who know very little abovit hunting, were hunting-mad, and hunt they must, at all risks. Jack Wood thought they would like a good crash, and to humour them he took out 4O5 couple of hounds to Chesterton Wood. Three brace of foxes were soon afoot, and the break-away was succeeded by a famous crash for half an hour. The hounds kept M'ell together, and away they went to Itchington Heath. Our fox left Harbury to the right, and then turned to the left 1 The lioumls did not go out apaiii, in const^quenre of a severe frost, for fight week.s. MR. FELLOWES.— 1830. 203 over Whitnash Field, leaving Wai'wick Park on the right, and Oakley Wood to the left. He then took through Carter's Bushes to Chesterton Wood, where three fine chesnut horses cried ' Enough,' and were taken home to the Abbey, and Leamington Spa. The hounds, fresh as larks, ran straight through the wood without a check, and pursued their game in a line to Harbury. Leaving Radford just to the right, and Whitnash village to the left, reynard passed straight by Leamington, and we killed him in good style, on the bridge in Warwick Park. Every hound was up at the death, except one called Wonder. In this run, which lasted three hours, there was some excellent hunting ; but few horses were vi]) at the end of the run, and they were all beat. Mr. Fellowes, Mr. Pole, and Mr. Mitchell, were in at the death. I THE SAME, BY ANONYMOUS. The pack met, according to appointment, on Saturday, February 13th, at Chesterton. Reynard soon broke cover, and went off in gallant style towards Itchington Holt ; and after skirting the village of Tachbroke, returned to his old quarters, but he was so closely pursued by the hounds that he stopped there no time, but went off at a slapping pace, nearly over the same ground, till he got to Tachbroke. He then kept on until he ran into Warwick Park, where, after a sharp chase, he was killed near the bridge. 1 The young ones, who were in the morning so anxious for the throw-off, the one or two at least who saw the latter part of the run, were greatly delighted with the day's sport, and returned liome elated with the self-gratification, that they knew as much of foxhunting as the oldest Sportsmen in the field. No accident, fortunately, of any serious consequence, occurred during the day. "204 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. Thus closed one of the most brilliant runs of the season, extending from end to end 12 miles, and occupying an hour and 20 minutes, with but one momentary check near to Highdown. The severity of the run was such, that many of the crack horses were completely knocked uj) ; and some few were bled, long previous to the death of the fox, on the field. MEET OAKLEY WOOD. March 11 — The hounds met on Thursday, at Oakley Wood, where they soon found a fox that went away for Newbold Pacey, over Moreton brook. They continued moving at a slapping pace, without intermission, for a full quarter of an hour, when the scent changed on getting on the limestone. After a short interval, Mr. Fellowes determined upon drawing Chesterton Wood for a fresh fox, in which he was successful. Reynard made the best use of his legs, and went away with the hounds close at his brush ; and although he was a bad fox, he afforded a capital day's sport, and had the run been straight it would have proved a good thing. There was a large Field, and the scene was unusually attractive by the number of ladies present in their carriages — among whom were Lady Mostyn, Lady Ongley, Mrs. Nugent, Mrs. Hook, Misses Gregory, &c. &c. Mr. Fellowes having signified his intention of giving up the management of the hounds at the close of this season, 1830, the Gentlemen of the County, Subscribers to the Hunt, met at the Warwick Arms, on Wednesday, the 2nd of December. During the meeting, J. Russell, Esq. M. P. of Upton House, expressed his willingness, in case no other offer was made, to hunt the Warwickshire country. MR. FELLO WES.— 1830. 205 for seven years, if the sum of £2,000 was annually sub- scribed. The company much regretted the retirement of Mr. Fellowes, and it was suggested that the Woodlands should be more frequently himted, as they generally pro- duced a breed of foxes remarkably good. In the latter part of this year, December 13th, 1830, the hounds met at the kennel ; and Mr. Thornhill, of Wellesbourne, while following them, met with a very severe accident, from the effects of which, his friends were happy to hear, that he recovered much sooner than could be expected. Last meet, this season, Tuesday, March 30th, 1830, at Oakley Wood. Jack Wood now left the Warwickshire. — There was no finer horseman, (says Nimrod,) than Jack Wood, having a graceful seat, and a light hand. In fact. Wood rode like a gentleman, but he had been unlucky, having broken a leg, a thigh, and a collar bone. Perhaps Dick Christian would call this ' something particular/ although he considered his own fractured leg ' nothing particular.' 1 1 Dick Christian rode Mr. Mostyn's Warwick, in the Dunchurch Steeple Race, and Mr. Russell's Scripton in the Leamingto)i Steeple Race, with steady nerve and great judgment, in 1837. 206 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. MR. FELLOIFES'S FOXHOUNDS, 1830. NAMES. Virulent EIGHT YEARS. SIRES. Lord Sondes's Ottoman DAMS. Vengeaure Fallacy Ornament Rosamond Waterloo Destiny Hebe Proserpine SEVEN YEARS. Duke of Beaufort's Waterloo Duke of Beaufort's Nectar Duke of Beaufort's Hermit Warrior Mr. Osbaldeston's Pilot Hannibal Mr. Meynell's Bajazet Friendly Ominous Riimsey Whynot Diligent Darling Proserpine Barlielor Cardinal Curious Danger Dairymaid Lapwing Victory Virgin SIX YEARS. Mr. Osbaldeston's Chorister Mr. Osbaldeston's Chorister Duke of Beaufort's Dorimand Guardsman Benedict Blemish Whynot Bridemaid Lapwing Virulent FIVE YEARS. Boaster Bridemaid 5 Rocket Bridemaid Brevity Rocket Bridemaid Benedict Basker Duke of Beaufort's Rubens Brilliant Bobadil Dealer Duke of Beaufort's Dorimand Juliet Jester Mr. Musters' Jester Duchess Jovial Jessamy I Mr. Osbaldeston's Jasper Lucy Messmate Lord Tavistock's Marmion his Syren Volatile Mr. Osbaldeston's Valentine Virulent Whipster Duke of Rutland's Lifter his Wanton Wildfire Warble ] Mr= Osbaldeston's Rasselas Whynot MR. FELLOWES.— 1830. ^07 NAME.S. Absolute Basilisk Blossom Benefit Butterfly Bertram Barmaid Bashful Bonny Lass Dolphin Emperor Nimrod Pillager Playful Ranter Blucher Clarion Conrad Comfort Cruiser Hermit Harper Pilot Pontiff Prudence Rebel Wonder Whynot Warrior Champion Comedy Countess Dorimont Daffodil Justice Minister Royal Ruby Rosebud Rally Rector Rubens Redrose Ruin Viola Windsor Wildboy FOUR YEARS. SIRES. Rocket Workman Workman Mr. Osbaldeston's Vanquisher Duke of Beaufort's Boxer Workman Mr. Osbaldeston's Emperor Duke of Beaufort's Nimrod Duke of Beaufort's Boxer Rocket Rocket Minister Rocket Rocket Duke of Beaufort's Rubens Duke of Beaufort's Vanguard Workman Active Brilliant Brilliant Blemish Virulent Darling Judy Friendly Duke of Beaufort's Platoff Comedy Rocket .. Dairymaid THREE YEARS. Bajazet Cymbeline Rocket Curious Rocket .. Ciu'ious Conqueror Juliet Hannibal Vocal Bachelor .. Proserpine Rocket Destiny Rocket Whynot Workman Dairymaid TWO YEARS. Cymbeline Destiny Jessamy Diligent Proserpine Warspite Darling Virulent Dairymaid 208 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. ONE YEAR. NAMES. SIRES. DAMS. Biuslier Bowman 1 Benedict Warble Baronet Blameless I Benedict Warble Buglet- Cidonel Berkeley's Pagan his Bravery Cry er Rocket Cymbeline Denmark Dewdrop Ranter Destiny Duncan Bobadil Darling Harmony i Ranter Honesty Harmless s Marmion 1 > Manager Mover Minister Dairymaid Madcap Modish j Remus Rocket V^ocal Remnant Duke of Beaufort's Rubens his Waspish Rifleman , , Rocket Playful Rambler ^ Ringwood c Rocket Wildfire Ruler ^ Vaulter .. Duke of Beaufort's Vanguard . . Diligent Voucher Ditto his Echo Welcome Col. Berkeley's Woldsman his Racket Workman Workman Volatile TOTAL— Fifty two Coitples. MR. RUSSELL. -«tS»^Cs»«- John Russell, Esq. of Upton House, took to the management of the homids from Mr, Fellowes, hm\ting them by subscription. Bill Boxall was promoted to the office of huntsman. Mr. Russell entered upon the Hunt with high preten- sions. He was a capital sportsman, the branch of a noble family, and, by marriage, of distinguished connections ; and his character, both in public and social life, reflected honour upon his name. The anticipations of good sport, raised by the excellent arrangements of the worthy Master, were fully realised. '210 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. At a meeting held at the Royal Hotel, Leamington, in 1830, Mr. Russell in the chair, it was agi'eed, — that a kennel, stables, &c. should be erected near to the town, for the better accommodation of those gentlemen who resided in the vicinity of the Spa, as well as those sportsmen who made Leamington their head quarters during the hunting season. The inhabitants subscribed liberally to carry the resolutions of the meeting into effect, and Mr. F. Rob bins engaged to complete the whole by the September following, for the sum of £200. Mr. Robbins fulfilled his engage- ment with great credit to himself, and to the satisfaction of his employers. The buildings were erected at Lillington, about a mile north of the town. BY r.. R. MEET — UPTON HOUSE. The seascm commenced on the 1st of November. The meet was at Upton House, the seat of Mr. Russell, the present master of the hounds. The meet most respectable and numerous. The morning was all a true sportsman could wish, ' with a southerly wind and a cloudy sky,' and proclaimed that sport, which, but for an unlucky circum- stance, we should have had. We trotted to a small covert three miles towards Banbury, where, in a little brake, not more than an acre, we found a brace of foxes, which went off in gallant style. The hounds setting to one, led us such a pace for about four miles, that had it continued, very few would have seen the end of it. He went to ground. We returned to the same place, and found another of the fox family, but were again unfortunate. MR. RUSSELL.— 1830. 211 At the same moment there was a halloo away to a fresh fox, which we could do but little with, and after dragging him nearly an hour, with bad scent, the hounds behaving admirably, we returned and killed our second fox, which had taken ground, and he was turned up in a very short time. THE SAME, BY VENATOR. ' Let's away, let's away to the joys of the chase.' N()vem])er first, Upton the meet. The worthy Master's rural seat ; Pleasure and health onr chiefest end. To greet with joy each well-known friend ; And Johnny Neiocomes, hot to shew What feats they can, or cannot do ! The muster strong, and many there Of nol)le port, the eye to cheer. ' A southern wind, a cloudy sky,' When horses, hounds, and fox, can fly 5 Trotting the Banb'ry road along, Expecting scent both high and strong, 1 1 Scent, it has been observed, is an effluvium constantly arising from the corpuscles that issue out of all bodies ; and being impreg- n.ated with the peculiar state and quality of the blood and juices of that particular animal from which they floM', occasion the vast variety of smells or scents, cognizable by the olfactory nerves or organs of smelling. Hence it is why one person differs from another in scent, and why a dog Avill trace the footsteps of his master for a hundred miles together, following him into any house, church, or other build- ing, though surrounded by ten thousand ; and when the faithful animal has thus diligently sought and recognized his master, he is seldom willing even to trust the evidence of his own eyes, until, with erected crest, he has taken a few cordial sniffs to be convinced he is right. o 2 212 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. In braky copse, not yet a wood, We found a brace of foxes, good. In gallant style away they're gone. The hounds soon settled firm to one, At killing pace — a desp'rate rush — The pack still pressing at his brush About four miles — had it been more The Field had dwindled to a score. Then bay'd, alas ! the leading hound. The crafty fellow ran to ground. To the same heath again retum'd, Tlie Field once more with ardour burn'd ; To us our lucky stars were kind. Another fox was left behind. But here, alack ! by chance or fate. Our sport was not more fortunate. The cheering sound — a gladsome halloo, Fresh game announc'd — away, we follow ; The busy pack, so bad the scent, 1 Could not make out the way he went. An hour, at least, in this essay. Was lost — no more to pass away ! Our second fox again we found In his retreat, snug under ground ; Turn'd out, the hounds quickly in cry. Soon made the felon's jacket fly ! 1 Another writer thinks, that scent does not depend upon the air only ; but that in a certain portion and degree it depends upon the soil also. The best scent is that wliich is occasioned by the effluvia, as he calls it, or particles of scent, which are constantly perspiring from game as it runs, and are strongest and most favourable to the hound, when kept by the gravity of the air to the height of his breast ; for there it is neither above his reach, nor is it necessary he should stoop for it, at which time the scent is said to lay ' breast high.' MR. RUSSELL.— 1830. 513 BY G. R. MEET IDLICOTE. We met one morning at Idlicote, and after drawing a short time, we were cheered by the glad sound ' Tallyho — Hark-forward! — Yonder he goes !' and in a twinkUng the whole pack were at his brush ; and so hard did they press him, that he doubled all of a sudden and reached the cover, but was soon routed, and again returned to the open ; he was obliged to turn at the same place, and go to his den, but that was refused him, and getting a little a head of the hounds, he made so much way that we saw no more of him for an hour and a quarter, when some one viewed him going at his best pace across that fine grass country at the back of Edge Hill. Here we came to an unlucky check, or we must have finished one of the finest runs ever heard of, the scent lying breast high. 1 Not more than W now appeared out of 180 at least. We were not long at fault, as the fox had been lately viewed, and by lifting our hounds over a field or two we hit off again ; and after a long and good slow hunting run, killed him in a large turnip field, to the great joy of the few who came up, and who were glad to join in the deafening death-halloo. 1 Scent, it has also been said, depends, ciiiefly, on the condition the ground is in, and the temperature of the air, both which should be moist without being wet. On the contraiy, when the ground is hard and the air dry, it is seldom known to be good. It rarely lies well with an east or northerly wind ; a southerly wind without rain, and a westerly wind that is not rough, are the most favourable. Storms in the air are great enemies to scent. It has also frequently been remarked, that scent lies best on the richest soils. Whether scent is formed of identical parts of the animal's body, emitted in exhalations of respiration from the lungs, or of perspirative matter through the skin, has not j'et been ascertained by any writers upon the subject. o 3 ^14 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. Amongst them I noticed Mr. Lucas, one or two Leam- ington Nimrods, and Mr. Greaves, on his favourite and famous old mare, which he rode over the last fence in great style, and brushed the fox before the huntsman, who had tired three horses. The disasters were not a few, nor far between. I THE SAME, HY VENATOR. ' See we each well known covert's side, Each fav'iite hound, the huntsman's pride ; Each friendly voice, eaeli note, each cheer, Again with thrilling- ardour hear ; And picture still in Fancy's glow, The wild, the niadd'ning Tallyho ! ' At the wood side three weeks ago. We heard the welcome ' Tallyho ! Hark-forward ! See, yonder he goes ! ' No hounds excel in speed and nose. We need not say — the eager throng Fly o'er the leys swiftly along ; Reynard, hard prcss'd, to save his hide, Turn'd and regain'd the covert side. Routed, and the open daring, At his brush the pack hard bearing. At the same point he turn'd again. To reach once more his fav'rite den. This deny'd, the svibtle ranger Dash'd along to 'scape from danger. Heading at first — then slowly gaining Ground — and still his speed maintaining, When lo ! a most unlucky halt — The Field pull'd up— the hounds at fault. MR. RUSSELL.— 1830. 215 Distain'd, now sec the foamy side Of panting steed with nostril wide. Old Time near eighty minutes gain'd, Ere we another view obtain'd. The stoutest see of wily race Leading away at swiftest pace, Over the rich and fertile ground That backs Edge Hill with grassy bound. Cold hxmting now the Field perplex'd, The horses chill' d— the riders vex'd— Or ended here a run had been. The finest e'er by Sportsman seen. Catching again— so hot the scent, Away the nags that could go, went ; Others head-first, at pace of snail. Pitching like kite with loss of tail. Of nine score nags that pranc'd and rcar'd. Not more than twenty now appear'd. Our fox once more away was view'd, The sport with vigour we renew' d ; Lifting the hounds a field or so. Again they hit, and at him go. The hunting slow, yet sure and good j In gorsy brake, or tangled wood, In rocky hold, or noisome drain. No shelter found, so facd the main. In a large turnip field the pack Threw the stout fellow on his back. Describe, who can, the ardent joy Of those who join'd the— Death- whoop cry 1 216 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. BY G. R. MEEr LADBROKE. On Monday, November 29th, we met at Ladbroke, and found in a small gorse covert. In a very few minutes sly reynard made his appearance in full view, and a finer fellow never led a pack of hounds. The scent being good, the hounds were out in a moment, and went away in such dash- ing style, that few only had the pleasure of riding in the same field Avith them, and very many so far in the rear ranks, that they contented themselves with the common inquiry, ' Pray, Sir, can you inform me which way the hounds are gone ?' Here we had a check by the fox going along a road, and were soon put right, by one of Captain Swing's brigade, at work in a ditch by the road side, who told the huntsman 1 that pug had sheered to a plan- tation at a short distance. This put us all right again, and the gallant animal which promised us so much sport on his first appearance, realized all our expectations, by standing before his stanch pursuers full an hour ; and at length, after as fine a run as ever was seen, went to earth near Rugby, a distance of 1 4 or 1 5 miles from the place of start- ing, and we must have gone considerably more than 20 miles. — Very few went better or straighter than the Master of the hounds. 1 A huntsman (says Mr. Beckford,) should be attached to the sport, and indefatigable in the pursuit of it ; he should be sensible, good tempered, sober, exact, and cleanly, a good groom, and an excel- lent horseman ; his voice should be strong and clear, with an eye so quick as to perceive which of his hounds carry the scent when all are running, and where they throw up ; as well as an ear so excellent, as always to distinguish the leading hounds when he does not see them. Such are the qualities that constitute perfection in a huntsman ; he should not, however, be too fond of displajdng them, till called forth by necessity ; it being a peculiar and distinguishing trait in his province, to let his hounds alone whilst they can hunt, and strenuously to assist them when thev cannot. MR. RUSSELL.— 1830. 217 THE SAME, BY VENATOR. ' The huntsman, ever gay, robust and bold, Defies the noxious vapour, and confides In this delightful exercise to raise His drooping head, and cheer his heart with joy!' Met gay again — Ladbroke the gruund. And in a small gorse covert fonnd. Reynard from kennel nimbly flew. Then boldly shew'd himself in \ iew ; A finer fellow never led A pack o'er fallow, ley, or mead. The hounds rush cjuick from gorsy toil, Dashing along in gallant style ; To few did chance the pleasure yield Of seeing them in the same field. The rear rank all so far thrown out, They rode by guess the fields about. The old inquiry making — ' Pray, Can you inform me, Sir, wdiich way The hounds are gone — to left or right ?' Sad rueful looks from woful plight. Now check'd awhile the lucky throng. The fox had skulked a road along. Put right again, (good ground they made,) By one of Captain Swing's brigade. Who sluggish at his labour ply'd In muddy ditch by the way side. A covert small the huntsman shew'd. Where he our game had lately view'd. This rais'd again our spirits high. We all to the plantation fly. This gallant animal — the sort To shew a field the finest sport. 218 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. Confirm'd what we at first premis'd, Our ardent wishes realized. Reynard, defying hound and horse, When rovis'd the open took across ; Exerted all his speed and power, Standing hefore them full an hour. When pug, once more his heart to cheer. Got safe to earth at Rugby near ; A distance, many of us know. Of fifteen miles, as flies the crow ; Twenty and more by curving round. From covert side to place of ground. A finer run was never seen By any Sportsman yet, I ween. UFTON WOOD. On Thursday, December 17 th, met at Ufton Wood ; and an hour at least elapsed before reynard broke cover. A fine hunt then ensued, and the wily fox led his pursuers at a spanking rate over hill and dale, traversing in succes- sion Whitnash Gorse, Chesterton Wood, and Lighthornc Rough. From thence, after skirting the plantations at Lord Willoughby de Broke's, he went in the direction of Brickhill Gorse. Reynard, nothing loth, retraced his steps to Walton Wood, where he was killed ; thus termin- ating a brilliant run of two hours and 20 minutes, a slight check only intervening. A good shew of horsemen assembled to day in the field, and although the greater part of them were very well mounted, few were in at the death. This run afforded to all, whose nags knew how to cross a sporting country, an opportunity of displaying their nerve and judgment, and the pleasure of leaving the point-riders in the rear. MR. RUSSELL.— 1831. 219 STONELEIGH JANUARY 3UD. The Warwickshire hounds met to-day, Monday, the 3d of January, at Stoneleigh, when the lawn of that noble mansion was enlivened by the appearance of some splendid eqviipages, and an assemblage of 200 horsemen, many of whom were gaily clad in the costume of the Field, which, together with the hills and dales in the vicinity, re-echoing the cheering music of the chase, rendered the scene one of the most animating description. Reynard was soon found in Thickthorn Wood, and a fine burst ensued. He crossed the Avon to Berricote, that is on the opposite side of the river, which he crossed three or four times. The last time he went off in the direction of Mr. Burbury's Grange Farm, where, after a chase of nearly two hours, he took to earth, A terrier was let loose into the sough where reynard had taken refuge, and after a short interval he was brought out and killed. A second fox was afterwards bolted from the same sough, and afforded an excellent chase of seven miles ; but night coming on, the pack was suddenly whipped off in the neighbourhood of Kenilworth, leaving reynard, for the present, undisturbed possession of his native haunts. Owing to the slippery state of the ground, eight or nine gentlemen were thrown from their horses during the chase, but no accident of a serious description occurred. 1 1 At a time when all the world is run mad about foxhunting, (an old Sportsman remarks) I am surprised so few gentlemen have learned to enjoy it rationally ; the fashion of the present day is hard riding, and at night, when at the convivial board, their only pleasure seems to be in relating the exploits or disasters of their own, or their friends' horses ; not a word about the best or the worst hound in the pack, or any idea started to ascertain whether by system, or by accident, they had contrived to carry a scent twenty miles over a country to kill a fox ; and how so great an event has been achieved, few modern Sportsmen can with any degree of accuracy relate. IW WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. ALVESTON PASTURES. Found a fox at Alveston Pastures, and ran him by Loxley, through Wellesbourne Wood, and on to Walton. Then along the Bath Hill to Bowshot, where we changed our fox, and ran him throvigh Moreton Wood, and then to Lighthorne Rough. As Mr. Russell would not permit the hounds to be thrown into the covert, we returned to Bowshot, and found the hunted fox. He took us away, first to Moreton Wood, and then on to Newbold Pacey ; left that place to the right, went straight through Charlecote Pai'k, and then off to Al\ eston Pastures. Here we changed our fox, and he led us back to Sir John Mordaunts, where, as it was now getting \ei'y dark, we stopped the hounds. WIMPSIONE BRIDGE, .IAN. 24tH, 1831. Hark I liark again I the horn so gay, The ' Tallyho,' and ' Gone away;' The hounds in ftill melodious eiy, And ho7semen o'er the fences fly!' The meet this morning, January 24th, was at Wimp- stone Bridge. Preston Bushes were drawn in vain, but Wimpstone Bushes soon produced us a fox that was viewed away in gallant style, the hounds following him at a rattling pace. He crossed Preston brook, leaving the Bushes of Preston on the right, and then traversed the fine grass country at Admington, as far as Meon Hill ^ when he had got half w ay up, he suddenly turned down hill, bounded through the valley at a good hunting pace, and took to ground at Mickleton Wood. Here might have terminated a good day's sport, for the mettle of the nags had been tried by the sharpness of the run, and the heavy country through which, they had just passed. MR. RUSSELL.— 1831. 221 This being Colonel Berkeley's month for hunting the neutral country, the hounds were taken in the direction of Eatington, the nearest cover ; and upon drawing Alder- uiinster Bank, an old hound challenged before the rest got well up. Here as gallant a fox broke cover as ever crossed a country. Being viewed into Rough Hill, where the hounds settled to him, he went direct for Eatington Grove, passed straight through it, and over two fields towards the Idlicote country, where he was headed back to the Grove. On being forced, reynard immediatelj'^ broke away at the bottom, and then made for his old point, in the direction of Idlicote; but suddenly turning he crossed Mr. Shirley's park, then to the river Stoiir, at the village of Tredington. Here the gallant nature of our fox became manifest ; not in the least daunted, he crossed the river where there was no cover within many miles of the place. He then led his pursuers over Newbold open fields, to Mr. Fellowes's house at Talton, then over the Moreton railway, and about a mile up, crossed Talton brook, and after passing through Armscot open fields, reached Wimpstone Downs. At this time the pace was so great, that two or three old hounds were left behind. Wimpstone Downs were then crossed, and after passing through Mr. Townsend's plantation, the gallant party reached Ilmington Hills, where the scent got bad, the snow on the ground lying two or three inches thick. After passing tlie turnpike road from Ilmington to Campden, reynard ran straight through Foxcote plantations and the gorse, and instantly faced the fine grass coimtry beyond to Ebrington village. At Paxford plantations the hounds were whipped off, from fear of a fresh fox. But few horsemen came up, most of the nags l>eing so much distressed. The run was about 15 miles, in an hour and 20 minutes. 222 WARWICKSHIRE HyNT. HY AN OM) SPORTSMAN.— LAUBMOKE. The Warwickshire hounds had a o-raud day on Thurs- day' the l/th of Fe1)ruary. The Fiekl, doubtless, was the most numerous and hriUiant of the season, having been joined by many of the well known Sportsmen from Sir J. Gkrard's, and Mr. Osbaldeston's Inmt. They met at Ladbroke, and drew that favourite cover Radbourne Gorse, which never fails to furnish them with an out-and-out good ft)X. The hounds had lU) sooner entered the cover, than a fine fox was viewed away, and went at best pace for 35 minutes, over as fine a grass country as e\ er was seen ; and taking a circuitous route he was run to ground near Watcrgall. On proceeding to dig him out the hounds were drawn back to give him a second chance, and away he went for "20 minutes longer, withoiit any of the Field seeing either hound or fox until they came to the village of Farn- borough, where reynard had secreted himself in a farm yard, and where he was ol)liged to say ' enough,' to his stanch and fleet pursuers. A remarkable incident took place in this run, one that exhibited great presence of mind, singular activity, and strong mviscular power, in the individual to whom it occur- red. Mr. Brow^n, veterinary surgeon, of Warwick, was going very fast at a high hawthorn fence, and did not perceive, imtil he got within a few j^ards of it, that on the other side, down a steep descent, there was water, into which he must inevitably fall. At this moment he loosed the bridle, and with his left hand, caught hold of the bough of an oak tree, and his horse dropped into the canal, a distance of nine yards and a quarter from the place he took up, aiul swam to the opposite side. The horse imme- diately came back to his rider, who remounted, and con- tinued the chase. Neither of them received the least injury from the accident. MR. RUSSELL.— 1831. ^23 THE SAMU BY VENATOR. Old Sol to the south travels slo^vly along, Scarce deigniiif^ a gleam from the vapours ajuong ; Tlie mists, when (lisj)ers'd from the valle) and glen, Retire to the tops of the mountain again. Our world lies below — In the plain, on the wold, On upland, in lowland, on liills sharp and cold ; In vale and in coi»se, in brake and in wood, Witli a sturdy old fox, and a scent warm and good. On a nag stout as steel, tliat can dash thro' the mire, And jump ev'ry fence — this is all we require. We met to-daj^ a Field as fine As ever chasd a fox in line, A Field more splendid never drew A wood, or o'er a country f!ew j No Sportsman, were he so inclin'd. Durst leave his choicest nas; behind. That fav'rite cover Radbourne Gorse Was drawn — where we expect, of course. An out-and-out good fox to find. As stout as brave, and fleet as wind. The hounds had scarcely time to make Their M'ay into the prickly brake, Than an old fox of noble mien Dash'd o'er the sward of brownish-green. The ' Tallyho ! ' sweet grateful sound, Was caught by Sportsman, horse, and hound. Whilst echo spread the gladsome tale Of * Tallyho' thro' copse and dale. Bold reynard, at his swiftest pace Led on in gallant style the chase Near forty minutes — finer ground Was never cross'd by fox or hound. ^•24 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. Diverging uonv, he led his stout Pursuers thro' a circhng route, Aiming by stealth to e^ itate From them, and thus avoid his fate. And found at length, as chance might fall, A friendly earth near Watergall. Quickly the hounds were up, and bay Their game, as he in tenure lay Of doubtful ownership — poor wight — Twas urg'd by all the Field, his right Was not tenable — he must hold By primogeniture, not bold Usurpation — and in his case He'd neither deed of gift — nor lease — Usage prescriptive — no legal Document — nor title regal — To keep, as he did, possession, 'Spite o' th' Foxhunting Profession, Defying all the sporting laws Applying aptly to his cause. Besides, 'twas high contempt indeed In his old Foxship not to plead Before the Court, per se — to shew Whether he had the right or no ; Or might have done by learned brother. Forma pat/perh — or some other. 'Twas then agreed by gen'ral shout, They'd, nolens volens, fetch him out ! Boxall doth now the hounds withdraw, To give the trembling felon law ; A doubtful second chance to try, Whetber the knave shall live or die. MR. RUSSELL.— 1831. «25 Again away — the run so keen. That neither hound nor fox was seen By any of the field, for more Than twenty minutes — the power Was so reduc'd of ev'ry nag. The very stoutest seemed to flag. When to Farnborough vill he came, The hounds press'd closer on their game. And he, to shun a fate so hard. Sought shelter in a farmer's yard ; Where he, the day with pride to close. Exhausted fell before his foes. 1 COMPTON VERNEY. ' The joyous sound Of distant Sportsmen, and the deep-tongu'd liound First lieard from kennel burstina^ mad with joy.' The meet, on the '24th of February, was at this place, and the Field displayed a great number of well-appointed Sportsmen. The hounds soon found at Lighthorne Rough, when reynard broke cover in capital style. After being headed a few times in a manner never practised by any good sportsman, he went in the direction of Chesterton Wood ; afterwards he made a sudden turn, and leaving Compton Verney and Kineton to the right, ran into that fine bushy covert called the Holt, which he did not for some time seem inclined to leave, which gave the stragglers 1 Tlie indefatigable exertions of Boxall, together with the style in which the hounds are turned out, cannot fail to give satisfaction to every Sportsman. 226 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. an opportunity of coming up. At length, having left the covert, a fine burst ensued ; the hounds kept close to his brush until they got within a short distance of Edge Hill. After passing through Mr. Russell's fine planta- tions at Upton House, he took his course towards Banbury, and then retraced his steps as far as the poultry- yard, in the Park ; then leading the pack about three miles bejM)nd Kineton, reynard took to earth near the Banbury road ; the terriers were sent for, and he was soon unearthed and killed. This was a run of two hours' duration ; the distance 20 miles. Last meet, this season, Thursday, March 31st, 1831, at Oakley Wood. 'Like Britons of tlie ancient race, Witli nervous toil we join tlie chase ; By no ungen'rous thonglit control'd, Onr hearts are honest, free, and bold.' -0^@<«^ JUNE 16th, 1831. In consequence of the Anson Hunt relinquishing the hunting of the South of Coventry, the following covers were transferred to the Warwickshire : — ■WESTON WOOD, BAGGINTON, WAPPENBURY WOOD, PRINCETHORPE, WAVERLEY WOOD, RYTON WOODS, BERRICOTE WOOD, AND BUBBENHALL, CUBBINGTON WOODS. MR. RUSSELL.— 1831. 227 Cub-hunting began this season at Berricote Wood, on the 27th of August, and ended on the 28th of October, 1831, at Snitterfield Bushes. Regular hunting commenced on the 31st of October, at Upton House. BY ANONYMOUS. UPTON. 'Hark ! the liorn salutes the ear, The hunters ready, moruuig clear. Come, the happy hours embrace, Join the ever-jovial chase.' The hunting was opened on the 31st of October, with great eclat. The hounds were in fine condition, the hunts- man and his attendants well mounted ; and, indeed, all the appointments were highly creditable to the much-respected individual who had undertaken the management of this pack. The number of spectators to witness the throwing off was considerable. The cheerful horn gave the signal, and men, horses, and ho\ind.s, were instantly in motion. A fox was found in the hills hard by, and, after an excellent run, killed. Tantivy, in his description of this day's sport, says — We found a fox on the hill, and after running him for half an hour, killed. Found a litter of cubs in Pillerton Gorse, and run a fox from that cover to Hellbrake, and lost him. Went back to the Gorse and found again, and were some time before we drove one away j at last we were halloo'd to a fox, but he had been gone so long the hounds could make but little of the scent ; we followed him for an hour, cold hunting all the time, and then gave him up. Went back again to the Gorse, but the covert was so full of foxes that we stopped the hounds and took them home. p 2 228 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. BY WHOO- WHOOP. MITFORD BRIDGE, NOVEMBER 29tH, 1831. ' Tallylio I Tallyho there ! across the green plain ; TaUyho ! Tallyho boys I have at him again !' We first drew Ditchford, without finding ; we then went to Wolford Wood, where we immediately unkennelled a fox, who went away at a rate that at once shewed he was descended from the excellent breed of foxes for which this cover is notorious. He made straight away for Todden- ham, but being headed, turned short back, and ran direct for the wood. Disdaining to remain in cover, he brushed quickly through, and ran on to Shedcum j on being headed soon afterwards, he turned short back again, and took for Lord NoRTHwiCKS, and from thence to Hanging Wood, where he stopped for us. The pack soon routed reynard into the open again, and he went fast back for the village of Little Wolford, where he was headed by a plough-team. He then took his route again for Toddenham, and here the hounds began to press reynard so hard that he took shelter in a house ; being driven out, he ran into a cart hovel, where we killed him, after a good thing of three hours. MEET LADBROKE, NOV. 31ST. We drew our favourite cover, Radbourne Gorse, and quickly found a game fox. He first dashed away, at a slapping pace, for Watergall, when he turned short to the right, and passed through Ladbroke village. Maintaining his speed he went on to Bishop's Itchington, and then turned back to Ladbroke again. After going through the spinies, he made for Radbourne Gorse, but was headed and turned short back to Ladbroke again, where the hounds ran into him, after a sharp run of one hour and twenty minutes. MR. RUSSELL.— 1831. * S29 We returned to Radbourne Gorse, and found again, and ran reynard to Watergall Gorse, where we stopped the hounds, as it was too late to follow our game any further. PEINCETHORPE VILLAGE, DEC. 6. We found a fox in the wood, which went away through RytonWood, and then made straight to Frankton. Having threaded the wood at that place, he split along to the Bull and Butcher Wood, through that to Princethorpe Wood, back again to Ry ton Wood, and then again to the Bull and Butcher Wood. After running our fox there for an hour, we at last forced him out. Mr. Russell thought we had taken to a fresh fox, and the hounds were whipped off. We returned to Ryton Wood, found another fox, and ran him until dark. WALTON WOOD, DEC. 8. Found a fox directly the hoxmds were put into the wood ; we ran him about the cover for half an hour, when he took away to Marston Wood, and went to ground. This was a smart thing for 45 minutes, after he left the wood. We found again in Lighthorne Rough, and ran him about there, backwards and forwards, for an hour and 25 minutes, and killed. We then went to Chadshunt, where we unkennelled a third fox. He took away for Lighthorne, where he turned to the right, pointing for Marston. Leaving that place to the right he went on to Oakley ; here he turned short back, and went at a rapid pace for Chesterton. This was a very capital run of an hour, when we were obliged to take off the hounds, as it was almost dark. p3 'i30 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. AVON DASSETT, DEC. 10. Drew and found a fox at Watcrgall. He went away for Nuneaton 3 on his course he was headed short back, and the hounds ran into him between the above place and Watergall, after a very fast burst of 9,0 minutes. In succession we drew Farnborough, Mohngton Gorse, and Warmington, blank. Wc afterwards found a fox at Hanwell, and ran him in the spiny for 20 minutes before we killed him. ITCniNGTON HEATH, DEC. 15. On drawing this covert wc found a brace of foxes ; went off with one, and in 15 minutes ran him to ground. Returned to the heath, and found again ; and as one part of the pack was running very hard at the bottom of the wood, most of the gentlemen went away with eight couple of hounds. The body of the pack stopped in the wood and killed their fox. We then went to Chesterton, and found another fox ; we ran him to Chadshunt Copses, where reynard was cour- teous enough to wait for us. We started him again, and ran him at a very sharp pace to Chadshunt House, where he went to ground in a drain ; we bolted him and killed. Then out bolted another fox, and we ran him through Chadshunt on to Lighthorne Rough, where wc took off the hounds, as it was getting dark. WROXTON, DEC. 17. Found a fox in the Broom Cover, and killed, after running him for 20 minutes. Then drew Claydon Hill and Upton, blank. Found a fox at Edge Hill, and ran him to ground. Drew Kineton Holt, blank. Drew Pillerton Gorse, and found; ran him through Pillerton village, on to Brickhill Gorse. Left that MR. RUSSELL.— 1831. 231 to the right, and through the spinies to Smatchley Brake. Then down to Sir John Mordaunt's, where he was headed and went back to the Rookery 3 here we changed our fox, which went on to Wellesbourne Wood, where we ran him without kiUing, till the moon shone. ILMINGTON VILLAGE, DEC. 19. This morning we found at Stoke Wood, when our fox went away at a very quick pace, to Mickleton Wood. When he got near to the Hill, he turned back again to Stoke Wood ; through that cover on to Foxcote, and then down to Potter's Bank. In sinking the hill, the hounds began to go for him at a slapping rate. Left Blacket to the right, and then straight to Ilmington, quite down to the edge of the water, where, no doubt, reynard was drowned, as we could trace him no farther. This was a famous run of one hour and a half. WOLFORD WOOD, DEC. 20. We found and went away for Hanging Aston, when we were hallood back to Toddenham, where we got to steady running. Hunted our fox back to the wood, where we got up to him. Leaving that covert again, he made through the copses and on to Toddenham. He left that place to the right and soon crossed the water for Ditchford, through the spiny there, and then went on to Shipston, where he secreted himself in a tanyard, by getting into a manger. When driven from this retreat, reynard made straight for Honington, and was baulked in attempting to get into a drain. After crossing the water three times, reynard went away at his best pace, over the field to Honington, and then took ground. On being bolted he ran to Admington, where the hounds threw him up in gallant style. This was a good thing, and at times fast, of three hours and 30 minutes. 23^ WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. December ^Ist, 1831. — At a meeting held this day at the Warwick Arms, it was resolved — On consideration of Mr. Russell's proposal of continuing to hunt the country, inchuling the additional Woodlands, for one, two, or three years, on receiving .£ 2,100. per year. That a subscription be entered into for one year; and that the proposition of Mr. Russell, to hunt the Woodlands twice a fortnight, be approved of. — E. J. Shirley, Esq. in the chair. 1832. — At the adjourned Meeting at the Warwick Arms, Feb. Lst, 1832, a cordial vote of thanks was passed to John Russell, Esq. for his approved management of tlie hounds^ BY WHOO-WHOOP.— swACLiFFE, December 24. Drew Wigginton and the Round-about, blank. Found a fox at Lord Northampton's, which went straight away for Brailes. Being headed there, he turned for Windcrton Shrubs, went straight through, and back for Lord North- ampton's. Then on to Shutford, where he was again headed, and returned back to Lord Northampton's a second time. He then made direct for Brailes, but leaving that place to the left, he dashed on for Hell Brake. Here we changed our fox, which took us down for Honington, and then again back to Brailes, where he turned short to the left for Whatcote. Leaving that place to the right, he went up to Tysoe, where he turned to the right again, and made towards Pillerton Gorse ; before quite reaching that place, he went to ground in a drain. PRINCETHORPE, DEC. 27. Found at the wood, and ran our fox for two hours, when he made away for Eathorpe, but turned short to the left to Marton, and up to Thurlaston. Leaving that place and Frankton Wood, both to the right, he went back through the Bull and Butcher Wood to Princethorpe Wood, on to Burnt Hurst, where he went to ground, after a run of an hour. MR. RUSSELL.— 1832. 233 ILMINGTON HILLS, DEC. 31. A dense fog prevented us from drawing any of the coverts on the hills, and wc then went to Preston Bushes, Whimpstone Downs, and Eatington, all of which we drew blank. Found a fox at Brickhill Gorse, which took us direct for Idlicote, and on to Hell Brake. Having passed through that cover, he went straight towards Brailes, which he brushed quickly through, and turned to the right to Lord Northampton's. He next took over the hill to Shutford, but leaving that place to the right, he went straight forward to Upton, and on to Edge Hill. From that place he bore down to the Holt, which he left to the right, and ran back very near to Upper Pillerton, and then turned short to Pillerton Gorse. We had now run our fox for three hours, and being half past five o'clock, it was so dark we drew off the hounds. HOUNDSHILL, JANUARY 12, 1832. We drew Alveston Pastures, and found a good fox ; he went off at a rattling pace in the direction of Alveston village, turned short to the right for Wellesbourne Wood, across the country to Walton, and then to Bowshot ; and after leading his pursuers to Lighthorne Rough, reynard returned to his old haunts at Alveston Pastures. This run lasted from eleven to half past five, and at times going at best pace ; almost every nag was knocked up, and their riders obliged to say — ' Enough.' AVON DASSETT, JAN. 14. Drew the gorse and found a fox, which wc killed, after running him 20 minutes. Went on and found again ; reynard led away at a quick pace for Mollington Hill, and then to Cropredy. Here our game was headed, and turned quite short for 234 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. Wormleighton, where we were hallood to him ; we followed at a good pace until he stopped in a gorse. Driven from that covert he went bravely away for 20 minutes longer, when the hounds ran into him, and killed him in gallant style. The chase lasted one hoiu' and 23 minutes, and might be termed a good hunting run. ANONYMOUS. STONELEIGH ABBEY, JANUARY 17. Drew Itchington, blank. Then went on to Berricote Wood ; the hounds were no sooner put into cover than one of them challenged 3 the whole pack immediately crashed together, and a fine fox broke away in view of the whole Field, and went away for Cubbington. At this place he turned short for Wavcrley Wood, and then for the village of Wappenbury, where he crossed the water for Huning- ham ; being headed, he doubled for Eathorpc, and went straight through Princethorpe Wood, and away to Bubben- hall village ; here, after running reynard in view for about ten minutes, he was killed in a little orchard belonging to Mr. Newbold. THE SAME, BY WHOO-WHOOP. Drew Itchington Wood and the Grove, blank. Found a fox in Berricote Wood, that went off for Cubbington. Left that place to the right, and on through Waveley Wood to Bubbenhall. Inclined to the right again, and on to the village of Wappenbury. Here reynard turned to the left, by Eathorpe, and on to Eathorpe Wood ; then through Burnthurst, Ryton Wood, and on to Bubbenhall village ; here the hounds ran into him, after a good run of one hour and three quarters. MR. RUSSELL.— 1832. 935 UPTON HOUSE, JAN. 21. Drew Wroxton, blank. Returned, and found a fox on the hills, and ran him to ground. Went to Kineton Holt and found ; our fox took us away at a very quick pace, to Edge Hill, along the hill to Upton, and then down to Tysoe. Leaving that to the right, he took straight to Lord North- ampton's ; by the spinies there, and on through Winterton and Winterton Scrubs, where the hounds ran into him after chasing him an hour and a half. ANONYMOUS.— UFTON, jan. 26. The Warwickshire hounds had a most tremendous day on Thursday, January 26th. We met at Ufton Wood, but went away without drawing that cover, to Radboume Gorse, and almost instantly found. This was the third time that cover had been drawn this season, and it has the credit of furnishing the best foxes, and almost a certain find ; never having been disappointed of an out-and-outer. He went away straight for Itchington Heath, to which place the pace was good all the way, and lasted from 35 to 40 minutes. — Here they changed foxes, and he led them direct to Chads hunt spinies, and from thence in a direction to Kineton. He afterwards turned, and went again to Itchington Heath, and after ringing twice round the cover, went off a second time in the direction to Kineton, and the hounds were whipped off near Burton Dasset. 1 MITFORD BRIDGE, FEB. 14. Drew Wolford Heath and Barton Grove, both blank. Found a fox at Wichford Wood, and ran him about the cover, on a very bad scent, for five hours ; we stuck to him till dark, and were obliged to leave him at last. 1 Out of a Field of 300, only five or six saw the termination. There were several bad falls, and one gentleman killed his horse. 236 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. THE SAME, BY WHOO-WHOOP. Met at Ufton Wood, and found a fox at Radbourne Gorse ; he first went for Watergall, but leaving that place to the right, he made straight for Ladbroke ; through the spinies there, by Bishop's Itchington, and to Itchington Heath. The pace was very fast up to the heath, for 50 minutes. Here we had four foxes going at the same time, and the hounds divided. They at last went away with a fresh fox by the Chadshunt spinies, and up to North End. The horses were now pretty well done up, and the hounds were drawn off. HAMPTON, JAN. 30. In drawing the wood we found a good fox ; away he went off straight for Hampton Lucy, but being headed, he turned and made direct for Sherborne-hill. Leaving that to the right for Luskum Wood, where we were obliged to stop the hounds, from fear of the traps and spikes. Then went to Ganaway Grove and found a good fox, which we rattled about until he split away for Grove Park. Leaving that to the right, he went off to Sherborne Pits, and over them at his fastest pace to Hampton Wood. Then on to Scad Bank, where he went to ground, after a smart run of two hours and a half. CHESTERTON, FEB. 2. Our fox, as soon as we found, went straight away for Highdown, then on for Whitnash, and over the brook for Radford. Leaving that place to the right, he made straight for Ufton- wood, which he skirted, passed on to Ladbroke, and then forward to Harbury Heath. The hounds now set to him in good earnest, and rattled him merrily along over the great enclosures to Chesterton Pool, where they ran into him, after a sharp thing of one hour and a quarter, the best pace the whole of the way. MR. RUSSELL.— IB^^. 237 COMPTON VERNEY, FEB. 23. Lighthorne Rough afforded us another fox to-day ; he went off first to Chadshuut and then to North End ; having left that place to the right, he went straight to Itchington Heath, where we killed, after running him in the heath for 20 minutes. The run lasted an hour and 20 minutes. MITFORD BRIDGE, FEB, 28. Found a fox at Wolford Wood, and ran him in the covert for two hours ; having driven him out and run him 20 minutes, he went to ground. In digging out one of the hounds, we bolted the fox, and killed him in about five minutes. Found a second fox in drawing one of the Ditch- ford spinies, and ran him at a very fast pace to Wolford Wood. It was now so late we were obliged to give him Tip. UFTON, MARCH 8. Drew the wood, blank. Found a brace of foxes in the gorse, and chopped one ; the other went away right through the wood, and on to Long Itchington ; left that village to the right, and took ground near Southam. — Found again at Print-hill, and lost our fox after running him to Huning- ham. — Drew Mr. Knightley's spinies, blank. — Fouud at Whitnash Gorse ; our fox went off straight for Chesterton Wood ; here we dropped on the scent of a fresh one, and brushed him along to Chadshunt, where he was lost. 1 1 We are told, by a Senior Sportsman, that, anticipating a check, and making a judicious cast, wlien casting is necessary, is tlie most useful knowledge in foxlmnting. A church, a village, a farm house, a team at plough, men at work, sheep, and above all cattle ; for be it remembered that tlie breatli of one cow Avill distract hounds more than a hundred sheep ; wlien any of these objects present tliemselves in the face of liounds, you may then anticipate a stop, and by pulling up your horse, and observing which way the pack inclined before the check, you will be able, without casting, to hold them to the right or left accordingly. 238 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. WHljrPSTON'E BRIDGE, MARCH 12. Found at Gaily Oak, and our fox ran direct to Quinton, where he turned s^hort to the rights and then to the left for Preston Bushes ; through the Bushes, and up to Whimp- stone Downs ; then straight to Crimscott, and leaving that place to the right, he crossed the Stour by Alderminster. Up to Alseot plantations, and then turned short to the left to Fir Grove, and down to Mr. West's park ; here he gave us a ring, and went on to Foxhill Bank ; turned short to the left, and on to Daisy-hill, where the hounds ran into him, after a good thing of one hour and ten minutes. CHESTERTON WOOD, MARCH 15. This morning we unkennelled a fox in the wood, that went off ft)r Lighthorne Rough ; leaving that covert to the right, he took straight to Chadshunt Coppices, and then to the heath at Itchington. After giving us one ring in the heath, he doubled and again reached Chesterton Wood ; he then dashed away for the Windmill, and on to Whitnash Gorse ; having quitted that place to the left, he ran through Ufton Wood to Print-hill. On turning short to the Fosse, we perceived we had two fresh foxes before us. The horses were all so dead beat, that they could have no chance with a fresh fox at that period of the day, and the hounds were stopped. This was a remarkably hard day. ANONYMOUS.— wiUMPSToNE bridge, march 25. * Hark ! the horn calls each Sportsman, and each neighing steed Snuffs the air, growing anxious to put forth his speed.' The snow lying thick on the hills near the residence of the gallant Master of the hounds, excited fears that the weather would not permit of hunting ; and a strong muster of Nimrods present, were for some time in an anxious state of suspense. About twelve o'clock, however, their appro- MR. RUSSELL.— 1832. 239 hensions were dissipated by seeing Mr. Russell at some distance riding at a i-apid rate, and his arrival soon relaxed the chilly countenances of the Field into a bland smile of anticipated enjoyment. Orders were given to draw Gaily Oak ; but not finding there, recourse was had to Preston Bushes, and in about five miimtes as good a fox as ever crossed a country was found ; he went away, continued his career, and died like a good one ; his pace was as straight and unflinching as it was fast ; he went by Mickleton at a slapping pace, and although we all got a good start, thex'e were many absentees even at that place ; and at Baker's-hill, about seven miles from the Bushes, the Field became very select. A check of two or three minutes occurred here, which was most acceptable to every one. From Baker's-hill we went direct for Weston Park, which the fox ran through, and made an attempt over the stone walls in Gloucestershire ; but his fiat was sealed ; poor reynard was obliged to return to the wood. As a last resource, he passed through a corner of Weston-wood a second time ; and the hovmds finally ran into him at Newcombes White-house, after a run of one hour and three minutes, as good and as fast as any Sports- man could wish ; and over as fine a country as hounds ever crossed. I 1 Fine, sunshiny days, Mr. Beckford considers not to be good hunting days ; tliose warm witliout sun are perfectly so. In some fogs scent lies well, in others not at all. Scent lies well in a high mist, when it is not too wet ; but if the wet should hang on the bushes and boughs, with a rough wind, it then continues to fall upon the scent, and consequently to deaden it. When cobwebs hang flaccid upon the bushes, scent is very uncertain ; during a mild white frost the scent lies high, as it does likewise when the frost is gone ; but at the time of its going off it never lies at all. 240 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. There were about ^25 up at the death ; a gratifying, and rather a surprising number, after such an out-and-outer run. The distance, as the crow flies, could not be less than 1 4 miles, for the last five of which some of the leading men rode without their hats. On the whole, this run forms a brilliant close to one of the most brilliant seasons of the Warwickshire hounds. In the last month, they have killed 1 1 out of 14 foxes. Bill Boxall, as a young huntsman, deserves great credit ; no man has brought a pack into greater perfection than he has the Warwickshire. Captain Russell will retire from the management with the esteem and respect of the whole Hunt ; his urbanity of manners, with the liberal spirit which has distinguished all his hunting arrangements, has left nothing to be desired. BY WHOO-WHOOP.— I'FTON wood, march 22. ' The dew that bespangles each leaf, When Aurora unveils her bright face, Are tears of the night shed in grief. Which depart mth the joys of the chase.' Drew the wood, blank. Found a fox in the Gorse at Whitnash, and ran him at a a cry quick pace up to Chester- ton. Ran him in the wood for an hour, when he broke away for Lighthorne, and on to Chadshunt ; here he turned back to Itchington-heath, through that covert on to Water- gall, bearing for Radbourne ; then turned to the right over the fields for Knightcote ; went back to Itchington, and through the heath at a rapid pace to Chesterton- wood ; here our fox was so dead beat that he could scarcely make a run of it even at a very slow pace. At this moment we were hallood away to a stale scent, and it was got so late we would not let the hounds go on any farther. MR. RUSSELL.— 1832. 241 HOUNDSHILL, MARCH 26. Drew the Pastures, and killed a vixen fox. Found another in the Pastures, that led us off to Fir Grove ; left it to the right, and went straight to the Grove, and through the Park up to Idlicote, where he took to ground. Then we returned to Brickhill Gorse, and found again. Our fox led us away for Harwood's-house, and up to Lord Northampton's ; then over the warren to Gilks's Gorse, and on to Wichford-wood. The hounds were stopped here, as it was getting towards night. WALTON WOOD, MARCH 31. The hounds found a fox at Bowshot. It was a bad day, no scent, and therefore no hunting. This meet closed the season 1831-32. Cub-hunting began August the 25th, and ended on the 29th of October. The hounds hunted five days a week ; they were never known to be in better condition. The men were well mounted, and the foxes plentiful. The first meet, this season, was on November the 1st, 1832, at Upton. Drew the Hill, where we found an old fox, and killed him in a few minutes. Found a second, an old one, and turned him up near Upton. Found a third fox, and ran him to Kineton-holt, and he took to groimd at Knoll-end. 242 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. BY WHOO- WHOOP. UFTON, NOV. 13. Drew the wood and found. Our fox went away at a very fast pace to Bishop's Itchington, where he went to ground. Then went to Itchington-heath, and started a second fox, who led us bravely to Chadshunt, and then made for North End, where he turned short back j brushed through Gaydon Spiny, to Itchington. Having gained Verney-gorse, and run through that cover, reynard turned short back to Itchington-heath, where we killed. This was a very smart run of one hour and 25 minutes. CHESTERTON, NOV. 22. Unkenneled at Chesterton-wood, and killed our first fox at Ladbroke, There one of the right sort was imme- diately found ; reynard made neither feint nor double, but at once broke cover, with the hounds close at his brush. He led them at a slapping pace to Hodnell, then by Chapel Ascote, Ladbroke, and Bishop's Itchington, and was run into in gallant style, and killed on Itchington-heath, after a run over a fine sporting country of full 1 6 miles, without a moment's check. The distance was done in 55 minutes. bishop's ITCHINGTON, NOV. 29. Drew the gorse at Watergall, but as the earths were open we did not find. Found afterwards at Chesterton, when our fox went directly off to Lighthorne, through the rough at that place, and then to Bowshot. Leaving that cover to the right, reynard took straight for the coppices at Chadshunt. On reaching Itchington-heath, he turned short back to Verney's Gorse, where the hounds ran into him in capital style. The run lasted 46 minutes. MR. RUSSELL.— isa^. ^43 HAMPTON, DEC. 3. Having unkenneled a fox in this wood, he took us away to Sherborne ; the scent lay very bad, yet they hunted him beautifully up to Hampton-on-the-Hill, and although they could not do much with him, we still kept after him to Gannaway-grove ; here we got upon better terms with our game, and brushed him away in good style for Wolverton- field, and then on to Luskum-wood. Leaving that to the right he bore down for Stratford, when he diverged to the right again, and ran up to Hatton Rock. After trying the earths at that place to no purpose, he dashed away to Daisy-hill j then left Hampton-wood to the left, and direct for Scad-bank ; the earths here also refused him, and he next made for Old Pastures coppices ; on to Hampton Lucy, through the village, across the Avon, and we ran him to ground in Charlecote Park. This was a famous run from Gannaway-grove of an hour. OAKLEY, DEC. 6. ' Hark ! the holloiv woods resounding, Echo in the hunter's cry ; Hark ! how all the vales surrounding, To his cheering voice reply !' This day afforded us capital sport. We found in the wood, and our fox took away straight for Barford, where he turned short to the left to Middle-hill, and on to Newbold Pacey. Quitting that place to the left, he was off for More- ton Morrell, through Lighthorne, and on to Chadshunt. Here reynard turned short back to Itchington-heath ; and leaving that covert to the right, turned short to Verney's Gorse. After threading the gorse, reynard drove on at his best pace through Chesterton-wood, and on to Harwood's- house ; where the hounds came to a check, after a run of ■57 minutes. We presently hit him off again, and regular Q 2 244 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. hunting succeeded for a considerable time ; when at last we got up to him at Chadshunt coppices. From this place he led us along at a good rattling rate, to Kineton ; here our fox turned short to the left, and came back until near to Gay don ; having him now almost in view, he doubled short to Chadshunt House, where he was killed. This run lasted three hours. EPWELL WHITE HOUSE, DEC. 8. Our fox, the moment we found, went first direct down by Compton Wynniate, up to the windmill, and then on for Edge Hill, turning short to the right, for Epwell-gorse. Leaving that covert to the left, he turned short back to Compton Wynniate, and on for Idlicote. Turning here to the left, he came back to Tysoe, where the hounds ran into him in noble style, in the middle of a field. This was a very fast thing indeed of 40 minutes. Went on to Brailes, where we found a second fox, and killed him in ten minutes. — Then tried further and found a third fox, which in about a quarter of an hour we ran to ground. 1 WHIMPSTONE BRIDGE, DEC. 10. This morning we found at Gaily Oak, when reynard split away for Pebworth ; but inclining there to the right, he soon made Clifford Hill. Leaning to the right again, he bore down for Stratford ; then to the left straight through the Cherry Orchard, where he ran to ground. This was a brisk run of 35 minutes. We dug the old fellow out, and gave him another start ; but he was nearly done up, and we ran into him in about ten minutes. 1 It was on this day that Jack Ransom killed Crazy. MR. RUSSELL.— 1832. 245 MIIFORD BKIDGE. Found ill Woltbrd Wood, when our fox took straight off for Todenham, and on to Ditchford. When very near to Shipston, he passed that town to the left, and went down to Tidmington ; then over the brook to Wolford Wood, where we killed him, after a sharp run of an hour. PRINCETHORPE VILLAGE, DEC. 18. We found a fox in the wood, and in half an hour ran him to ground. Drew Wennel Wood, blank. Found soon afterwards at Waveley Wood, and when he had given us two or three rings in the wood, reynard went fast away by Bubbenhall, over Bubbenhall bridge, and then led us almost up to Combe Woods. Leaving these coverts to the right, he came back to Wennel-wood, which he passed through, and went on to Baggintou Grove. Away from that place to Chantrey-heath, through Stoneleigh Park, over the water at that place, and on to King's-wood. Reynard, having ran through the wood, made the best of his way to Wainbody- wood ; here he turned short and came back very near to Stoneleigh, where the stanch pack ran into him in an open field. This was a gallant run of one hour and 15 minutes, without a check. ALVESTON PASTURES, DEC. 24. Drew the covert here, and Fir Grove, blank. Found in Mr. West's plantations, when after running about there for an hour, he went to ground. We found again at Rough Hill ; reynard led off straight up to Lighthorne, and we killed him after a run of one hour and ten minutes. a3 246 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. FERN HILL, JAN. 1, 1833. We did not succeed at any of the woods near to this meet, but we found ultimately in a neighbouring wood ; we ran our fox at his best pace through the country, for one hour and 20 minutes. We then got to steady hunting for an hour and 40 minutes, when Bill Boxall picked up the fox alive before the hounds, and he was killed. This run altogether lasted three hours. BY WEAZEL. LADBROOKE, THURSDAY, JAN. 3. On the 3d of January, we had a beautiful thing with Mr. Russell, near Southam. We found an old fox at Radbourne, that ran like a very Belgian, at a splitting pace, to Watergall ; through the cover there to Dassett Hill, leaving Fenny Compton on the right. On the hills pug effected a bargain with another pug, and persuaded him to take the hounds on at a merry pace up to Edge Hill, by Knoll End, while he remained at Dassett. From Edge Hill pug made for Shennington, and then to Epwell's famed White House, where, lucky for pug, he got into a drain. The run lasted three hours. It is the first time, for these five and twenty years, that a fox took so direct a line to Edge Hill, over this magnificent grass country. At one time Mr. Corbet thought proper to smoke out the foxes from the earths at Knoll End, as there were so many recep- tacles at Edge Hill ; the consequence was, he could not force a fox to Knoll End, the place where we unkenneled to-day. MR. RUSSELL.— 1833. 24? THE SAME, BY VENATOR * Come, mount boys, to liorse, and away.' What Sportsmen describe as a beautiful thing, They tell us 'tis noble and fit for a King. Take pug as you find him, in dingle or gorse. As men take their wives — that's for better or worse. An old fox broke cover at Radbourne to-day. That ran like a Belgian when splitting away. 1 Off to Watergall first, and then he ran straight Thro' the covert, not daring a moment to wait ; Then up Dassett Hills — now hold hard ev'ry steed, Reserve well the strength they will presently need. To the right he soon left Fenny Compton, when He play'd us a trick we ne'er dreamt of till then. Here a witch and her fiends, as legends indite, Tho' not seen by day, hatch'd up mischief at night, To pug had imparted, on Long Compton Hill, A lesson or two of her cunning and skill. 2 1 Leopold, the newly-made Kin^ of Belgium, led his army ap^ainst the Dutch. As soon as his troops caught sight of the enemy, they all tlircAV down their arms and ran away ; and it was not without some difficulty that the King and his personal staflF escaped. 2 There is scarcely a district in England, where oral tradition has not conveyed to us some mysterious event — the handiwork of some wizard or witch — some fairy or fay — of some hobgoblin, or sprite or other invisible agent — who have performed most wonderful things, occultly, to the surprise and consternation of the natives. On the top of Long Compton Hill, it is said, an old witch used to assemble, at times, her associates and myrmidons, to project mischief against any of the inhabitants of the surrounding country who disputed their power, or did not obey their injunctions ; and, many years ago, the traveller was shewn several large stones, set up endwise, like so many pillars in miniature, as the representatives of those midnight devilkins, who, to the great joy of the neighbourhood, had, by some superior power, been most miraculouslv turned into stone. 248 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. On the hill pug effected a bargain, they say. With some other fox, which he met by the way. And persuaded his friend, as a matter of grace, To lead on the hounds at a rare merry pace. By Knoll End to Edge Hill, which quickly he gain'd. While safely at Dassett the first fox remain' d. From Edge Hill to Shennington pug dash'd along. To Epwell White House^ erst so famous in song ; When he took to a drain, and lucky for pug, As he there sav'd his brush, his pads, and his lug ! In describing this run, Whoo-Whoop says — Radbourne Gorse, this morning, produced us a good fox. As soon as reynard was unkenneled he went off at the very best pace to Watergall. There we changed our fox for one of the right sort, who took us in most gallant style to Farn- borough. Leaving that place to the left, reynard went off, first to Knoll End, and then on to Epwell, and at length we ran him into a drain that leads to the cellars. This was the best day that I ever saw in Warwickshire. The hounds behaved uncommonly well during the whole of the run ; and many gentlemen present, good judges of the chase, spoke highly of their speed, steadiness, and style of hunting. BY WHOO-WHOOP.— UPTON, jan. 5. This day afforded us another good run. We drew and found at Lord Northampton's. Our fox went to Shen- nington ; left that to the right, and then made straight for Upton House ; on to Edge Hill, and then to Warmington ; from this place he came back to Knoll End. Here reynard was killed after a most excellent run of one hour and 30 minutes. MR. RUSSELL.— 1833, 249 HAMPTON, JAN. 14. We drew this wood, and found. Our fox ringed about for an hour, and then went away for Sherborne Pit, where he ran to ground. We next drew Grove Park, blank. In u short time we found at Warwick Old Park, when our fox ran to Hay-wood ; here he ringed about for three hours, and until he was lost. WALTON, JAN. 17. The momeiit we found, our fox made off at a xery fast pace for one hour before the hounds turned him vip. A second fox was found in Lighthorne Rough, which we ran to ground at Chesterton. A third fox was started at Ches- terton, which we ran to ground in the same drain. In the course of the day the pack divided, and seven couple went on with a fox to Mr. Orreds farm, and there ran him to earth. Mr. Cockbill afterwards took the hounds home. riLLERTON GATE, FEB. 2. We found a fine stout fox in drawing Pillerton Gorse, which took us away for Gambells ; he left that place to the right, and then came back to Tysoe. Left that village to the right, and bore up for Shutsford ; then took to the left, and on to Lord Northampton's, where he got safe into the earths. This run lasted only 45 minutes, but the pace was so very fast, that few Sportsmen have seen a field of horses so much distressed as they were in so short a time. The hounds beat the nags to day in prime style. HOUNHSHILL, FEB. 4. This morning we drew Alveston Pastures, where we found a fox that led us away first to Walton Wood, and 250 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. then on to Lox'd Willoughby's ; from thence to Bowshot, and on to Moreton Wood. Having made Oakley Wood, reynard left that covert to the left, and then came back to Charlecote, where we ran him to ground ; he was bolted, and killed. A sharp run of one hour and 25 minutes, ITCHINGTON HEATH, FEB. 22. In drawing this cover we found a vixen fox, and stopped the hounds. Being led away, almost immediately, by another fox, we ran him to ground, after a sharp burst of 15 minutes. Found a third at Chesterton, which took us off to Lighthorne ; here he turned to the right, and went straight to Chadshunt coppices, and went to earth. Whilst the hounds were baying their game, we were hallood to another, we followed him for 20 minutes when he ran to ground. These disappointments determined us to return to the place where we left our second fox ; we bolted him, and after running him for an hoiir, at a good hunting pace, the hounds threw him up. FARNBOKOUGH, FEB. 23. The first place we tried this morning was Windmill- hill ; reynard was snug in his kennel, but hearing a little more bustle about his domicile than was consistent with his habits of retirement, up he sprang, and took straight for Farnborough. The worthy 'Squire, though a true friend to the .sport, was no enemy to the fox, and reynard always met with fair play, when he sought refuge in any of the numerous coverts and plantations upon his estate. Being driven from this place, he diverged to the right, sunk the bottom to Bodington-hill, and then on for the Gorse. In a few minutes he cjuitted that brake to the left, and made for Prior's Marston • then inclining to the right, he bore for Prior's Hardwick. Turning still more to the right, he next MR. RUSSELL— 1833. S.'Sl returned back straight to Farnborough, where he ran to ground. This run lasted an hour. Reynard was bolted, and the hounds threw him up in the second field. THICKTHORNE, FEB. 2fi. Drew the wood, blank. Found a fox at Berricote- wood, which led us away through Milverton and Cubbing- ton, and then down to Offchurch. Crossing the water, he made away for Long Itchington, and turned short back to Offchurch, where he was killed, after a run of one hour and 45 minutes. AVON DASSETT, MARCH 2. A fox was found this morning at Windmill-hill, which led straight off to Bodingtoii, and then to Prior's Hardwick. Leaving that place to the left, he ran back direct to Farn- borough, and was there turned up, after a run of about 50 minutes. MITFORD BRIDGE, MARCH 19. Drew Wolford Wood, and found. Our fox led us off for Moreton-in-Marsh ; leaving that place to the right, he led on to Addlestrop, where we killed. The run was a good one of 43 minutes. The weather had been so unfavourable nearly for three weeks, and the scent lay so bad from the prevalence of fogs, sleet, snow,- and other impediments, that the hounds, when they did meet, had not a fair chance to shew any sport. — This falling off, just at the end of the season, was much regretted. The hounds were in as good condition, and the horses as fit for work, as they were at any time since they commenced hunting, but they were beaten by the weather. The atmosphere was most unfavourable to scent. •252 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. WHIMPSTONE BRIDGE, MARCH 25. This morning we drew Gaily Oak, and did not find. Better luck attended us afterwards, as we found a fox on trying Preston Bushes, that burst off first for Gaily Oak, and turned short to the right for the Sand House ; he then inclined to the left, for Garrett's Brow ; leaning once more to the left, he ran under the hill for Mickleton village, and up to the Burnt-house. Left it to the right, and ran very near to Camden ; then diverging to the left, reynard bore up to Weston, through the Park, and on to Lady Norreys' plantations. Bearing then to the left, he came back to Weston Park, which he passed through, and on to New- combe, where the hounds ran up to him. This run, up to the first check, w'as 43 minutes, and the run altogether 55 minutes. Last meet, this season, Saturday, March the 30th, at Upton. The pack, this season, hunted 80 days, and killed and accounted for 9-i foxes. Mr. Russell gave up the houxids at the end of this season. His horses were sold, at Tattersall's, on the *^7th of May, and brought good prices. MR. RUSSELL.— 1833. 253 DEMISE OF MR. RUSSELL. ^OHN Russell, Esq. of Kirkby Mallory, Leicestershire, and late of Upton House, in this county, died at No. 32, in Lansdowne-place, Leamington, on Sunday evening, the 27th of April, 1833, in the 39th year of his age, sincerely and deeply regretted by all who knew him. Mr. Russell was Master of the Warwickshire Hounds for three seasons, and acquired great and deserved popularity in that situation. In him were happily united the sound judgment and energy of a first-rate Sportsman, with the conciliatory and polished manners of a gentleman, and he was much beloved for his gentleness of deportment, and excellent temper, which, though often tried in the field, was never ruffled. Captain Russell was second son of Lord William Russell, brother of the Duke of Bedford. He was born July 11th, 1796. He entered early into the navy, and served many years in the Mediterranean, and other parts of the world. — Mr. Russell shone in all the endearing relations of domestic life. Thus early railed to everlasting rest, Death spares not long the bravest and the best. 254 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. MR. RUSSELL'S FOXHOUNDS, NOVEMBER, 1831. NAMES. Virulent NINE YEARS. SIRES. Lord Soiules's Ottoman DAMS. Vengeance SEVEN YEARS. Dairymaid . . I Duke of Beaufort's Doriniond . i Bridemaid l/apwing . . 1 Guardsman . . . . 1 Lapwing Victory . . I Benedict . . . . Virulent Bridemaid Brevity Benedict Bobadil Jessamy Volatile Whipster Wildfire Warble SIX YEARS. Rocket Duke of Beaufort's Rubens Mr. Osbaldeston's Jasper Valentine Duke of Rutland's Lifter Mr. Osbaldeston's Rasselas Bridemaid Brilliant Lucy Virulent his Wanton Whynot Blossom Benefit Butterfly Barmaid Bashful Bonny I>ass Dolphin Emperor Hadricin Hesperus Nimrod Pillager i FIVE YEARS. Workman Mr. Osbaldeston's Vanquisher Duke of Beaufort's Boxer Woi-kman Mr. Osbaldeston's Emperor Lord Tavistock's Hercules Duke of Beaufort's Nimrod Duke of Beaufort's PlatofT Brilliant Blemish Virulent Darling Judy S Mr. Ward's \ Misery Friendly Comedv MR. RUSSELL. 255 FOUR YEARS. NAMES. Blucher Bajazet SIRES. DAMS. Cymbeline Clarion Comfort Rocket Curious Hermit Harper I Hannibal Vocal Pilot Pontiff C Bachelor Proseiplne Prudence ^ VVhynot Rocket Whynot Warrior Workman Daiiymaid Champion Comedy Countess Dorimont Daffodil Gossamer Minister Royal Ruby Rosebud Rally Rector Rubens Redrose Ruin Viola Windsor Wildboy THREE YEARS. Duke of Beaufort's Boxer Rocket York and Ainstey Gallows Minister Rocket Rocket Duke of Beaufort's Rubens Duke of Beaufort's Vanguard Workman Cymbeline Destiny their Toilet Diligent Proserpine Warspite Darling Virulent Dairymaid Brusher Bowman Baronet Blameless Bugler Cryer Dewdrop Duncan Harmony Harmless Manager Mover Madcap Modish TWO YEARS. Benedict Colonel Berkeley's Pagan Rocket Ranter Bobadil Ranter Minister Warble his Bravery Cymbeline Destiny Darling Honesty Dairymaid 256 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. TWO YEARS. NAMES. SIRES. DAMS. Remus Rocket Vocal Remnant Duke of Beaufort's Rubens his Waspish Rifleman Rocket Playful Rambler Rocket Wildfire Vaulter Duke of Beaufort's Vanguard . . Diligent Welcome Colonel Berkeley's W«ldsman . his Racket Workman Workman ONE YEAR. Volatile Bachelor ^ Bluecap C Bachelor Dairymaid Bounty y Diligent Edwin Destiny Harbinger Surrey-Harlequin . . their Welcome Hymen Benedict Hebe Hercules ] Hadrian Prudence Hopeful Ottoman I Bachelor Ornament Ornament s Racer Rocket Butterfly Register 1 Rosemary \ Rocket Blossom Rivers J Solomon Solomon Benefit Vyner Vanity Whimsey 1 Duke of Beaufort's Workman . . Virulent Woodman \ Duke of Beaufort's Workman . . Brevity Woful J Watchman 1 Willing } Whipster . , Wildfire Wisdom J Warspitc Whipster Rosebud Woldsman Whipster Rally 37 Couple of Old Hounds. 12| Ditto Young Ditto. Total . . 49| Couple. MR. THORNHILL. W. p. Thorxhill, Esq. of Houndshill, next undertook the Mastership of the Warwickshire Hounds ; and the Sporting Gentlemen of the county congratulated them- selves upon his acceptance of the appointment. The estab- lishment, as usual, was supported by a subscription. Bill Boxall continued huntsman. Jack Ransom second whip. Tom Day first, and Cubhunting began, this season, at Warwick Old Park, August '26th, 1833, where they found a litter of cubs, and killed one, after running two hours. This hunting ended (m the 26th of October, when the hounds had run and killed one old fox, and 18 cubs. R 258 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. The first meet v.as on the 28th day of October, at Houndshill, and the season afforded some capital sport. The hounds hunted five days a week. October 28. — Regvdar hunting began to-day, by trying Houndshill, where we found a fox in the Ozier Pastures, that went away to Fir Grove, and then returned to the find, where he was thrown up. Foiind reynard at home at Brickhill Gorse, he went away very fast to Walton, where we changed. The fresh fox brushed through that place to Wellesbourne, where, as it was getting dark, we stopped the hounds. FROM WEAZEL, BY VENATOR. ' With the Sports of the Field no joys can rompare, To pleasure's light footsteps we trace ; We run down dull sloth, distance old care. Rosy health we o'ertake in the chase.' Know first, Im a thoro' -half-bred son of Erin, Which shews I was born either thereout or therein. In Warwickshire, lately, my luck was so prime, No Sportsman e'er spent such a fortnight of time As I did with Thornhill — who's gain'd a good name With the Hunt and the farmers — deserving his fame. The pack in the finest condition I found. And ev'ry thing right from the horse to the hound. HOUNDSHILL, OCT. 28. The season commenc'd with this pack on a Monday, Which most people know is the day after Sunday ; Near Wellesbourne old reynard was hallood away, And no one complain' d of the sport of the day. MR. THORNHTLL.-1833. 259 Oct. 29. — The meet was at Mitford Bridge ; on drawing Wolford Wood, we found a fox that led ns right away for Moreton-in-Marsh, then on to Hanging Aston, where he ran to grovind. Some men, without orders, began to dig him out ; this was not approved of by the Master, and the hounds were stopped. On Tuesday, as soon as we entered the wood At Wolford, we knew the first challenge was good. On a favourite morn, 'tis no time to delay When a crafty old fox creepeth slyly away. Forty mirmtes or more, o'er fallow and mead. We rattled along at the top of our speed. Till we ran in grand style the old felon to ground, In a country well known within Lord Seaforth's bound. Oct. 31. — The fixture, this morning, was at Itchington Heath, where we found a fox that led us first to Chesterton, when he turned to the left, and made straight to Bishop's Itchington ; through the cover there, and on to Ladbroke spinies ; having threaded them, he passed through the village, and ran on very near to Southam, and then away straight for Radbourne Gorse ; we lost him at the town of Napton. A spirited thing ail the time of an hour and five minutes. On Thursday we had a most brilliant run. When at Itchington Heath our amusement begun. T'wards Harbury first, bending nearly, not quite To Itchington village — at Ladbroke all right ; Skirting Southam, then up Ladbroke Hill, where the clay Stopp'd a few of the weakest from making their way ; But neither the clay, nor the deep Napton tillage. Could davmt the stout pack,— for close to the village, 260 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. In a field, we presume pretty near to the stocks. In most capital style they ran up to their fox. This run, for the ground was too heavy to race. Lasted more than an hour at a good splitting pace ! November 2. — Met at Swacliffe, and on drawing the gorse by Wigginton Heath reynard was very soon upon the alert ; he made direct down to Swacliffe, and then on to Tadmarton. Left that place to the right, and went straight to Wycombe Mill, where we killed, after running an hour. To pin up the week, we on Saturday bound Our way up to Nell, near to Swacliffe, and found ; This run was too good not to bear a remark. We kill'd him near Stewart's — the place Wykham Park. Nov. 4. — We met at Whimpstone Bridge, and drew Rumour Hill blank. In drawing Gaily Oak, we hit on a fbx that had gone away for ten minutes, but the scent lay so bad we could do nothing with him. We afterwards touched upon a fox that first ran to Ilmington, and then to the Downs, and was lost. Nov. 9. — Having assembled at Upton House, we drew and found a fox in the gorse ; he went off by Upton House, and on to Edge Hill; he then sunk the bottom, down to Hardwick Field. Being headed, he turned short back up the bottom, by Tysoe, and on to Lord Northampton's, and we killed him in the pool near to the house. This rim lasted an hour and 45 minutes. — On trying the Ashbed, we found again ; reynard first led off to Epwell village, then inclined to the left, and went straight for Shutford earths. Being headed, he crossed the enclosures to Tadmarton ; on leaving that place to the left, he made direct to Wigginton Heath, where the hounds turned him up. A run of an hour and seven minutes. MR. THORNHILL.— 1833. 261 THE SAME, FROM WEAZEL. Having glanced by the way, at the week that is pass'd, As a wind-up I'll now speak of Saturday last. At the meet, in high twig see each rider and horse. We found pug at Upton, quite snug in the gorsc. Running round Upton House, then for Edge Hill away — The site once, alas ! of a terrible fray — Sunk the hill, and got into the valley below, Where the scent it lay cold, and the hunting was slow j We'd a halloo, at times, from the horsemen above. Who remained on the hill watching doable and move ; Those skirting-trick gentry will not bawl so hearty. When we carry out muzzles to clap on the party ! Leaving Tysoe to right, rounding Tysoe the Lower — The stoutest horse first, if he be the best goer — Then pressing our fox o'er the grounds up to Compton, We kill'd near the scat of the Noble Northampton. Found again in the gorse — he's off like a good 'un. At a pace that will try both the cocktail and blood 'un, T' wards th' Banbury road, leaving SwaclifFe to right — The boldest ride careful — no rein now too tight. Cross' d the road near Tadmarton — for Wigginton Heath j Hark forward, my boys ! there are symptoms of death ! Refusing to skulk, or like coward to yield, Reynard left the wild heath, and agdtin took the field. And fell like a fox of true courage and blood. In a fair open ground, as all game foxes should ! Not a check for a moment to get second breath. For an hour, save a quarter — the burst to the death. In Lower Tadmarton, with Bloxham behind. We jumped off our xiags, nearly bursting for wind ! 262 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. As perfect a day as a man may remcmberj Or e'er might expect in the month of November ; And to those who had souls to enjoy such a scene. The magnificent hills — the rich vallies between ; Hear Compton's sweet echoes from Boxall's fine note_, And the mellow ton'd hounds from their musical throat ; Such delights ! O ! how rarely they are to be found. From landscape, from echo, from huntsman, and hound ! BY WHOO-WHOOP. Nov. 1 1 . — Tlie meet was at Bishop's Itchington, but we threw off at Radbourne Gorse. We presently unkenneled a fox, that was off, at a rare split, to Watergall ; on being headed there, he returned to the gorse, through that cover, and on to Napton ; the day was so stormy we were obliged to give him up. Tried Watergall and other covers, but did not find until we got to Farnborough ; reynard went off in style to Edge Hill, where he took to ground ; he was got out and killed. A good hunting run of .55 minutes. Nov. 14. — The hounds met at Oakley Wood, and a fox was soon away from that cover to Ashorne ; off by Ncwbold Pacey, Moreton, and then to Lighthorne Rough, where he was killed, after a run of 35 minutes. Put another out of Bowshot, and ran hin^o Walton, where he was lost. Nov. 16. — The fixture was Birdingbury ; we found at Debdale, but the scent lay so bad, we could not follow our fox. Drew all the coverts, without finding, until we came to Bunker's Hill ; from this place reynard dashed off direct for the London road, where he was headed by some soldiers, who turned him short for Dunchurch ; by that place, and MR. THORNHILL.— 1833. 263 on foi' the spinies at Combe ; here he was headed again by a cur dog, which turned him in a hne for Leicester's-piece, where he ran to ground. A fine run of an hour and five minutes. Nov. 18. — The hounds were no sooner put into this cover, Ufton Wood, than they unkenneled a fox, that led, first to Radford, and then turned up for Harbury ; left that village to the right, and then bore on towards Ladbroke, where the scent fell off, and we left him. Found next at Chesterton ; our game led us to Harwood's House, when he turned short back to the wood ; after running him there for two hours, he found shelter in a rabbit spout. We got reynard out, and took him to the Big Field, to give him law J the hounds lay to him again in earnest, until they turned him up. Nov. 19. — The Poolhead, at Farnborough, furnished us, this morning, with a fox, that went quick away to Curtis's Gorse, and then on to Warrhington, where he inclined to the right, straight for Edge Hill, by the Sun Rising, and on to Upton House. Leaving that place to the left, he made direct for Epwell Gorse, and then to Shen- nington Mill ; quitting it to the left, he ran on to Shutford, diverged to the right at that place, and ran to ground on Mr. Greaves's farm, after a sharp run of one hour and 35 minutes. Bolted reynard, and gave him a second chance ; the hounds ran into him in ten minutes. Nov. 21. — Met at Butler's Marston, and foimd a fox at Pillerton Gorse ; he led us away for Oxhill, where he was headed, and turned back to Hardwick Field ; then forward to Mr. Colmore's farm, where he went to ground. Bolted s 2 264 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. him and followed him to Radway, where he was abandoned. This was a run of an hour. — The hounds afterwards chop- ped a fox in Pillertcm Gorse. 1 Nov. 0,2. — This day we drew all the woods at Stonc- leigh, without finding a single fox. Nov. 23. — Met at Dunchurch, and drew Alloalcs, and all Lord John Scott's covers, blank. At length we found a fox in one of Captain Irbert's coverts, that was off in an instant for Rugby, where we ran him to ground. The run lasted 35 minutes. '2 There was no scent for a week from this time ; and although the hounds met, agreeably to the fixtures, they could not hunt. Nov. 30. — Met at Bourton, and after drawing Bestow's Piece blank, found, shortly afterwards, at Debdale ; we ran our fox some time in cover, and chopped him. Found again in the cover, when reynard went straight to Birdingbury, the seat of Sir T, BiDDULrn, and then on to Bourton. Here he turned short back to Debdale, through the covert, and on for Long Itchington. Leaving that village to the left, he 1 We were afterwards informed that tlie fox which we pave up at Radway was killed, in an unsportsmanlike manner, by the farmer on whose ground he had been left. He might have been satisfied, we think, with digging out the fox, and driving him off his ground by a cur dog. By these means he would have got rid of the nuisance, and saved his credit. The Agriculturists of Warwickshire, much to their honor, adopt a very different IJne of conduct under similar circum- stances. 2 That gallant Sportsman, Captain Ibbert, lost a horse to-day. MR. THORNIIILL.— 1833. 265 went on to Marton 5 bearing still to the left he ran through SirT. Biddulph's gorse, to the village of Frankton ; he now turned short back by Bourton, on for East Leamington ; by that place, and through Debdale, and on towards Marston Grounds, where we left him. BY ANONYMOUS.— DEC. 2. On this day the Warwickshire hounds had the most brilliant run that has been known to the country for years. The fine dog pack met at Ilmington Village in the morning, intending to draw the covert at Foxcote ; but this intention was abandoned, upon the complaints of some of the farmers near Meon Hill that they were annoyed by a fox which had frequented that part, and which was as well known to them as old Cffisar to the Sportsmen in the county of Durham, from his having been coursed regularly once a week for the last two months, for which he did not care the least, as they had not the slightest chance with him. As soon as the hounds had got to Meon Hill, and had drawn one or two little plantations, there was a halloo to the left of a fox gone away. The hounds immediately went to it, and got away close to him on most capital terms, taking the bottom of the hill, and then pointing his way for the beautifiU vale of Evesham. Leaving Lower Quinton on his right, Lower Pebworth on his left, through Marston Grounds, over the brook, just skirting Marston Village on his left, and Dorsington on his right, and thence for Hullington Farm, where he found himself distressed, and tried threading two or three of the farm yards and out-buildings, but without avail. s 3 ^66 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. Finding himself equally hard-pressed there, he boldly faced the large enclosures of Pebworth, and skirting the Gorse, he was most gallantly run into and turned up in the open field on the top of Rumour Hill, after a most brilliant run of one hour and five minutes, without a single check, or the hounds being cast once during the whole time. The pace throughout was allowed by every Sportsman to be unprecedented, for such a length of time. We are sorry to say that Mr. Thorn hill and Captain Smith lost two valuable horses ; the former from his horse slipping his hind leg into a rut, and breaking it short off at the pastern joint ; and the latter from the animal breaking its back in a deep ditch. Mr. Woodward, Mr, Smith, Tom Day, and Mr. Shirley's Groom, on a young horse of his Master's, were the only persons with the hounds for the first 50 minutes, owing to the pace, and the large fences ; but the fox making such a sharp turn to the left at Hullington Farm, let all the Field in to witness the finale of this unequalled run. THE SAME, BY VENATOR. I've often been hunted and chas'd, By dogs tliat could scarce beat a cow ; But these Warwickshire follow so fast, I ne'er got such a breathing till now ! At Ilmington village this morning wc met. As noble a Field, as we ever saw yet ; The dog-pack came ou^t in condition so fine, Their soft Aelvet coats as a mirror did shine. MR. THORNHILL.— 1833. 267 We first meant the cover at Foxcote to draw, But this we gave up, and set off to a shaw Near Meon Hill ; wliere the farmers complain'd, A fox for two months had his station maintain'd, Tho' started and cours'd from his den ev'ry week, He still return'd back, an asylum to seek. Made the hill, and a small plantation or two. The hounds in a very short time travers'd thro' ; When a voice t' th' left call'd the Field into play, By the cheering halloo of a fox ' Gone away ! ' The hounds in an instant caught up the warm scent, On capital terms off together they went ; Took the base of the hill, and into the dale. Then pointed for Evesham's rich beautiful vale. Direct on his right he pass'd Lower Quinton, Lower Pebworth lay to the left as he went on Thro' Marston Grounds ; beat by the pace, but a few Of the Field could keep the fleet pack in full view. F. Woodward, T. Smith, and two others, not more. Were alone at their sterns, for nearly an hour ; All those who lost ground at the quick splendid burst. Could not gain a stride on the nags that were first. Press'd on by the pack, reynard hastily took Down the meadows, and fearlessly dash'd thro' the brook. Skirted Marston Village, and just within sight. Left Dorsington bearing as much to the right. Then for HuUiugton Farm ; here, reynard distress'd, Dodg'd the buildings about for a snug place to rest. But no hovel, nor shed, nor building he found. To shield him, alas ! from his foeman, the hound ; B' th' keen bustling pack being quickl)'^ displac'd, The closures of Pebworth he daringly fac'd. 268 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. Then skii-ted the gorse^ and by stoutness and game^ He reach'd Rumour Hill, where a Sportsman, whose name Was known in this Hunt, and the counties around. Besides whose equal has seldom been found. 1 Reynard mounted the hill, but when at the top, He was gallantly run into and thrown up In the open field 5 'twas a brilliant run Of just sixty-five minutes, since first it beghn. Not one single check, not one cast of the hounds, From fam'd Mcon Hill, up to Rumour Hill Grounds ! 'Z THE SAME, BY WEAZEL. Mr. Thornhill, on this day had one of the best runs ever known in Warwickshire, without check or stop. We found a wild kind of greyhound fox on Ilmington Hill, in a rough gorse near to the Meon Hill. ' I'll bet you a crown, (cried the farmers,) that you don't kill him 5 he is our old friend ; the fox that the greyhounds have often coursed, but could never kill.' However, the event proved that Will Boxall knew better, for after a glorious run of one hour and five minutes, pug was killed. 1 The late Mr. Walter Stubbs. 2 The head of this fox, a present from Mr. Thornhill, is now preserved in a glass case, and fixed at the end of the Hunt Room, at the Warwick Arms Inn, Warwick ; and underneath is written the following account : ' This fox was found on Hmington Hill, on Monday, the 2nd of December, 1833, and after going away by Meon Hill, leaving Quinton on his right, through Marston Grounds, crossed the brook by HuUington Farm, where turning short back across to Pcbworth enclosures, was run into by the Warwickshire Hounds on Rumour Hill, after a run of one hour and five minutes, without a single check, or the hounds being cast once : the pace throughout, unequalled for a length of time.' MR. TliORNHILL— 1833. 269 Only five saw anything of itj Mr. Thornhill, Mr. Woodward, Mr. Smith, Will Boxall, and Tom Day. He took a line straight for Pcbworth, seven miles from Ilraing- ton, and was run into in the open on Rumour Hills, eight miles from Pebworth ; his course over the beautiful dale of Evesham being most magnificent. 1 THE SAME, RY WHOO-WHOOP. The Field met on the above day at Ilmington, where they were told of a fox being at Colman's Gorsc, Meon-hill. Upon drawing the covert we found, and pug went away by Garrett's Brow, leaving Mickleton to the left, and bearing on for Pebworth. Left that place to the right, and went on for Evesham ; turned short back by Hullington, and then straight to Rumour-hill, where we killed him. This was one of the best runs I ever saw in my life, and lasted one hour and five minutes, without the slightest interruption. Dec. 7. — The hounds met the Field at Birdingbury, and we soon vmkennelcd at Debdalc, when our fox led us fast away by East Leamington, on to Bunker*s-hill ; made his ground good up to Dunchurch, which he passed to the left, and then straight to Crick , where wc ran him to ground, after a run of one hour and 35 minutes, which gave great satisfaction. 1 Mr. Tlioruhill on his brown liorse Rosby, and Captain Parker on his chestnut horse lately purchased from Mr, Annesley of Clifford, were also up at the death. ■270 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. THE SAME, FROM A WARWICKSHIRE SPORTSMAN, . BY VENATOR. I ' Should all the g'ay larks, as they soar to the sky, Their notes in a concert unite ; The music of hounds, when set off in full cry. Would pfivc a more tuneful delight!' ' Tis Saturday morning, and now let us seek Some sturdy old foxv, just to wind up the week. Drew Dcbdale and fVmnd — when at Debdale we meet. The Field, full of ardour, fear not a recheat. Broke cover, and off without turning or cast. Wild foxes run fastest, and longest can last. The open with firm resolution he took. Not throwing behind him ' one lingering look ! ' The hovmds at his brush, 'twas a beautiful burst. How splendid the struggle for station the first ! To Leamington Hastings bold reynard made play. And next to Kite's Hardwick directed his way. Left it to the right, and crossed over the Learn ; No Sportsman here fancied a bath in the stream. While this gave a check to the vigorous hound. The keen anxious Field by a bridge galloped round ; A gallop severe up to Bunker's-hill gorse. That took something out of the very best horse. 1 The prosperity of the Warwickshire Hunt, in that district at least, has been greatly promoted by the venerable and worthy Baronet of Birdingbury. That gentleman has not lately joined in the chase, yet a more ardent, or a more zealous friend to the noble diversion of Foxhunting, is not to be found in the county of Warwick, than Sir T. Biddulph, who gives the covers, and preserves the foxes for the amusement and gratification of his num^erous friends. MR. THORNIIILL.— 1833. 271 For minutes, about, p'rliaps, the third of a score. We shook well the gorse ; when stout reynard once more Was reluctant compelled from the covert to fly. His chance once again in the open to try. To our right the gay villa of Wolston was seen. Then the road cross'd, old Daintry and Dunchurch between. Made by Only Lodge, after passing the brook. The Oxford Canal he most gallantly took. The village of Barby pass'd by ; and then down The hill, in liis route, after leaving the town. To Kilsbury reynard now pointed, and then Just skirted the village, and push'd on again. Then at Coopers Gorsc savd his life by a trick. In running to ground in the Lordship of Crick. 1 BY WHOO- WHOOP. Dec. 10. — On drawing Wichford Wood, we found a fox that took off straight for Ascote ; by that place, and on to Hooknorton Field, where he ran to ground. Bolted him to Wichford, through that cover over the country, until he turned short back by the road, and then to Wichford town, where he was killed. Dec. 13. — From Kenilworth, where we met, we vi'ent to Crackley-wood, and found a fox that led us to Tilehill, on to Wainbody-wood, through that cover, then back to Crackley, where he took to ground, after running for one hour and 3.5 minutes. 1 The fox entered the eartli just as he Avas sinking- before the hounds, after a run of one hour and 35 minutes ; a distance as the crow flies of 12 miles ; but rej-nard Mciit entirely over grass land of the first-rate kind, for 1.5 miles, 272 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. Dec. 14. — Met at Princethorpe, and found pug at home at Frankton-wood, and he took us off for the Alloaks, where he went to ground after a run of 30 minutes. Unkenneled another at Deljdale, that went along for East Leamington, and on to Bunker's-hill ; he brushed through that cover, and made Crick. Two miles from this place we were hallood to afresh fox, and consequently stopped the hounds. The run lasted two hours and a quarter, and at the close of it we were 25 miles from home, with our nags very much beaten, FROM ACTiEON. bishop's itciiington, dec. 23. ' Farewell to the land where the foxes are flyers, Where the fences are larger than any where else.' Although Warwickshire is generally considered to be amongst the ' vulgar or provincial ' hunting countries, yet I am convinced, since my short stay at this place, that it is capable of shewing under good management as much sport, and that of the first order, as any county in England. Every one knows, that the cream of it is of no great extent, not so much pasture land as there is in Leicestershire or in Rutlandshire, and some of the crack districts, yet the foxes are much wilder and stouter, and the country, particularly below Dunchurch, if the weather serves, generally holds a good scent, quite sufficient to kill the stoutest fox. Yet with all these advantages there is one great difficulty to contend with, which is perhaps the greatest barrier to good sport which a huntsman can meet with, and that is the tailorish and unsportsmanlike manner in which some of the Field ride, not to the hounds, but rather over them or before them. MR. THORNIIILL.— 1833. -273 In speaking of this ungentle manly vice, I beg to be understood that I do not class the Warwickshire fox-hunters amongst these cocktail performers ; as Warwickshire can produce some as good Sportsmen and hard riders, and amongst them some regular welters, as anj'^ county in England. A case in point particularly struck me yesterday, when the hounds found their fox on Ladbroke-hill ; there was evidently a most burning scent, but before the hounds were half settled to their fox, the whole body of tailors charged the hounds, and drove them from the line, half a mile to the right ; the consequence was that the scent was not again recovered till after considerable delay, and a slow hunting run was the result, instead of j)erhaps a tickler. The day was of course voted bad ; ' no scent, ungentlcmanly country, no use staying poking here, let's light our baccy, and be off homewards.' Now mark well the prognostications of these ' terrible high bred cattle.' We drew Itchington-heath, when a good old fox was soon viewed away ; the hounds now set to run in good earnest, as most of the Field had left, and not there to do mischief. They made to Chesterton, round the wood, and away for Chadshunt, at a rare slapping pace, where some difficulties and checks occurred ; but after some beautiful hunting the hounds recovered him in Lighthorne Rough. Away they went again for Lord Willoughby's, by Bowshot, to the right of Moreton, and through Chesterton Woods, nearly to Harbury, and so on over Ufton Bottom, perhaps the deepest, stiffest and severest country in England, almost in view to Ufton Wood, where, at four o'clock, the hounds changed, and were consequently stopped, and taken home. 274 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. The pace fiom LighthoriK- was must seven-, without a single check, a semi-circle of al)()ut 1'2 miles. Only three or four men saw the end of this run, which was, though partly in a deep stiff country, a capital day's sport. BY WHOO-WHOOP. On Dec. 23, we unkenneled at Ladbroke-hill, changed at Lighthorne Rough, and went back with him through Chesterton Wood, to Harbury. Lea\ ing- that place to the right, he went straight to Ufton, where the pack was stopped, as it was g^ettinif very late. The run lasted five hours, and several of the hunters ga\e up at Ilarbury, as they w^ere so beat. THE SAME, BY ANONYMOUS. We met on Monday at Bishop's Itchington^ intending to draw Radbourne Gorse ; but in passing through the village of Ladbrokc, some foot people on the hill viewed reynard make into a small plantation, and the pack were immediately put in, and the fox, without loss of time, went off in gallant style, and after crossing the turnpike road between Ladbroke and Southam, went towards Upton, and on turning to the left to Harbury Heath, the hounds were a long way behind, the scent became bad, and reynard was lost. Itchington Heath was then tried, and with success. Away they went to Chesterton- wood, the top corner of which they passed through, when it was supposed there was a change of foxes ; from there to Chadshunt at a pretty smart himting pace, to Lighthorne Rough ; here the scent was breast high, and the fox and the hounds were within MR. THORNHILL.— 1833. 275 50 yards of each other, and in complete view of a large and respectable Field A gallant Sportsman present here gave the View halloo ! and exclaimed, ' Now, Gentlemen, here's a sight to excite iis ! none of us can surely find an excuse for not riding now ! ' On they went at full speed, till they came to Compton Verney, where reynard, making a turn to the right, and skirting the plantations of the lower end of Bowshot, went towards Wellesbovirne, and turned to the right for Moreton Wood. From Lighthorne Rough the pace was tremendous, and 35 minutes elapsed without a check. The first four miles, with the exception of one person on a ehestimt horse, no one saw either fox or hound till they inclined towards Chesterton, where others were let in. Mr. Vyner, Captain Mitchell, Bill Boxall the huntsman, and Tom Day the whip, on the famous steeple- race horse, late the property of Mr, Jenkins, were amongst the first. In passing through Chesterton, the numbers at most were increased to 15 or 16 ; and from this point they went in the direction of Flarbury Heath. Then inclining to the left, crossed Harbury Fields for the turnpike road leading to Ufton Wood, where man, horse, and hound being dead beat, the hounds were whipped off. 1 1 Some of the oldest sportsmen present considered this one of the most brilliant affairs ever witnessed ; and the juniors were astonished at the state of the Field at its close. Riders without horses, some horses down, some up, and some in ditches — and some horses and riders so fatigued, (to use a hunting phrase,) that they could neither go nor stand ! — One hour and ten minutes. «76 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. BY TOM TAG. FAHNUOROUGH, DEC. ^0. Happening to be in Warwickshire the other day, I took the opportunity of going out with Mr. Thornhill's houndi*, which met on Monday at Farnborough. They drew a plantation of Mr. Holbechs, found, and went away immediately. Our fox pointed first towards Fenny Compton, but bore to the left over Da&sctt Field, and Ica\iii^ the hills he turned by the Windnnill oycy some large grass fields, and ran to ground at Arlescot. It was a ticklish scent, fallows carried, and the sheep stopped them, bvit they did all they could do j they held themselves on at every difficulty, without flying or wildness, and there seemed to be plenty of line hunters to steer them. Though neither fox or scent was good enough for a run of any account, it was just the kind of thing for a man who likes hunting, to form an opinion of hounds b5^ I shoidd say they did all a Sportsman could wish. The men are quick, sharp, know what they arc about, and are beautifully momited. They have every requisite in short for good sport, for which they have my most sincere wish. I was happy to find that Mr. Thornhill is very popular with every one in the county. 1 1 Mr. Thornhill's horse broke down to-tlay ; and they drew the huntsman's mare out of a brook. This was a most excellent, but slow nm, and the hounds behaved remarkably well. MR. THORNHILL.— 1834. 277 THE SAME, BY WHOO-WIIOOP. We met at Farnborough, and found at Mollington Hill ; went away down to Fenny Compton ; left that place to the left, and then over to Armseott, where our fox went to earth, after a run of 45 minutes. Bolted him, and he ran again to ground at Knowles Hill. We next drew Kineton Holt, and found, when our fox ran straight to the hill, leaving the Sun Rising to the left ; went by Upton, and then to Shennington, where he turned short back to Horley, and we lost him. EPWELL WHITE HOUSE, DEC. 31ST. Drew Epwell Gorse, but did not find. Afterwards imkenneled in one of Lord Northampton's spinies, and ran pug very fast to Ibbert, where he sheltered himself in a carpenter's yard, and we could not find him. Then returned to Lord Northampton's, without finding, and after we had drawn Idlicote blank, the hounds were taken home. Thus ended the sport of the day, and this was the last day of hunting in this year. MITFORD BRIDGE, JANUARY 2nD, 1834. This morning we found at Wolford Wood, and were running about the covert for an hour before we could get sly reynard away. At last Nve succeeded in forcing him into the open, and he led us smartly away to Addlestrop, where he went to ground. This was a capital run, and lasted for 40 minutes. 1 1 It is somewhat remarkable, ( says our correspondent, ) if tliis were not the same fox that we ran one morning a short time ago, from this wood, wliioh took refuge in the same drain. OJ8 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. On Jan. 3, the meet was at Wellesbonrne. Found in the Wood, and ran to ground at Walton Having got him out, and given him fair sporting law, the hounds eagerly caught up the scent, and quickly threw him uj), after a very pretty burst. We imkenneled a second fox at Walton Wood, which led us briskly away through Brickhill Gorse, and then to Pillerton. Leaving that village to the left, he made direct to Mr. Peach's house, through the shrubbery, and by the garden, and he shortly afterwards went to ground. The run was a fine one, and lasted an hour. Jan. 6. — Met at Gaydon, drew Watcrgall, blank, found in Radbourne Gorse, and our fox led us away at a slapping pace to Southam, where v,e killed, after a cai)ital run of 25 minutes. We afterwards drew Ladbroke spinics, as well as the covert at Itchington Heath, but did not find, and we went home perfectly satisfied with the day's sport. Jan. 7, the meet was at Upton House, and we fovind at Middleton's Gorse, when reynard led us off to Hornton. — Leaving that place to the right, he made for Alscote, where he turned to the left, and ran on to the Sun Rising ; then he turned short back through Northend to Alscote, where the hounds ran into him, after a good thing of one hour and 10 minutes. Jan. 9. — We met at Compton Verney, and drew Bow- shot blank, but found at Lighthorne Rough. Ran our fox through Bowshot, then to Moreton Wood, and down to Newbold Pacej'^ ; he then tixrned short back to Lighthorne, and after running him in the Rough for 20 minutes, killed. MR. THORNHILL— 1834. 279 THE DEBDALE HUNT, ATTRIBUTED TO THE HON. R. PLUNKETT. PIUNCETHOKPE, JAN. 11. Air — ' One bumper at parting.' Come, Clio, delighting in story, Come, sing we of Bobby, and how- He was only the next thing in glory To Sir Guy, or his famous Dun Cow ! Let the wizard of Abbotsford tell us. How they could not come up with their stag ; He thought that pei'haps he might sell us, By killing Fitzjames's grey nag. CHORUS. May merry Old England then nourish Her pristine affection for sport ; For Fox-hunting ever shall flourish. While our Squii'es lend their ready support. Here's a health, then, to all the true lovers Of the Chase, while the wine goes the rounds. To Sir BiDDULPH, who gave us the covers, — To Thornhill himself, and the hounds. But I sing the last days of Bobby, Ye Gods ! what a classical name ! Perhaps I am wrong, but my hobby My Pegasus thinks just the same. Princethorpe was the meet, but the Cover Was Debdale, the gift of Sir The ; At first, we all thought the Red Rover Had deterrnin'd ' at home' not to be. — Chorus, ad lib. T 2 280 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. But I beg to observe, that the greeting He gave us was just what he ought ; From the very first gate not retreating, He remained till we came to the spot. O ! his heart, wh6 can yet feel emotion. At the soul-stirring sound, ' Gone away,' Can alone form an adequate notion. Of the feelings that swayed us that day. — Chorus, ad lib. ' And now a fair field, and no favor,' Thought BiDDULPH, is all that I ask ; Many others might think so, but waver. Unlike him, when put to the task. 'Tis said, so experienc'd a rider Never rode a more excellent nag ; Close to hounds, never known to cast wider. Nor his hunter to uselessly fag. — Chorus, ad lib. Who, at starting, next him took his station ? 'Twas CuxYNGHAME, late of the twelfth ; He cares not for my approbation. As he 's got the best Meade for himself. But who 's this from Combe Abbey ? no Craven ; At least if I judge from his place ; The one with his hair dark as raven. Held on at a desperate pace. — Chorus, ad lib. My muse, you've now got beyond Baring, But I am not surpris'd at it too ; For to give his proud hunter an airing, He thought that ten minutes would do. Now fill we our glasses to Granville, The eldest call'd Bernard, I mean, I'll wager a trifle, no man will Say a much better Sportsman has been. — Chorus, ad lib. MR. THORNHILL.— 1834. "281 But Warwickshire has yet another. As dauntless and skilful as he 5 The fact is, the man has a Brother, And nobody else could it be. But they tell me you're going, my Granny, And Clio shall bid thee adieu ! In the heart of your friend is a cranny, Where a thought shall long linger of you. — Chorus, ad lib. My muse is not given to sentiment. Therefore this strain I give o'er ; Just remarking, if any such went, I meant Not to hunt here any more. Shall I pit there against either Parker ? Who both rode right well on that day ; The one an old Steeple Chase Larker, And rather a varment, they say. — Chorus, ad lib. But give me the Guardsman so gallant. Who rode like a trooper indeed ; I ne'er condescend to a callant. To liken a knight of his breed j I know not if nature intended, That Gentlemen only should hunt, But seldom the scarlets are blended With any thing else in the front. — Chorus, ad lib. Let the Bard of the North sing Clan Alpine, Of his ' evergreen pine,' and all that ; Rhoderick Dhu was a joke to M'Alpine, At a bullfinch who sprung like a cat. But talk of a Paddy, there's Plunkett, Who may think that he rode like a man ; But his name sounds so very like Funk-it, That ' credat,' — believe him who can. — Chorum, ad lib. T 3 28*2 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. ! where, and O ! where was my Barnard ? Is the Barnard yet merged in the Broke ? He went in, but 'twas only to warn hard Riders, ere leaping to look. For lo ! by the dogs of St. Bernard, Like a bird from the bushes he bounds ; 1 saw him by Lester's Piece barn-yard, Going well at the heel of the hounds. — Chorus, ad lib. There were some men whom I think deserving Of a ducking, for going with Drake ; Their riding till next day reserving, — No farther allusion I make. Now di fowler should bring to the larder. What a butler might serve to ' mine host j' Fowler Butler, however, rode harder. Than many who came to the post. — Chorus, ad lib. But there's one man who ne'er need look sheepish. Although his soft surname is Lamb ; That country must be pretty deepish. Over which Captain Lamb cannot ram. And well has young Mostyn supported The sporting renown of his race ; The Arundells, too, are reported. To have follow'd their friend to the chase. — Chorus, ad lib. I am told Chandos Leigh was there also. If he was, I am sure he went well 5 There were other right good 'uns, but all so Dispersed, that one scarcely can tell. As for the bold Captain Magennis, Who is better distinguished as Dick ; Poor man, why it truly a sin is. To see a good fellow so sick.— Chorus, ad lib. MR. THORNHILL.— 1834. 283 Now sing we the praises of Thounhill, Though last, not the least in my song ; In a long run, I'll bet no man born will Than Thornhill go better along. As Master of hounds, 'tis notorious, There is hardly a better alive ; His career, too, though short, is so glorious. That long may he prosper and thrive ! — Chorus, ad lib. My muse happens to think that the first flight, It were rather invidious to name ; But then there are some who've the best right. So proud a precedence to claim. "We all know that Don Ferdinando, Although he's a great man in Spain, Yet cannot do more than he can do. And never will do it again. — Chorus, ad lib. And this Handsome Jack would discover. Who, tho' not the Colossus of Rhodes, On that day could not have strode over Much ground, if it were not for roads. But where, 'mid the many late comer.*;. Was Lord Eastnor ; i'fait, I forget, I know one can scarcely set Somers, But then one may see Somerset. — Chorus, ad lib. Now Clio, revert we to reynard. Where away from the covert he broke ; As it lately had happened to rain hard. The lowlands we thought were no joke. Scott says something about his stag bounding Across a whole copse at a shy ; But altho' it might well be high sounding, My fox without wings could not fly. — Chorus, ad lib. 284 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. Now, away for a start, ride the tailors, As tailors invariably do ; ' Tis well they're not also fast sailers. Or we ne'er should get rid of the crew ; And next came the hounds, by St. Hubert, Unequalled in courage and breed j I really wonder how thro' dirt, ( And tailors, ) they held on their speed. — Chorus, ad lib . Loud swells on the gale the glad halloo ! As we all from the hill saw the fox. Away, like a torrent we follow. As it flings itself down from the rocks. Tell me not 'tis a jockey who 's bred to The business, alone that can ride ; A stout heart, a light hand, a good head too, Must nature have given beside. — Chorus, ad lib. First Bob pointed North-west, and by Westward, Then i-ather to Southward inclined. He seem'd first to have chosen the best sward. And next to have altered his mind. How by Leamington Hastings we hasten'd. The villagers long shall relate ; The deep plough, tho' bid fair to have chastened Our pride, and our speed to abate. — Chorus, ad lib. As the plot appeared rather to thicken. Towards Kite's Hardwick Bob cast a hawk's eye ; But perhaps 'twas the ghost of a chicken. That afterwards made the fox shy. Now he took the high road to this village. Yet neglected the turnpike to pay ; Brass he had when intent upon pillage. But copper was not in his way. — Chorus, ad lib. MR. TIIORNHILL.— 1834. 285 To Bunker's Hill Bobby then pointed. Like Prospero, the Tempest of Chase ; Which in taking by storm, disappointed. By the left wheeled away from the place. Just after we turned from the latter. We crossed a great number of rills. When we pass'd the canal, tho' the matter Was how to get up the long hills. — Chorus, ad lib. In short, from where first he broke cover. Till at Barby Bob gave up the ghost. Twelve miles, at the least, were rode over. In fifty-five minutes at most. Now BiDDULPH, appeared to me, rather To have led to the brook from the burst ; Then Thornhill, his steed in a lather. And afterwards Parker was first. — Chorus, ad lib. My muse, whom no prudence can fetter. Swears the Lamb must have carried its horse ; Than the Gran villes no men could go better. And the second was first at the gorse. It was truly a sight worth a hundred. To see Biddulph lead over the brook ; The stream was so swell'd, that we wonder'd If the leap would suit any one's book. — Chorus, ad lib. But by far the most sporting achievement. That ever I knew to have been. Was Barnard's, who after bereavement Of both stirrups, still forward was seen. Success then, to all the fast flyers. Who rode to the end of the run ; And long, too, may Leamington Priors, In hunting, be second to none ! — Chorus, ad lib. 286 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. The three celebrated runs from Debdale, so frequently mentioned, can never be forgotten. It was ascertained that this was the same fox that led us on the previous 7th of December to Crick, and on the 14th to Ashby Sallow-beds ; and on this memorable day broke cover from the same spot, took the same line of country, even through many of the same meuses in the hedge-rows. Sir Theophilus Biddulph's keeper well knew the fox, as did Bill Boxall, and Tom Day, who viewed him several times. Sir Theophilus Biddulph came trotting up about 10 minutes after the fox was killed, and was presented by Mr. Thornhill with the brush. The head is preserved in a glass case by the Master. — a Warwickshire sportsman. BY WHOO-WHOOP. MITFORD BRIDGE. JAN. 14tH. Drew Wolford Wood, where we found a fox that took away to Moreton-in-Marsh, and then turned back again to the wood. After threading the cover, he made away for Addlestrop, near which place he went to ground. We got him out, and the hounds soon ran into him. 1 1 Some Sportsmen, said an old foxhunter one day to us, are too anxious to dig out the fox when he takes to g^^round. Tlie foxes had formed an eartli in a favourite spot upon my farm ; and when a hunted fox had tal Blameless 3 Bugler Cryer Famous Benedict Lord Segrave's Pagan Rocket Mr. Horlock's Farmer Warble his Bravery Cymbeline his Banqut^t Bluecap Bounty Hymen Hercules Hopeful Ottoman Ornament Register Rivers Woodman Whimsey Woful Watchman Willing Wisdom Warspite FIVE YEARS. Bachelor Benedict Adrian Bachelor Rocket Duke of Beaufort's Workman Duke of Rutland's Whipster Ditto Dairymaid Hebe Prudence Ornament Blossom Virulent Wildfire Rosebud 336 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. FOUR YEARS. NAMES. Bawble Bluebell Brilliant Damsel Dairymaid Festive Hadrian Jessamy Midnight Orator Rosamond Solomon Ransom Wanderer Winifred SIRES. Bachelor Duke of Rutland's Whipster Pilot Blucher Mr. Horlock's Farmer Adrian Ditto Sir H. Goodricke's Manager Ranter Adrian Lord Scarborough's Justice Mr. Moreton's Rocket Duke of Rutland's Whipster Ditto DAMS. Welcome Benefit Dewdrop Dairymaid his Banquet Rally Jessamy his Rarity Ornament Rosamond his Sylvia his Vigorous Butterfly Wildfire THREE YEARS. Baclielor Myrmidon Blossom Barrister Benedict ] Benedict Prudence Duncan Dexter Delicate > Duke of Rutland's Rummager. . Daffodil Destiny 3 Hazard Lord Tavistock's Hazard Bonnylass Halifax Mr. Osbaldeston's Boaster Harmless Morland Myrmidon Rally Myrmidon i Mariner Myrmidon Blameless Matchless Proserpine Mr. Osbaldeston's Boaster Proserpine Barmaid Bertha Bolivar Bridemaid Bowsprit Boaster Columbine Concubine Craftsman Dorimont Dafl'odil TWO YEARS. Benedict Ditto Mr. Drake's Vanquish Nimrod Duke of Rutland's Chanter Duke of Rutland's Craftsman Mr. Drake's Murmnrcr Benefit Bashful Brevity Blameless Bounty Blossom Daffodil MR. THORNHILL.— 1835. 337 TWO YEARS. NAMES. SIRES. DAMS. Harlequin Harmony I Nimrod Hopeful Lelia Duke of Rutland's Lounger . . Rally Mermaid } Milkmaid Myrmidon Whimsey Marmion Paxford ■) Prompter \ Duke of Rutland's Chanter . . Prudence Pilgrim Rhapsody Rummager J I Duke of Rutland's Chanter . . Rosebud Vestris Bluecap Viola Workman Myrmidon ONE YEAR. Woful Bruiser Bowman Viola Bertram Dexter Bashful Cruiser Charmer I Cheshire Chanter Willing Dragon Daunter I Solomon Daffodil Famous Woodman Famous Joyful Bluecap Jessamy Lifter s Lasher f Duke of Rutland's Lucifer Doia Lounger r Leader ^ Monarch ^ Mentor Magic y Mr. Drake's Murmurcr Bounty Mighty 3 Hermit 1 Harper Hotspur 1 Hymen Midnight Hoiden J Rector Dexter Rakish Tyrant Testy 'i Hermit Termagant Warble Bachelor Warble Windsor 1 Whipster Duke of Rutland's Rummager . . Whimsey Watchful J BROOD BITCHES. Famous Mr. Horlock's Farmer his Banquet Daffodil Rocket Destiny Number of Hounds, 104. 338 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. Mr, Thornhill continued Master for this season, 1835-36, and as every care had been taken, and arrange- ment made, to open the sporting campaign with eclat, and pursue it with effect, another splendid succession of sport was anticipated by the friends of the Hunt, As Bill Boxall had left the hounds at the end of the last season, Tom Day was appointed huntsman ; Jack Ransom first whij) ; and Jack Day, son of the huntsman, second whip. Those Sportsmen who had at times been present at the cub-hunts, were of opinion that an improvement had taken place in the foxes. They were stout and wild, and the Master had been very anxious to have them well dispersed through the covers. The first meet this season was on Monday, the 2nd of November, 1835, at Houndshill, the seat of the worthy Master, The weather was extremely unfavourable, and the scent so bad that we had no sport, of any consequence, for some weeks. On the 28th of November, the hounds found an old dog fox on Brailes Hill, and after a very severe run, with only one check, killed on Compton Hill. At the end the Field was very select. MR. THORNHILL.— 1835. 339 BY NECK OR NOTHING. HALFORD BRIDGE, NOV. 28tH. * For the chase now prepare, See the hounds snuff the air, Hark, liark ! to the huntsman's sweet halloo.* We drew Honington Coppices, blank, and went from thence to Brailes. On drawing Mr. Sheldon's covers, near the village, an old dog fox was immediately hallood away, and from the bold manner he came up the hill, and faced a field of at least one hundred, there was no doubt of his being a good one. For a few minutes he kept skirting the gorses on the hill, but pointing to the valley ; at the last bit of gorse he put his head straight for the open country. No doubt now remained of a run, and to get to the hounds immediately, or lose the enjoj^ment of it, was certain. At the first check about 14 out of the Field were letups this was about a mile from Brailes Hill, and the check, of not more than a minute, was occasioned by our game having run through a flock of sheep. Reynard then went away over Weston Brook by the mill, across a stiff country to Weston Open Field, leaving Weston House to the left, across the London Road, over Wolford Heath, and then straight for the Stour. The river was nothing more than a full-sized brook in this place, but it was wide enough to stop the career of many a good one. From this point the Field was very select, and none but a good horse, in superior condition, could go the pace over this stiff and hilly country. Our fox then made his point, apparently, for Barton Grove, but leaving that to the right he went on for Chesterton. Being viewed every now and then, the last struggle, from its severity, became an object 340 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. of great anxiety to the Sportsmen who were fortunate enough to keep their places to the end of the run, and the fox was at length killed by the gallant bitch-pack, in the open. The distance, from point to point, was not less than nine miles, which we ran, with but one check, in the space of 41 minutes. Very few were near the hounds at the death, viz. : Mr. John Lucy, Mr. R. Greaves, Mr. Horridge, Mr. Hues, of Cherrington, Mr. Hurlstone, and Mr. Smith, of Pebworth, on his famous little chesnut mare. The huntsman on Shamrock was well up to the heel of his hounds. THE SAME, BY NEAR-PAD. The field, this morning, was not very numerous, but many of those who were present were known to be of the right stamp. We drew Honnington coppices, blank ; and went to Brailes, where we found directly, hallooing our fox away in good style. He went off to Sutton North, by Sir G. Phiups's, of Weston, over Little Wolford Heath, and then turned to the left, over the brook up Long Compton Hill, and he was killed in a barn yard at the top. The distance was not very great, but the pace was tremendous, and many of the field were thrown out by the brook we had to cross. Amongst those who had the good luck to witness the whole of the run, were — Mr. J. Lucy, on a bay horse, Mr. R. Greaves, Mr. W. Hurlstone, Mr. Horridge, Mr. Smith, of Pebworth, Mr. Bicknell, Mr. Wallington, jun. Mr. Waddams, on Red Rose, and a few others. This was as fine a run as any one could wish to see. MR. THORNHILL.— 1636. 341 BY SPANK-AWAY. DUNCHURCH, JAN. 7. 1 We found, this morning, at Bunker's Hill, and reynard leaving Dunchurch on the right, passed Birdingbury, and then ran through Frankton Wood. Turning short back at this point, he made direct for Birdingbury again, and we killed him on the earths at that place. The run lasted 45 minutes, and the pace was very sharp. 2 I In this, as well as in tlie more northern parts of tlie county, there are several gentlemen who often join the Warwickshire, and who are ardent supporters of the chase. The Earl of Craven is a spirited and zealous friend of the chase., and in the extensive woods on his Lordship's domain about Combe, the foxes are well preserved. His Lordship, in 1834 and 1835, hunted a pack of stag-hounds, which were then given up for the more cheerful and exhilirating amusement of dashing after the fox. The chase has also a warm and able supporter in that gallant Sportsman, Lord John Scott. The great Northern Novellist relates a singular anecdote of the strength and courage of one of his liordship's ancestors, from whence the title of Buccleugh, since retained by that ancient and honorable house, was derived. Captain Ibbert is an ardent friend of the sport, and a bold and good rider. Not to start a fox from one of the gallant Captain's covers, would create nearly as much disappointment in the Field, as to meet with an inhospitable reception at the threshold of a Warwickshire fox-hunter. Mr. Applethwaite is a Sportsman of gi-eat talent and experience ; he succeeded Sir John Gerard in the management of the Atherstone hounds in 1831, and continues to hunt them, with equal credit to himself, and gratification to the surrounding country, down to the present time. 2 Mr. Thornhill, on Creeper, met with an accident in- the course of this run, which confined him to his house for a few days. 342 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. Jan. 9. — A very fair day's sport was afforded by the Warwickshire on this day, when the meet was at Epwell White House. There was a very good field out, and the hounds having been thrown into the coverts at Lord Nor- thampton's, soon unkenneled a prime fox, which led us gallantly away direct to Mr. Thornhill's gorse, passed Hell Brake, and then pointed for Brailes. Leaving that village to the right, he led us on at a good hunting pace to Sibbard, where we killed him, after a run of one hour and 15 minutes. BY A LOVER OF THE CHASE. EATINGTON VILLAGE, JAN. 10. We met, this morning, at Eatington Village, and drew Eatington Gorse, where we found a fox, ran him for ten minutes about the grove, and then lost him. We next drew Alveston Pastures, where we quickly unkenneled, and ran our game through Fir Grove, and across Mr. West's New Plantations. Here turned to the right and went straight nearly to Alderminster, but ran to ground in a drain under Churchill Farm ; we got him out and killed him. We returned to Alveston Pastures, and were not dis- appointed in our hopes that this favorite cover would afford us a good finale to the day's sport. The pack very soon unkenneled the third fox, and he led us gallantly away through Fir Grove, on to Houndshill, then nearly to Oakum Farm, where he turned to the left, leaving Loxley Village to the right, and again took shelter in the Pastures. W^e did not suffer him to remain here long, and had no sooner driven him out than he again dashed off by the Heath Farm, where he turned short to the left, and brushed, at a good pace, through Fir Grove. MR. THORNHILL.— 1836. 343 Pug led lis bravely over part of JNIr. West's estate to Foxhill Bank, where he crossed the Stoiir, and the hounds were whipped off, as it became too dark to continue, near to Preston-iipon-Stour. Had the hght permitted us to have gone on, we must speedily have turned poor reynard up, who was seen by the himtsman in the next field trailing his brush at a pace not faster than a man could walk, and quite done up. The first fox from the Pastures led us a ring of 3.5 minutes j and the last had taken the mettle out of the best nags after a run of an hour and fifty-five miimtes, at the best pace, over a stiff country, and, in my opinion, decidedly the worst part of Warwickshire. The following gentlemen were amongst the best in this day's sport : Mr. Bolton King, on a thorough-bred bay mare ; Mr. T. Cumines, on a grey mare j Mr. J. Wadhams, of Grafton, on a chestnut ; Mr. John Dadley, on a bay horse of Mr. E. Cockbtll's ; and the Huntsman, on the bay. Most of the horses that went to the end were led home, and this was decidedly the best day's sport with the Warwickshire this season. BY SPANK- A WAY. Jan. 23. — Met at Upton House, and found in the New Gorse, ran our fox a ringing chase of an hour and ten minutes, and killed him. Feb. 6. — Met at Wellesbourne, found in the Wood, and after running pug for 50 minutes, he went to groimd at Walton. Unkenneled a second fox at Brickhill Gorse, whicli on getting away left Lord Northampton's to the z 2 344 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. right, Pillerton to the left, and bore away for Edge Hill, where we killed him after a good hunting run of one hour and ten minutes with a fair holding scent. The last meet of the Warwickshire, this season, was on Saturday, March 26th, at Eatington Village. THE LAST TIME FOR THE SEASON. ' The last time for the season,' I shudder to hear ! It is the knell of the past, and mingles with fear, With our hopes of the future ; it draws forth a sigh As we think of the seasons how quickly they fly ; By inquisitive looks the last meet you will know, And the answers to questions of, where do you go ? I'm for London this spring — and I'm off for the Rhine — At Ascot and Epsom I'm determined to shine — To France says another — then Geneva's the word, And every place under the heavens is heard. As to summering the horse queries are raised, And both Nebuchadnezzar and Nimrod are praised. Some studs like the former are predestined to range, And cull their own sallad by the side of a grange ; While others are doomed to be immured in a shed, And as Nimrod prescribes, on good oats to be fed ; Each system has merits with propriety used, Its ills in abundance, if discretion's abused. The young horse of full habit, to fever inclined. Let him live upon grasses, and breathe in the wind ; But the old one, whose blood has been temper'd by age. You may feed like a turkey and keep in a cage. A foot that is brittle should be placed in the dew, Whilst the soft and the pliant on litter may do. One leg without injury may traverse the ground. But its hardness another will render unsound. Adopt then the system your own horse may require, Or you'll live to become a perpetual buyer. ' The last time for the season,' reminds me to say Farewell to our friends who are hastening away; May pleasures attend them wheresoever they roam, And pleasures more exquisite then Avelcome them home I BRUSH. MR. THORNHILL.— 1836. 345 Scent lay very bad for nearly the whole of the season. This complaint was not confined to this district, only, but prevailed, more or less, throughout the whole country. A more serious drawback to the wind-up of the season arose from another source. At the beginning of January it became evident that the hounds were afflicted with some disease. The bitches suffered most severely from this attack, and by March nine couple and a half of the best of them, and five couple of the best of the dog hounds died. A similar disorder attacked one or two other kennels. This misfortune reduced the hunting from four to three days a week. Yet, the Warwickshire hounds had a few excellent days ; and a full share of sport, when compared with any of the neighbouring hunts. Mr. Thornhill gave up the hounds at the end of this season ; and, as the lease of the kennel at Butler's Marston had expired, they were taken to Wellesbourne. 1 1 In the course of tlii.s season, new and commodious stables and kennels were erected at Sliottery, within one mile of Stratford-upon- Avon, to which place the establisliment is now removed. Mr. R. Barnard is esteemed in the Hunt as a bold and sliilful rider ; and no fence is too high or too wide for him, that his horse can cover. No Sportsman measures liis ground better, or rides with more judgment than this Gentleman. Captain Shirley, son of Mr. E.J.Shirley, of Eatington, when in this neighbourhood, regularly hunts witli the Warwickshire, and is a bold rider, and good Sportsman. Mr. Holyoake, of Studley Castle, now Sir F. L. H. Goodricke, Bart, used frequently to be seen in the field with the Warwickshire. z 3 346 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. The Wamvickshire hounds remained at Wellesbonrne during the next season, 1836-7, xmder the management of Mr. Shirley, Mr. Townsend, Mr. B. Granville, Mr. HoLDEN, and Mr. Barnard. Tlie Warwickshire Hunt Ball, for 1836, was held in the Shakspeare Hall, at Stratford-upon-Avon, on Tuesday Evening, the 12th of January. The Meeting- was one of unusual splendour and mag'nificence, heinsc composed of nuist of the noble and distinguished families in this part of the ("(Huity. Not less than l^SO personages «ere present. Tlie Members were dressed in the uniform of the Warwickshire Hunt. Officiating Stewards — Joseph Townsend, Ksq., Captain Cunynghanie, R. Barnard, Ksq., and Arthur Sliirlev, Esq. MR. THORNHILL.— 1836. 34: MR. THORNHILLS STUD. Mr. Thornhill sold his stud of twenty-three hunters, at Tattersall's, on the 23rd of May, 1836. They brought the following sums : — Horses' Names. Purchasers. Guine Golumpus Mr. Worrall 77 Chance Mr. Cripp 53 Flirt Mr. lielchwald . . 41 Student . . Mr. Alexander Spiers 43 The Tartar . . Mr. Anderson 60 Forester Bought in at 340 Red Rose Lord Gardiner . . 210 Fanny Mr. Massey Stanley 115 Creeper . . Ivord Lilford 220 Lady Jane Lord Jersey 160 Shamrock Sir Francis Goodricke . 350 Latitat ^. . . . Mr. Yates 77 Patrician Captain Gleg 81 Gainsborougli . . Lord Alford 81 Cressida Lord Dorchester. . 75 Grimaldi Lord Darlington . . 300 yami)yre Lord Douglas 170 The Architect . . Ijord Alford 146 The Pony Mr. Anderson 270 Miss Preston . . Mr. Holden 37 The Midge Mr. Beddoes 45 Dairymaid Mr. George Payne 7Q The Nun Mr. Fellovves 40 Mr. Thornhill sold every horse from his stable btit 348 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. LEAMIAGTOAL This place, which thirty years ago was nothing more than a httle irregular village, is now become a large and populous town. Macbeth was not more astonished at the mysterious approach of Birnam Wood towards Dunsinane, than an absentee for that period would be on his sudden return to this delightful watering-place. The Spa had not long emerged from its primitive rusticity, than it presented to visitors a happy combination of comfort and amusement. Gentlemen, who came into the country to join the Warwickshire Hunt, made it their head-quarters during the Season ; the progress of improve- ment was rapid and successful ; and in the course of a short time, few localities could turn out a more gay assemblage of red-coats than Leamington. The Sportsman, when here, may be said to reside in the very centre of his favovirite amusement. The Warwick- shire frequently meet within a few miles of him, ^nd other packs often throw off at some covert which he can reach within the hour, in a Canterbury-gallop, on his hack. In successive seasons, Leamington has been honoured with the presence of some of the finest Foxhunters in the United Kingdom : and at a grand fancy dress ball held lately at the Upper Assembly Rooms, upwards of forty gentlemen, dressed in the uniform of the Warwickshire Hunt, were present. For some years, the Sporting Gentlemen, aided by the tradesmen of the town subscribed annually to the Warwick- shire Hounds. At the commencement of the season, 1 835-6, Mr. Thornhill and the Members of the Hunt, gave many WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. 349 of the covex's in the northern division of the county to Mr. R. Vyner, of Eathorpe, whose pack, for the last few years, had hunted what may be called the out-country, including the district in the neighbourhood of Solihull. At the beginning of the next season^ Mr. Vyner and his friends, had permission to hunt the covers north of the Avon, and the kennel at Lillington was given up to that establishment. Mr. Vyner hunted the hounds himself. Of the many Noblemen and Gentlemen, supporters of the chase, who have within these few years become perma- nent residents or visitors of the Spa during the hunting season, we may name : — Lord Eastnor, Sir E. Mostyn, Capt. Lamb, Mr. M. Wise, Lord Lowth, Lord Ongley, Capt. Sanderson, Capt. Searancke, Capt. Magennis, Col. Charritie, Lord W. Lennox, Lord Dillon, Lord Cranstoun, Lord Ilope.toun, Mr. J. PluUipson, Capt. Fairley, Mr. Creighton, Capt. Montgomery, Sir J. Ilaumer, Hon. Mr. Vauglian, Mr. MoUineux, Sir A.Brooke, Mr. Ricardo, Sir T. Thompson, Capt. Ongley, Mr. W. Beaumont, Sir P. I'ayne, Capt. Mostyn, Mr. Mostyn, Mr. Fazakerley, Lord F. Beaiiclerk, Mr. Boycott, Col. Harding, Lord Ross, Hon. F. Petre, Sir R. Elphinstone, Sir Jolin Gerrard, Col. Gouch, SirD. Baird, Sir H. Titchbovirne, Capt. Grant, Capt. Burgess, Mr. E. H. Clarke, Mr. Beaumont, Mr. Bradley, &c. &i-. 350 WARWICKSHirxE HUNT. THE rUBLK BATHS. Here the grave aiitl niclaiicholic, ( Wonders to thy Spa beh»iii>',) Quick resume their spirits, frolic, Trip the dance, and trill the snug. See the heirless fertilizing. With a cheek of healthful glow ; Beans, late old, connubializing. Yield, with grace, to Cupid's how. Damsels, almost past love's blisses, Bathe the crow-foot from their eye ; Whilst their faithless tell-tale tresses Take the lilooming auburn dye. Should one fiend thy Spa e'er lurk at, () ! it is a jdagny curse ; Tap a Spring, at once, and burke that Devil, bhu^ — an empty purse ! (iay, then, to thy Spa would ride in Jjovely belle, and happy beau ; Often, too, would cheerly glide in Where the Golden Waters flow I Tho' subdued are all diseases By that magic Spa of thine ; Give to me, for that best ]deases, (loblets filled with rosy wine ! -e^^^^^^ WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. 351 MR. JOHN LOCKLEY. Mr. Lockley was born at Barton Hall, in the county of J)erby, once the residence of the Protector Cromwell. From thence he went to Boscobel, in the county of Salop, where he occupied a larg-e farm — (Boscobel, from the Italian words bosco bello, beautiful wood.) It was at this place that Charles the 2nd, and his friend, secreted themselves in an oak tree, after he had been defeated at Worcester, by Cromwell ; and he finally escajied fr Handicap, 10 Sovs. each, with .30 added. Capt. Bunney's b. f. by Longwaist 1 Mr. Gladwcll's Whimsical 2 Mr. Little's Slang 3 Mr. Farmer's Timothy 4 Mr. Micklam's Music 5 City Stakes of 5 Sovs. each, with 20 yiven hy the Corporation. flapt. Lamb's Jack 1 IMr. Baring's Lofty 2 Capt. Bunney's Donnington 3 Silver Cup, with 10 Sovs. to the Second Horse. riRST CL\SS. Mr. Collett's Claret 1 1 Mr. Cheadle's Chance 2 Mr. Barber's Antelope 3 Mr. Kemp's Truant 4 Mr. Carter's Bounce 5 SECOND CLASS. Mr. Farmer's Nothing-at-all 1 2 Mr. Packwood's Little John 2 Mr. Burton's Moggy 3 Mr. Mantle's Miss Print 4 THIRD CLASS. Mr. Griffin's Dimity 1 Mr. Gavins's Roiilette 2 Mr. Smith's Freedom 3 Hurdle Race, 5 Sovs. each, with '20 Sovs. added. Mr. Little names Apostate 1 Mr. Williams's Wandering Boy 2 Mr. Wyatt names Shakspeare 3 Mr. J. Morris's Peeper 4 Handicap of 5 Sovs. each. Mr. Farmer's Timothy 1 1 Mr. Little's Slang 4 '2 Mr. Fowler's Little John 3 3 Mr. Drcge's Wandering Boy 2 4 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. 387 BIRMINGHAM AND SOLIHULL SPRING RACES, Wednesday, April 20, 1836. Birmingham Stakes of 5 Sovs. each, with 30 added. Mr. Farmer's b. g. Bilbury 1 1 Mr. Godwin's b. g. Pliarold 2 b Mr. Fowler's br. m. Coquette 5 2 Mr. Edwards's b. f. Maria 3 3 Mr. Richardson's br. g. Obadiah 4 4 Match for £50. Mr. Taylor's b. m. Lady Jane 1 Mr. Mottram's cli. m 2 Hurdle Stakes of 5 Sovs. each, with 30 added. Mr. Fowlei's br. m. Coquette 1 Mr. Brown's b. m. Pandora 2 Mr. Wadams's ch. g. Red Rose 3 Mr. Godwin's b. g. Pharold 4 Not Placed. — Mr. Walker's Paganini, Mr. F. Wallis's Tom Leed- ham, Mr. Barber's Antelope, and Mr. Vyner's Risque. Solihull Stakes of 3 Sovs. each, with a Purse added. Mr. Stovin's b. g. Sir Peter 6 1 1 Mr. Newman's br. g. Smallhopes I 2 2 Mr. Brown's b. m. Harriet 3 3 Mr. Bindley's b. g. Fugleman 4 Mr. Friend's br. m. Jewess 2 Mr. Taylor's br. m. Lady Jane BIRMINGHAM AND SOLIHULL AUTUMN RACES, Monday, August 22, 1836. Trial Slakes of 10 Sovs. each, with 30 Sovs. added. Mr. Barton's ch. f. Sister to Presto 1 Mr. Leedham's b. f. Young Phantom 2 Whip Stakes of 5 Sovs. each, with 30 added. Mr. Ongley's Donnington walked over. Match of 25 Sovs. each. Mr. Andrmi's g. m. Matilda 1 Mr. Taylor's br. m. Pet 2 The Publicans' Purse of 5 Sovs, each, with 20 added, was won by Fearnhurst, beating Little John and Cyclops. Tuesday, August 23. The Solihull Stakes of 3 Sovs. each, with 10 added, was won by Mr. Friend's Jewess, beating Tom Leedliam and Caliban. Match for £50. — Deceiver agst. Blue Ruin — won by the former. A Sweepstakes of 3 Sovs. each, with 10 added, was won by Mr. Lea's Atalanta, beating Mr. Audrun's Matilda, Mr. Taylor's Pet, and Mr. Reynolds's Deceiver. 388 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. SHOOTIJVG .4A^D TRALNLNG. SHOOTING MAXIMS AND DIRECTIONS. AN AGED sportsman's ADVICE TO HIS SON. ' Punctatorque canis volucres quo quaerere possis.' — vin. As to the question — ' Which is better, (My Son,) the Pointer or the Setter ?' 'Tis but a taste, both understood As equal in ancestral blood ; And these the virtues in the sire I, an Old Sportsman, most admire. Light be his form, his muscle strong, Else shortest day may prove too long ; Fleet, with an instinct that demands The wind on entering stubble lands. Lest Ponto, running down the wind, Should leave un found the birds behind. Or they too soon alarmed should spring Far beyond gun shot reach on wing. Blest too the man that can discern How near the game by Ponto's stern. With nose exact and keen to mark The scent of partridge from the lark ; Eager, not jealous in pursuit. Cautious, and slow, when game's afoot. Steady to stand when birds are found. Willing to back o'er widest ground, With courage that can bear correction. When words have proved too weak objection. Such sire and mother both should be To give a worth to progeny. WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. 389 From such a breed select the male, Lest lady services should fail. And the September season prove How inconvenient female love. Breed more than you may well require. Lest the distemper, ravage dire. With sad malignity destroy The kennel treasures of my boy. And leave him in September dress Rich in his game but pointer-less. Now learn when fii*st you should begin And how to break your pointers in. In March when marriage contracts Ijind In annual links the feathered kind. And partridge chaperon mothers stand With daughters introduced on hand. Just so you see the loveliest faces Inviting marriage at the races, Each hoping her's may soon be won By some endowed and elder son ; In March, on wedding schemes intent. Birds may be neared, and strong the scent ; In March then let your puppies know The various myst'ries of ' To, Ho !' Trained kindly, and (observe) by hand To back — go on — lie down, or stand ; To drop the instant gun is shot. Nor move five inches from the spot Till told, if honour' d with a call. To fetch the stricken birds that fall. Nor think your breaking duties o'er Till you've observ'd one covmsel more. Your's be in August to explain These useful lessons once again, c c 390 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. And harden Ponto's flesh and feet. And make his power of wind compleat. By ten-mile gallops on the road Of turnpike nearest your abode. Next choose your gun, each barrel stout. With bore that will not spread about ; A stock well turned, and poised to rise On easy level with your eyes ; Two ramrods, lest a fractured one Should render vain the finest gun. Of ivhalebone, lest employed to]|thwack A dog, or poke a ditch, they crack. Use Southweirs caps, they never fly Or hurl destruction at your eye If bought of Brasher or of Bix, (Men true in trade and politics.) Wadding of card or felt prepare. With hole to free th' imprisoned air, Yovs powder-flask in form should be From possible explosion free. Your shot-belt made at touch of spring To pour a charge that's just the'thing. Keep your gun clean from dirt or rust. With inside scraped from leaden crust. Lest shot be hindered in its flight. And birds escape uninjur'd by't. September come, don't rise too soon. Nor linger to the hour of noon. At dawn the game is wild, mid-day The scent's completely scorch'd away. And birds are basking in the sun. In haunts where pointers seldom run. Be call'd at six, then, start at seven, Rest and eat luncheon at eleven — WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. 391 Seated beneath some spreading oak. With sandwich, wine, cold tea, and joke. And Ponto (pat him as he lies,) Reposing with uneasy eyes. And lackies, envious till they share The lux'ries of their master's fare. At three you'll find your sport the best — Dinner at si x — you know the rest. In easy camlet jacket clad, (The lightest and the best, my lad,) Trowsers of fustian, gaiters ditt ; Shoes not too strong nor tight in fit. Methinks I see your early start, Methinks I hear your throbbing heart. As, whistling after breakfast meal Ponto and Carlo to your heel, You stalk away in youthful pride To seek the manor's distant side. ' Tis reach'd — your cob with bridle thrown Over his neck is left alone. Or ridden by a boy that came To mark and carry home the game. Instructed when the birds are flying To keep them in his constant eyeing. Till outstretch'd wings to fluttering changing. Prove they have reach'd their utmost ranging. Ere ent'ring fields (up-wind) agree Which your companion's side shall be. And never shoot, (so honour cries,) Bird that across his pathway flies. Be tranquil now, your March employ Suits not September's calm, my boy ; This is no month for pointer breaking. Or noise, or furious angry speaking ; o c 2 392 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. A"whistle, if you choose, scarce heard. Resemblance of a calling bird. No whip, no rating, no halloo — Ponto has nerves as well as you ; Forgive small faults, lest temper cross'd. His spirit, and yovir sport be lost. But let not Ponto, I implore you. Go through a gate or gap before you. Lest birds too soon alarmed should fly. And to some distant hedges hie. Nor only fly unshot I ween. But oftentimes, alas ! unseen. Nor move too fast, give time to find. Or coveys will be left behind. Where's Ponto ? see him yonder stand Like marble on the hedgerow land, With'Carlow backing staunch and true ! How fine,'\how beautifurthe'viewj Breathe a ' To-ho !' in_voice^ subdued. Then mark their ^noble attitude. The frame^with leg inslight^advance. The stiffened stern, the'starting glance, O ! pause^one"moment to" survey This glory __of the"'sporting day ; Then make a'circuit'to 'enclose The game_.'twixt you and^Ponto's nose j And cock not, ^or 'tis dang'rous' thing. Your gun till game is on the wing. And when a bird has dropp'd^ beware Lest Pot not sport appear your care. If Ponto, ere he hears the word. To go and fetch the stricken bird Sees you advance without recharging. He's ruin'd — without more enlarging. WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. 393 All ! no, reload while Ponto stands Watching each motion of your hands. Then seek your game, or, if preferr'd. Bid happy Ponto bring the bird. This rule neglected, Ponto soon Will rush, as influenc'd by the moon, When gun is fired and bird is shot. Shewing that policy is not So bad as that of present pot ; Better lose birds, and hares, and rabbits. Than teach your pointer vicious habits. Now mark my prayer with my command. When yon have got your gun in hand. And first relieve me from alarm By loading with extended arm. Fixing the copper coverings last. When the fourth wadding has been passed. And guarding well with anxious sight Lest casual blow the caps ignite. Point your gun upwards to the sky. Or to the earth when friends are by, If only to relieve their fears Of shot sent rattling rovmd their ears. And never or in jest or quarrel Point to your friend or self the barrel. Oh ! no, not e'en th' unloaded gun, Lest children in their thoughtless fun Learn the sad lesson, and in play Some belov'd friend or brother slay. Ere struggling thro' the thorny gaps. Reflect upon what sad mishaps Are caus'd by sportsman's careless hand When traversing from land to land. c c 3 394 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. And when returning home beware No loaded barrel enters there. Oh ! to discharge your gun, or draw The charge, is more than nature's law — Lest chance, or frolic, or design, Make wretched this abode of mine. My son ! these principles remember As guides for shooting in Septem1)er, Lest T who trust you with a gun Should prove the murd'rer of my son. And your dear mother's heart-strings burst. Made childless on the fatal first. Think'st thou, my boy, that I could be. If thus depriv'd of her and thee. Able to drag life's pond'rous chain With no delirium on my brain ? Ah ! no, that selfsame hour would find Distraction seizing on my mind. Nor would it cease till friendly death Put period to thy father's breath. And the oblivious grave imparted Peace to thy parent, broken-hearted. — The father paused, and you might spy Tears gathering fast in either eye. Till, with a hand upon his breast. As choking with its sighs suppress'd. Again he cried, ' My Son remember These Rules for Shooting in September.' WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. 395 A WORD TO YOUNG SPORTSMEN, BY VENATOR. We observe, with strong feelings of regret, that in every successive season, many serious and sometimes fatal accidents occur to gentlemen while shooting. By attending to a few general rules, some of those accidents may be avoided. The first great principle to bear constantly in mind, is, never to suffer any part of your own person, or that of your companion nor even yoixr dog, to come within range of your gim at any time. This should more particularly be observed in gi\'ing or receiving, or in drawing the piece after you through a hedge. Carry your gun, invariably, well poized in the air, or pointing to the ground ; then, should it by any chance go off, the charge flies harmless above your head, or is instantly buried beneath your feet. Charging is the next material point you should attend to. Never suffer any part of either hand to pass over the muzzle of your gun when in the act of loading, or after it is loaded. When the powder is put into the barrel, take hold of the rod with the tip, as near as you can, of your finger and thumb, to ram down the wadding, and observe the same caution both in passing down and drawing the rod in completing the charge ; and then, should the gun unex- pectedly go off, you could receive no other injury than a slight laceration of the extreme points of your thumb and finger. Any man who has learned his discipline in the army, will explain this method to you in a few lessons. — Keep the piece at a distance from your person while loading, with the muzzle rather slanting outward ; this precaution is always a safe one with a short gun. There is another kind of accident, from which the most serious consequences often occur, that cannot be so easily guarded against, which is a bursting of the gun j yet this. 396 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. by care, may sometimes be averted. Your barrel should be made of the best tough twisted stubs, clean it well every time it is used, and keep your gun perfectly dry. Never load with damp paper, as in ramming down it is liable to form a mass so hard, that you may be led to believe it lies firm upon the charge, when it has not reached it : the con- fined air, in that case, on being rarefied by the explosion, might burst the barrel. By visiting one of the government proof-houses, and seeing heaps of barrels frightfully riven in all directions, will convey to the young sportsman such a practical lesson of danger from the bursting of a gun that he can never forget. In shooting, if yovi can avoid it, grasp no part of the barrel beyond the stock with your left hand. It is a safeVustom to have your barrels proved at intervals, if they are much used. SHOOTING AT STUDLEY CASTLE, WARWICKSHIRE. In the middle of November, 1836, Sir F. Goodricke, and a party of friends, met at the seat of the Hon. Baronet, Studley Castle, for the purpose of diverting themselves by a few day's shooting. The party consisted of the Hon. Baronet, Mr. Massey Stanley, Mr. Pakington, Mr. Lyne Stephens, and Mr. George Payne. On the Tuesday they killed 486 head of game ; and on Wednesday 503 head, consisting of 492 pheasants, 376 hares, 120 rabbits, and a cock. Total 989 head. The party shot but four hours a day. WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. S97 PERFORMANCES OF THAT CELEBRATED HORSE VIVIAN. IHE PROPERTY OF CAPTAIN LAMB. We are enabled, by a favour which we thankfully acknowledge, to lay before our readers a correct account, both on the turf and across country, of this extraordinary horse ; and we are certain that a list of his great perform- ances will be considered an interesting document by those Sportsmen who have noticed his racing career, and remain a lasting record of the astonishing powers of that noble creature the horse. In the year 1834, Vivian, bay gelding by Fencer, dam by Spanker, became the property of Captain John Lamb, a gentlemap who then resided at Leamington, and was one of the most ardent supporters of the turf and chace in this county. 1834. Vivian first came out at Warwick Spring Meeting, on the 19th of March, this year, and ruii second to Alice Gray for the Debdale Stakes, beating Agitator and four others. His next engagement was of a more important nature, and although a few formed but an indifferent opinion of his chance of success against Cannon Ball, we find him at the post, starting for the Great Northampton Steeple Race, on the 4th of April, with that and another superior horse. The stake was 25 sovereigns each, open to all England, 4 miles, across a severe and thick-fenced country. This race Vivian won, having beaten the b. g. Vanguard, by Vampire, and Mr. Osbaldeston's b. g. Cannon Ball. As that gentleman had challenged the whole kingdom for 500 sovereigns with this horse, and his powers of crossing a country were con- 398 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. sidered of the first rate, the betting was 1 to 1 on Cannon Ball, and 5 to I against Vivian. This victory added to his fame, and in the steeple races of the ensuing season, the sporting world looked forward to the entry of his name with deep interest. In September following, Vivian ran at Walsall, where he was beaten by Buffalo, beating Donnington. On the l'2th of November Vivian started for the Grand Aylesbury Steeple Race of ] 5 sovereigns each, with 50 added; carrying 12st. each, over a country of four miles, free to any horse. This stake he won, beating a long field of the choicest horses. Amongst them were Lancet, Lau- restina, Noma, Poet, Flyer, Grimaldi, Glenartney, Cantley, Prospero, and 10 others. In consequence of this second great victory, Vivian was considered as a first rate steeple racer, and the Marquis of Waterford challenged to run his Cock Robin, a horse well known, against the Captain's, for 1000 sovereigns each, over four miles of the Leicestershire country, each to carry 12 stone. The Marcjuis rode his own horse ; Mr. Beecher rode Vivian. The match came oft' on the 1st of December, a period of only nineteen days having elapsed since his last severe combat at Aylesbury. Vivian was again successful, beating his opponent by about two lengths, after a most severely contested race, over a frightful country. 1835. At the Warwick Spring Meeting, March 18th, Vivian won the Tradesmens' Cup of 50 sovs. with 10 sovs. each, beating Bedicote, Annette, Cannon Ball, Ploughboy, Conrad, Skipper, and br. g. by Thornton, dam by Carlton. On the same day, in beautiful style, Vivian won the Hurdle Race Sweepstakes, six leaps, 12st. each, beating Conrad, Judgment, Angler, and Gipsj% WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. 399 The next engagement of Vivian closely followed ; and at Northampton he ran for the Grand Steeple Race there, but had the misfortune to stake himself in the early part of it, whereby he lost all chance of winning. However, he recovered sufficiently to walk to Bath, where, at the Spring Meeting, on the 29th of April, he surprised every one, winning his match of £50 by beating Lord Ranford's Shade, thoroughbred, list, whilst Vivian carried l^st. and won easily. The betting was 9, to 1 freely on Shade, who was thought to be the best in the country, at that time, entered for those stakes. The astonishing muscular powers of Vivian had now been fully displayed ; yet, on the following day, he started for, and won the Hurdle Race Sweepstakes of 5 sovs. each, with 10 added, beating Colonel, Topsy, Chazadde, Lady Jane, and Splendour. In the course of the following week, he walked over for the Hurdle Race Sweepstakes, at Clifton, carrying 5lbs. extra on account of his former winnings. On the 24th of June, we find him matched against Capt. Williamson's Bittern for £50, at Stockbridge, which he won carrying 7lbs. extra. On the same day he beat Wallington, and won the Bibury Handicap Stakes of 25 sovs. each, 4 paying h. ft. On the following day, Vivian won the Hunters' Stakes of 10 sovs. each, with 1 added, beating Lady Emily, and receiving forfeit from four others. On the 7th of August, at Sahsbury, he was beaten by Bittern, in three heats, Vivian beating one other. On the 12th, of August, at Southampton, he walked the Cocktail Stakes of 5 sovs. each, with 20 added. On the 13th, at the same place, he ran second to Lady Emily, for the Gold Cup Stakes, beating Bittern, Conserva- tive, Tallyho, and Chancellor. 400 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. On the 1 sth, at Oxford, he ran second to Nike, for a Sweepstakes of 5 sovs. each. Pontiff being third. On the 9th of September, he won the Belvoir Stakes, of 5 sovs. each, at Leicester, with 20 added by the Duke of Rutland, beating Stonesby, Cricket Ball, and two others, twice. On the following day, he ran second to Mr. Tomes's b. g. by Bedlamite, for the Burgess Plate — Plaything 3rd, Dacre 4th. On Friday October 2nd, at Liverpool, Vivian surprised every one. He first won the Hurdle Race of 10 sovs. each, with 50 added, beating Polyanthus, and Sod and Twig. On the same day, he also won the Hurdle Race of 5 sovs. each, with 25 added, beating Peacemaker, Aristocrat, Old Abraham, Wagtail, and Flareup. 1836. At Aylesbury, on the 9th of February, Vi\ian was beaten by Saladin for the Heavy Weight Steeple Race, he beating Yellow Dwarf, Speculation, Wing, Fugleman, The Stranger, Rochelle, The Flyer, Red Deer, Grimaldi, and Redman. On the 11th, at the same place, he won, easily. The Light Weight Steeple Race, beating Yellow Dwarf, Grim- aldi, Red Deer, Glasgow, Laurcstina, Butterfly, Jerry, Man- trap, Cannon Ball, The Amazon, Gnat, Sailor, The Pony and Rochelle, who was second. At Worcester, closely following, he won the Steeple Race, beating Midnight, who fell at the third fence. Vivian went the distance alone, without making any mistake, over a line of country as severe, perhaps, as ever was ridden. At Warwick Spring Meeting, on the l6th of March, he was beat by Coquette ; but, on the same day, he won his WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. 401 last race over a course, ridden by the Owner, viz. the Deb- dale Stake for Hunters, Vivian carrying 12st. lOlbs. and Freedom, 5 years old, lOst. On the 13th of March he was beaten at Bath, by Chal- lenger. On the 25th of May, he fell in the Hurdle Sweepstakes at Manchester, and was beaten by Buffer, Vivian beating four others. 1837. On the 7th of March, Vivian won the Dunchurch Grand Steeple Race, over a heavy line of country, of 25 sovs. each, with 100 added, beating Jerry, Warwick, Wing, Cock Robin, Strideaway, Beatrice, Boy Blue, Emma, Pilot, Stranger, Gridiron, William Tell, and Stag. On the following Tuesday, the 14th, he ran second to Jerry, for the Leamington Grand Steeple Race of 25 sovs. with 200 added, beating Flacrow, Monarch, Captain Bob, Countess, Creeper, Scripton, Laura, b. g. Ncgociator, and Valiant. The last splendid achievement of Vivian was on Tues- day, the 4th of April following, when he won the great Steeple Race, at Cheltenham, of 25 sovs. each, with 50 added, beating Splendour, Deceiver, Dan O'Connell, The Disowned, Cinderella, Harlequin, Sportsman, Cannon Ball, Monarch, Standard, Oberon, Workman, and North Star. This was Vivian's last engagement 3 and it will be seen, on referring to the performances of this wonderful animal, across country, that he started ten times, and won seven Steeple-races, beating the choicest horses in England, or from Ireland. He was unfortunate in one, by staking him- self, and in every other he was second horse. Thus it will be found, that in the seven races he won he beat 63 horses ; and in the two races where he was placed second, he beat 20 horses. 402 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. On the Turf he started 23 times, and won 14 races, beating 36 horses. He was second in eight races, and beat 19 horses ; and on one occasion he was not placed. This gallant old horse was named for the Hurdle Races, at Liverpool, in October, 1837, and, apparently, when in better condition than ever he was before, on taking his last gallop, he failed in his near foreleg, and is not likely to come out again as a racer. MR. MYTTON. John Mytton, Esq. of Halstone, Salop, was a Sportsman well known in Warwickshire, by attending the races in that county for many years. He came into the possession of property, it has been very confidently stated, real and personal, little short in value of .£400,000, but, from an improvident expenditure, and extensive specuhations on the Turf, in which it is believed he lost large sums, he spent his noble patrimony, and on the 29th of March, 1834, he died in the King^'s Bench, from a disease on the brain, and was buried at Halstone. He first married the daughter of Sir Tyrwhitt Jones, who died, leaving him one daughter, on whom he settled .£10,000; and he afterwards was united to Caroline, sister of T. Giffard, Esq. of Chillington, by whom he had five children, the eldest son, at his death, inheriting the Halstone estate. — Mr. Mytton was 38. Now what sliall we say of Mr. Mytton — himself a sportsman and a master of hounds ? The conflicting passions of the human mind were strongly marked in tlie character of this gentleman. Some of these, acting upon a temper too easily excited, often threw his better qualities into the shade, and led to results regetted by his acquaint- ances, and lamented by his fiiends. Mr. Mytton's famous horse, Euphrates, stood upon the turf until he was 13 years old, and won his master sixteen Cups. — Birming- ham, Independence, and we believe Wolverliampton, once belonged to Mr. Mytton, and were purchased from him by the late Mr. Beards- ivorth, of Birmingham, when colts. WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. 403 HINTS ON GROOMING THE HUNTER. BY BRUSH. The Stud is now full, a few hints would I give, As to grooming the horse, and how he should live. At the top of the morn, my horses are seen Parading in order our old village green, They brush oif the dew, which refreshes their feet. Stops contractions of heel, and renders them sweet ; A vigorous tone to their lungs is thus given, By breathing pure air, now fresh from the heaven. To their stalls they return when an hour has fled, And find a swept stable, and fresh litter'd bed ; A wisp of soft hay to the coat is applied, AUow'd o'er the surface but gently to glide ; With bristle or comb, oh disturb not a hair, Or, porcupine-like, in your face they will stare ; By disturbing the roots you let the air in. Which nature rejects by fresh clothing the skin. In the summer, indeed, how glossy and fine Are the coats of all horses, and even of kine. 'Tis the absence of cold which keeps the coat sleek, Your attention to warmth these hints then bespeak. Distribute with liberal hand the old oats, For intei'nal heat good condition promotes ; Add not a bean until you have gallop'd your steed, Lest surfeit should force you to physic and bleed. The hay which is smallest in bulk should be found, Nor let it exceed over ten or twelve pound ; When lungs by extension of stomach are press'd. The horse scarcely moves, but in wind is distress'd. The sun is declining — again by the pair On the green are my Stud seen imbibing the air. 404 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. ON THE COATS OF HORSES. BY BRUSH. No fading beauty desirous of retaining the conquests slie had made, ever played more vagaries witli her complexion, than Ave of the present day do with the coats of our horses. One shaves, another clips, and a third singes. Each system has its advocates ; and we often meet with an individual who praises the one he has adopted, because it appears to have succeeded with his own particular horse. I believe that each of these systems has a peculiar merit, and that neither is exclusively right. I have heard singeing ridiculed, because it would not shear off a coat which rivalled in thickness a sheep's fleece. Again, clipping is laughed at as a tedious manner of doing in several days what a flame would accomplish in as many hours. And shaving is condemned as the most tiresome of all. All this sAveeping condemnation is wrong, and arises from ignorance of the subject. If you take your horse up in August, with a short coat, you may keep it so by singeing him now and then ; or if you purchase a horse with a tolerable coat, this is the best preventative against its getting worse ; but if you happen to have in November an animal with a thick and long coat, singeing will have about as much effect on it as a shower of rain has on a duck's back; this is a case that nothing will reach but the scissors. Again, there are coats so tough, wiry, and greasy, as to defy scissors, and will yield to nothing but the razor. Before you have recourse to either of these schemes consider the animal, recollecting that the merit of each system depends entirely on the nature of the coat on which you operate. If you find that singeing is the best adapted to your particu- lar case, there is a choice of ingredients for the purpose ; either spirits of wine and turpentine, or naphtha by itself; the latter is but half the price of the former, and as it is equally efficacious, its cheapness should give it our preference. Whilst on the subject of coats, I recollect that many years since, being requested by a friend to accompany him to a dealer's in Oxfordshire to assist him in selecting a horse ; just as we arrived at the place, I asked him what kind of a horse he wanted? He replied, one with such a coat that when he rode through a town each person should point to him and say, there goes a beautiful horse. I laughed heartily at the idea at the time. But experience has taught me that what lie required was really of great consequence ; and all our present schemes of clipping, singeing, and shaving are further confir- mations of the importance of a good coat. WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. 405 VENATOR'S FAREWELL, ( this season, ) TO HIS SPORTING FRIENDS. ' The Season o'er, thejoUy band Around the board now take their stand ; Fill to the brim ! re-echoes loud From ev'ry voice within the crowd. Diana, Goddess of the Chase, With three times three, in cups we grace, And all her hunting train ; One bumper more, — one parting glass, First to fox-hunting, — then your lass, Until we meet again !' Now Spring, indulgent maid, resume All thy sweet loveliness and bloom ; While Flora gay the glebe and bowers Richly adorns with corn and flowers. The god that fitly doth preside Over the woods and forests wide ; The goddesses that do prevail Over each wood, and grove, and vale. The nymphs who rule the fields so gay, And those who in the meadow stray ; With all that range the fields and grounds Within imaginative bounds. Will ev'ry bounty, kind, bestow To grace our paradise below. Ye river nymphs of agile limb, Who tliro' the lucid water swim. And ye who pass, in artless play. In fountain clear the time away. Now fearless glide — yet oft be seen Sporting upon their margent green, Where flowers of sweetest odour vie To charm the sense, and please the eye ! Now Mab, of fay the lovely queen. With all thy train, on pastures green Dance featly round the magic ring. To music sweet, and sweetly sing. Join'd by Robin Puck, the fairy, Who all winter long the dairy D D 406 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. And the housemaids has closely watch'd, And when he has the slatterns catch'd In bed — who've left their hearth unswept, Or not all things in order kept, Slyly beneath the yielding clothes Has pok'd his little saucy nose, Pinch'd their soft arms quite black and blue, And other softer places too ! The feath'iy race, in wood and grove, Renew their pledges sweet of love. The speckl'd thrush, the throstle bold. Blackbird with beak margin'd with gold ; The modest linnet, green and brown. The goldfinch proud in coat of down ; The soaring lark, whose tuneful song Is not excell'd the birds among ; The ring dove shy — the pigeon wild, And every little chirping child Of harmony — the gairish jay, And garr'lous pie their tribute pay ; With cuckoo of two-noted song ; But none of all the sprightly throng Can charm the ear like Philomel, Who nightly doth her love song tell ; And swallow swift, on tireless wing, Hail thy return — O lovely Spring ! The partridge now, in courtsliip's race, By hedgerows do each other chase ; Answ'ring, at eve, ere night debate, In love the lovecall of their mate. The hare — coy, harmless, tim'rous thing, Will rest in safety thro' the Spring; And teach her furry brood, beside. To run'and double, squat and hide. What pow'rs to thee, Reynard, belong! Vig'rous, active, fleet, and strong. Artful, resolute, and bold, With wond'rous nerve and frame to hold — We owe to thy stout ferine race The high diversion of the Chase! WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. 407 HippoNA, g-oddess of the horse, Who well the stable guards, of course, Will her protective halo throw Around the Steed and Master too. Until we meet the noble train, The gallant Warwickshire, again! When a fine rattling- run with a Fox at tlie end, Will ev'ry blue devil to Coventrj' send I CONCLUSION. m 'm^ THE WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. VOLUME 2nd, The first Volume of this pubhcation, contains, inclu- sively, a period of 40 successive Seasons, endii|g'in April, 1836. The Author intends to carry on the Work consecutively, from that time ; and, with the view of making the Second Volume an object still more worthy the patronage of his Sporting Friends, he solicits the aid of any confidential pen that can contribute to its value. PRINTED BT JOHN COOPER, BUTTS, WARWICK. # .* ^-' V- -■ \\ n,< >'