^ (^ Kl T^-A^/. JOHNA.SEAVERNS C^^'^grP^-J- f^ ^ /f^^Z^^-^H^^j^^^^^ r / 5 :k THE BELVOIR HOUNDS, ETC. MEMOIES BELVOIR HOUNDS FROM THEIR EARLIEST RECORDS TO THE PRESENT DAY. C^ h h y ■ P 5 \\^^ / A y • DEDICATED HIB GRACE THE DUKE OF RUTLAND. " Sweet memory, wafted by thy gentle gale, " Oft up the stream of time I'll turn my sail, " To view the fairy haunts of long lost hours, '* Blest with far greener shades, far fresher flowers." The Pleasures of Memory. GRANTHAM: "L. RIDGE, PRINTER, STEAM PRESS OFFICE, HIGH STREET. LONDON: SIMPKIN, MARSHALL, AND CO., STATIONERS' HALL COURT. 1867. MEMOIES OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. CHAPTEE I. HISTORY OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. HE Belvoir Hounds, whose chronicles it is ray aim to collect and present to the reader in as concise a form as possible, have been handed down in an uninterrupted descent from the year 1750, and probably from a much earlier period, to the present time. They have always been in the possession of the Kutland family, and the greatest care and attention has, for at least a century, been bestowed on them. Bred from all the best packs in the kingdom, their lineal descent never having been broken or interrupted by sales, or other untow^ard causes ; having, moreover, for 70 years, been under the control of Huntsmen acknowledged to have been the best of their day, can it be doubted that the Belvoir hounds possess as much 2 MEMOIRS OP THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. excellence and intrinsic value as any pack can hope to attain to. This their extraordinary family likeness, their stamina in chase, their undaunted courage, and the thoroughbred sheen of their coats, bear ample testimony to. Moreover, from the large extent of countr}^ they are enabled to hunt over through the assistance and good will of both landed proprietors and farmers, as also from the extensive lands of the House of Belvoir, they have always had the great advantage of being kept up to concert pitch, as Vv^ell in the cub hunting as in the regular season. The wood- lands also are so extended and varied as to afford every facility for the education of the young hounds, and for ensuring that condition and stamina for which the hounds have been ever remarkable. What can we say of the men who have successivel}^ trained and hunted them? Of Newman, of Shaw, Goosey, and Goolhall, and their present huntsman. Cooper ? Each was a master of the " Noble Science." Each of them was capable not onl}'- of riding to them in the field, and handling them to the best advantage, but, what is of no less consequence, of crossing and breeding them judiciously, and keeping them up to a nearly perfect standard; a standard difiicult to attain, and when attained, no less difficult to preserve from deterioration and a retrograde movement. Nor should we omit honorable mention of the farmers and yeomen whose names have for many years, equall}" with the gentlemen and members of the hunt, been intimately associated with the Belvoir hounds ; of the Blands, the Wings, the Burbidges, the Kings, and a host more Memoibs of the belvoir hounds. too numerous to recount in these peges; but who will vie with one another in their love of sport and a good horse ; and who disdain to whimper at a trodden wheat field, or broken down hedgerow. And through the wide extent of country hunted by the Belvoir hounds, from Leadenham on the North to Colsterworth on the South, and from Wiverton on the West, to the " German Ocean " on the East, it may be proudly said there is scarcely a landowner or farmer antagonistic to the sport of foxhunting; while the landed gentry, the Whichcotes, Thorolds, Cholmeleys, Welbys, Beeves, Fanes, Willsons, Neviles, Gregorys, Hamiltons, Tumors, Nortons, Heathcotes, Winchilseas, Dysarts, Heathcotes, Harboroughs, have to a man been its strenuous advocates. In these pages I have been able to compile a most correct account of every good run with the Belvoir hounds from 1799 to 180G ; they are strictly correct, because each one was written directly after the event by practical sportsmen connected with the hounds. The runs selected are those considerably above the average each season ; omitting a vast many which have at the time been highly interesting and successful. Some of the runs, and not a few, are of the class ably described by Lord Lonsdale as " Historical Runs." From 1799 each run is taken from the daily written account (afterwards printed) of the Belvoir book, up to 1828, when the printed books were unfortunately discontinued; the remainder is taken from Lord Forester's and my own journals up to the present year. It is interesting in reviewing the sport day by day of b2 4 MEMOIRS OP THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. these seasons, 67 in number, to observe how much tlie same lines were chosen by foxes ; in fact the runs of the early part of the century (supposed to have been the golden age of foxhunting) and the usual run of sport was about the same as during the last 20 j-ears. It is true the face of the country is much altered, and by draining and good farming made more easy to ride over, still I am of opinion the sport of the present day is as good as formerly. By reference to the diaries I quote from, some of the seasons between 1800 and 1850 were dry and bad scenting, the result being bad sport, no straight points, and ringing foxes. Again, as of late years, came wet seasons, then straight runs and tired horses were the order of the day. Nor do I imagine that the foxhound of the present day is in any way changed from the hound of 1820, any more than the well-bred hunter of to-day is a whit better or w^orse than the same bred horse of that period. This narrative, as I before said, embraces the period of 67 years, from 1799 to 1866. The Belvoir book was printed each year from 1799 to 1829, when it was discontinued. It was written during cub hunting by the huntsman, and during the regular season by one of the Belvoir family. From 1829 to 1835 there is a gap I cannot fill up as the records are lost. In 1829 Lord Forester took the mastership of the hounds, which, after managing with the greatest satisfaction to all classes, and with the greatest zeal and knowledge of the science for twenty-eight seasons, he resigned into the hands of their owner, the present Duke of Eutland, in 1857. From his lordship's daily journal the narra- MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. 5 tive is continued through those years and up to 1850 ; the remaining accounts are from Goodall's, Cooper's, and my own journals. In 1757, the reign of George 2nd, and in the time of the 3rd Duke of Eutland, called John of the Hill, there is a list of the number of hunters kept, and names of their owners, then hunting with the Belvoir hounds. The number of horses kept was 390, a proof that in that day the hunt was a popular and well-established one. Early in the present century (from 1800 to 180 4) the Belvoir hounds were bred a good deal from the Duke of Beaufort's, which were at that time an established pack of foxhounds ; the Beaufort stallion hounds used, were Comus, Champion, Topper, and Collier. Henry, 2nd Duke of Beaufort, kept hounds. His journal begins in 1729. They were all harriers till 1734; then deerhounds were added, and in that year there were 3O2 couples of harriers and 6 couples of deerhounds ; and in 1742 there were 21j couples harriers, 20 couples deerhounds; in 1743 no harriers, 32^ couples deer- hounds, one couple foxhounds. Thunder and Giddy ; in 1744, 33 couples deerhounds and one couple fox- hounds. Two of the most famous stallion hounds at Belvoir, Rallyivood (1853) and Singer (1855) trace their pedigrees back to Beaufort hounds in ten generations, through a famous bitch. Songstress {I^IQ), her g. dam was Costly (1.804) by the Beaufort Cham'pion, out of Transport (1800) by Beaufort Toi)]ger ; from this strain of blood most of the best stallion hounds are descended. I have made this digression to show that the Belvoir and Beaufort kennels were, in those 6 MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. daj^s, closely related, and have inserted part of the pedigrees of Fiallywoocl and Singer. ( Sir R. Sutton's [ By Lord Yarborough's (Basilisk \ Ringivood \ Fencer Mr. O's Furrier RaUywood (1838) {^^^..^^ \ (1853) BALLYWOOD V Rosebud ( Rector V Frolic Mr. Lumley's 1(1849) (Singer Bpeedioell \ , Fencer (1840) RaMsh Five generations to Osbaldeston's Fun-ier tlirougli Fencer, who was out of Vicious, the dam of the famous Chorister. ((Lord Fitzvvilliam's Shiner Champion (18-16)1 ^ Concord , £amaM(184S)P^''^'-"'^^(^S^0) ^ (1855) J I Rosebud (1836) SINGERS Mr. Drake's J ( Duster Singer \ Syren (1852) | ^^g^g^ ( ^ Spriglitly J s. to Speedwell 1 (Rallywood's dam) ^ Guilty (184G) Eallyivood, commonly known as Lord Yarhorough's Kallywood, to distinguish him from subsequent famous dogs of his name, is thus described in Goodall's journal : — " This is a most beautiful little short legged dog, exceedingly light of bone, but with beautiful legs and feet. I got him in exchange for Eaglan in 1850. This dog was considered by the late W. Smith to be one of the best bred hounds in the Brocklesby kennels. Eosehud, his dam, worked until she was 10 years old ; she was never known to do anytliing wrong. They are perfection in their work, and everlasting.'' The stud book of hounds bred at Belvoir goes back to the year 175G, and is continued without a MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. 7 break till 1780, when most unfortunately all record was lost of the pedigrees till 1791, a period of 11 years, or about 2|- generations ; but from 1791 the line is accurately preserved in unbroken descent to the present time. On only three occasions were the hounds added to from other packs, viz : — in 1798, 15 couples were added from Lord Carlisle's. In 1810, 10 couples were bought from Mr. Templar. In 1817, 7 couples from Mr. Pelham. Probably before about 1750 the hounds were not entered " solel}^ " to fox, as was generally the case throughout England. In 1750 mention is made of four couples of puppies entered at Brocklesby, by Lord Granby's Doctor, who was a son of Mr. Noel's Victor : showin£>' there were hounds of some note in that day at Belvoir. The stallion hounds in use at Belvoir wxre, in 1756, from Lord Chetwode's kennel; 1757, from Duke of Grafton's and Sir John Ive3^'s; 1760, Mr. Pelham's Vigo and Rattler, and from Duke of Devonshire; 1763, Lord Thanet's Easper; 1763, Duke of Devonshire's Victor, Lord Townsend's Captain and Clincher, Mr. Magneli's Pioyal; 1772, Mr. Mundy's Bustler; 1779, Mr. Muster's Mentor, Lord Fitzwilliam's Zephyr. In the middle and end of the last century the accounts lead us to suppose the Belvoir hounds were small. Many spayed bitches were kept. The country, especially the Vale of Belvoir, was unenclosed down to Newark; Whatton was one of the last lordships enclosed. The hounds hunted two or three days a week, and scarcely ever went into the far woodlands beyond Ingoldsby wood. The country about Belvoir 8 MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. abounded in deer. The hunts people were chiefly mounted on horses bred at Belvoir. Asparagus, son of Pot 8 OS and Jupiter were good sires ; after them old Home and Sir Harry Dimsdale filled the country with good hunters. Newman began hunting the Belvoir hounds in 1791 ; he hunted them to 1805, when he was succeeded by Shaw, who came from Sir T. Mostyn, and was a man of some private property. Shaw hunted them till 1816, when Thomas Goosey (who had been whipper-in since 1794), succeeded him as huntsman, and continued in that situation till 1842, when he went, being advanced in years, as kennel huntsman to Sir R. Sutton at Cottesmore. Before Neivman, Woods was huntsman for many years, assisted by Fox as his whipper-in. He came from Hampshire. That was the period of the Duke of Rutland's minoritj^, and the hounds were under the management of Mr. Perceval, brother to the minister who was assassinated. The hounds were then kept at Croxton Park, where Mr. Perceval resided. Before Mr. Perceval, Lord G. Cavendish (son of 4th Duke of Devonshire) and Sir Carnaby Haggerstone were for some time masters. In some old papers lent me for perusal b}^ Lord Gainsborough, are some interesting records of Mr. Noel of Cottesmore's Hounds, the arrangement of the hunt boundaries, and a diary of some of his sport in the middle of the last century. As the Cottesmore and Quorn countries border on the Belvoir country South and West, a few extracts MEMOIKS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. 9 from Mr. Noel's journals will not be out of place, as they note tlie condition of the hunting in the neighbouring hunts. Mr. Noel was a contemporary of Mr. Me3meirs, and the copy of the agreement about the boundaries of their countries is worth recording, as both were neighbours of the Belvoir hunt. The Cottesmore country has always been considered one of the best in England. Mr. Noel's journal records chases from 1766 to 1781. After Mr. Noel, Lord Lonsdale hunted the country for 40 years, with the exception of four or five years, from 1798 to 1802, when the hounds were kennelled at Stocken Hall. A family of the name of Abbay were huntsmen for many years. Philip Payne was also huntsman, and he was succeeded by the Lamberts. Since then it has repeatedly changed its masters. Sir. K. Sutton succeeded Lord Lonsdale, and he again was followed by Mr. Henley Greaves ; the country being hunted ten seasons between them. On the latter's retirement, Mr. Burroughes took the country for two seasons, after which it was divided, Sir J. Trollope after hunting the whole a short time, taking the East and the woodlands, Mr. Tailby annexing the rest to the Quorn. Mr. Noel writes — Chases in 1766. — I began at Stainby Lings, October 11; ended at Witham Wood, April 27; and killed 41 brace of foxes. Chases in 1767. — Began at Hambleton Wood, Oct. 13; ending at Careby Gorse, March 14; killing 29 J brace. 10 MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. Chases in 1768. — Began at Killey Wood, September 23 ; ended at Grimsthorpe, April 7 ; killed 5Gj brace. Chases in 17G9. — Began atPr^^or's Copy, September 28 ; and ended at Hillwood, May 1st; killed 42^ brace. Chases in 1770. — Began at Ufford Gorse, October 3 ; ended at Owston Wood, April 12 ; killed 40 brace. Chases in 1771. — Began at Stapleford Gorse, Sept. 21 ; ended at Mockery Wood, May 2; killed 42j brace. N.B. — Lord Gainsborougli began Imnting September 21, I began October 21. Chases in 1772. — Began at Careby Wood, Sept. 9; ended at Grimsthorpe, April 23 ; killed 43^ brace. 1780 to 1781.— Mr. Noel got a fall and did not bunt this year. The hounds hunted till May 10th, killing 4G brace of foxes. Copy of agreement between Mr. Noel and Mr. Meynell about the boundaries of their hunts. Owston, Laund, Skefifington, Loddington, Tugby, Allexton, and Stockaston W^oods, Easton Park, and the Woods near Holt, to be neutral coverts. The coverts on the Langton side of those above-named, to be drawn by Lord Gainsborough. Ashb}^ Pasture not to be drawn by Lord Gainsborough. Billesden Coplow to be neutral. No coverts on the Quorn side of Billesdon Coplow to be drawn by Lord Gainsborough. All earths in both hunts to be stopped in common. On these conditions Mr. Mejaiell will engage to draw no coverts, except those above-named, which he understands to be claimed by Lord Gainsborough as belonging to Mr. Noel's hunt. BIEMOIES OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. 11 Mr. Meynell hopes he shall be permitted to run his young hounds in Beaumont chase, for the purpose of breaking them from deer, which he has no means of doing elswhere, and, provided he is indulged with that liberty, he will submit to any restrictions with respect to drawing the chase Lord G. shall think proper to prescribe. Should these proposals be acquiesced in, the only covert of any consequence, hitherto drawn by Lord G. v,4iich he w^ould agree not to draw, is Ashbj^ Pasture. Among the coverts which Mr. Mej^nell has for some years been in the habit of drawing, and which by the agreement he would be debarred from drawing, are Prior's, Brown's, and Tampion's Coppices, Lady Wood, Orton Park Wood, and Burton Gorse. The following table shows the amount of frosty days on which the hounds were unable to hunt, from 1799 to 18G6; also the number of foxes killed by the hounds each year : — Season of Year. Frost and Snow. Foxes killed. 1799-1800 56 days Newman, huntsman 77 1800-1 22 5) }j 92 1801-2 39 > j> 72 1802-3 40 J a 61 180e3-4 85 5 3J 69 1804-5 48 ) 3> 59 1805-C 28 ) Shaw, huntsman 112 1806-7 20 ) 53 122 1807-8 36 J » 123 1808-9 32 , if 120 1809-10 34 '> 9) 143 12 irEMOIES OF THE BELVOIB HOUNDS. Season of Year. Frost and Snovs Foxes killed. 1810-11 28 days Shaw, huntsman 137 1811-12 16 172 1812-13 31 121 1813-14 66 122 1814-15 40 109 1815-16 45 124 1816-17 23 90 1817-18 35 Goosey , huntsman 85 1818-19 16 102 1819-20 Account lost 1820-21 24 5) 82 1821-22 1 day 100 1822-23 49 75 1823-24 12 80 1824-25 9 94 1825-26 39 117 1826-27 32 108 1827-28- 19 92 1828-29 23 92 1829-30 25 68 1830-31 45 74 1831-32 Vei y wet; much snow 1832-33 A changeable season 1833-34 No frost; a mild season 1834-35 4 days The above six seasons are from Gaskill's journal. Mr. W. 1835-86 17 Dry spring 114 1836-37 16 Goose}^ huntsman 1837-38 48 jj 102 1838-39 28 »> 95 1839-40 10 >» 137 MEMOIKS OP THK BELVOIR HOUNDS, 13 Season of Year. Frost and Snow Foxes killed. 1840-41 50 days Goosey, liuntsman 111 1841-42 38 J5 3> 102 1842-43 17 3) Goodall, liuntsman 93 1843-44 22 5> )) 109 1844-45 71 )) 5) 84 1845-46 Not a sing le hard frost; 50 before Nov. 1846-47 50 days Goodall, liuntsman 85 1847-48 19 >» 96 1848-49 6 a 84 1849-50 27 i ■ 90 1850-51 8 }i 116 1851-52 9 fi 99 1852-53 17 i 100 1853-54 4 y 128 1854-55 51 }y 98 1855-56 22 » HO 1856-57 32 > 125 1857-58 30 J 110 1858-59 3 » 97 1859-60 27 Cooper, huntsman 80 1860-61 36 > 118 1861-62 17 J 112 1862-63 5 „ in November > 107 1863-64 21 i 137 1864-65 36 5 111 1865-66 9 J 119 The Belvoir hounds have been crossed with the other packs as follows, and bred from the stallion hounds each year : — : In 1791, Lord Fitzwilliam's Dexter. 14 MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. 1792, Mr. Muster's Freeman. 1793, Mr. Muster s Trueman. 1791, Lord Monson's Dashwoocl, Lord Fitzwilliam's Hedger, Belvoir Bumper and Wonder. 1795, Sir W. Lowther's Dasliwood, Lord Fitzwilliam's Leader, Lord Monson's Tartar. 1796, 11 couples, by Lord Spencers Dancer, Mr. Lambton's Fairplay, the Grafton Bingwood. 1797, 5 couples by Dasliwood, 4^ couples by Belvoir Laurel. 1790, 16 couples entered by Dasliwood and Fleecer. 1799, 15 couples by Dasliwood, also some by Lord Yarborougli's Dasliwood, Mr. Lambton's Fair- play and Marksman, Lord Vernon's Masker and Stormer. 1800, 18 couples were entered chiefly by the Beaufort Comus, Topper, and Censor, Mr. Lee's Gameboy, Lord Fitzwilliam's Traitor, Belvoir Wildboy, Woodman. 1801, 20 couples by Beaufort Comus, a large draft entered from Sir W. Lowther and Lord Fitzwilliam's packs. 1802, 19 J couples by Beaufort Champion, Belvoir Tracer and Trojan. 1803, 20 couples entered by Beaufort Champion, Meynell's Gwyman, and Sir G. Heathcote's Ruler. 1804, 19 couples by Beaufort Champion, by Belvoir Bangor, Wildair, Collier, Honesty, Eegent, and Splendor. MEMOIKS 0^ THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. 15 1805, 10|- couples by Lord Sefton's Tamerlane, Sultan, and Truant, by Belvoir Chaser, Jumper, Castor, and Wildboy. 180G, ol couples by Lord Foley's Chanticleer, Lord Sefton's Ranter and Sultan, Lord Fitzwilliam's Truant and Pontiff, Mr. Calcraft's Dreadnought. 1807, 31 couples, of which lo^- couples were from the Duke of Leeds, the entry being by Lord Foley's Chancellor and Sultan, Lord Lonsdale's Dexter, Belvoir Topper and Traveller. 1808, by Meynell's Sultan, A. Smith's Hero, Belvoir Boaster by Bangor, and Castor by Collier. 1809, 19 couples by A. Smith's Hero, by Belvoir Jupiter b}^ Jumper, Priam, Castor. 1810, 2o^ couples by Osbaldeston's Danger, "Wildair, and Joker, by Mr. Heron's Gilder, Coroner, and Nelson, Mr. Chaworth's Lefter and Dabster, and Lord Lonsdale's Tester. Ten couples were added from Mr. Templer. 1811, 251- couples by Lord Lonsdale's Millwood and Jailor, Osbaldeston's Wonder, Mr. Chaworth's Painter and Champion, Lord Middleton's Fearnought, Belvoir Twister and Racer. Some hounds were also bought from Mr. Chaworth. 1813, 22^ couples by Lord Lonsdale's Tester and Wonder, Osbaldeston's Joker and Ajax^ Mr. Chaworth's Royster, Lord Fitzwilliam's Dreadnought. 1814, 19 couplesbyLordLonsdale's Wonder and Jailor, Lord Fitzwilliam's Charon, Belvoir Dexter and Milwood, 16 MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. 1815, 15 couples by Lord Lonsdale's Jailor, Wonder, Governor, Mr. Chaworth's Rallywood, Belvoir Eacer, Abelard, and Wildair. 1810, 20 couples by Lord Lonsdale's Jason and Wonder, by Lord Fitzwilliam's Trouncer and Arthur, by Osbaldeston's Jason, Belvoir Try well. Singer, Saladin, Rallywood. 1817, Goosey began. By Lord Lonsdale's Fairpla}^, Wonder, Ruler, by Lord Fitzwilliam's Leader, by Belvoir Singer, Dreadnought, Abelard ; ten couples came from Mr. Pelham this year. 1818, 24 couples by Lord Lonsdale's Fairplay, Duke of Grafton's Labyrinth, Belvoir Archer, Abelard, Ardent, Fleecer, Harlequin, and Ranter. 1819, 22 J couples by Lord Lonsdale's Delver, Mr. Saville's Rallywood, Belvoir Abelard, Saladin, Social, Warbler. 1820, 17-| couples by Belvoir Fleecer, Warbler, Singer, Harlequin, Saladin, by Mr. Saville's Statesman, Duke of Beaufort's Roderic. 1821, by Mr. Chaworth's Bachelor, Saville's Rally- wood and Dragon, Osbaldeston's Proctor and Wonder, Lord Lonsdale's Roderic, Belvoir Abelard. 1822, I7i couples by Osbaldeston's Juggler, Prompter, Chorister, by Belvoir Random, Chanter, Rummager. 1828, 20 couples by Lord Middleton's Benedict, Damper, Forester, A^anguard, and Warrior, Lord Lonsdale's Roderic, Belvoir Chanter, Sultan, Saladin. MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. 17 1831, 22 couples by Osbakleston's Bachelor, Vaulter, Pontiff, and Restless, Belvoir Pilot, Shifter, Miracle, Rummager, Trimbush, Chanter, Chimer. J 825, 22 couples by Lord Yarboro's Minister and Woldsman, Osbakleston's Rasselas, by Belvoir Bloomer, Craftsman, Chanter, Charon, Duster, Pilot, Jjifter, Leader, Roderic. 1820, 18 couples by Belvoir Pilot, Boaster, Justice, Leader, Rover, Contest, and Bloomer. 1827, by Sir R. Sutton's Trimbush and Random, Lord Lonsdale's Palafox, by Boaster, Bloomer, Craftsman, Plunder, Justice. 1828, 18 couples by Lord Yarboro's Reveller and Jailor, Lord Fitzwilliam's Joiner and Shiner, by Belvoir Bloomer, Rover, Proctor, and Roman, 1829, 20 couples by Sir Tatton Sykes' Driver and Barrister, Mr. Foljambe's Random, Belvoir Craftsman, Justice, Layman, Merrier, Roderic, Topper, and Beaufort Yanguard, Rubens, and Rutland. 1830, 9|- couples by Mr. Savile's Stroker and General, Lord Yarboro's Fairplay, Reveller, Lord South- ampton's Wildboy, Belvoir Comus, Challenger, Woldsman, and Layman. 1831, 19 J- couples by Lord Southampton's Hannibnl and Hesperus, Belvoir Layman, Chanter, Clinker, Hero, Topper, Wildman. 1832, by Mr. Foljambe's Random and Signal, Lord Yarboro's Chaser, Freeman, and Chanticleer, Sir T. Sykes' Barrister, Belvoir Comus, 18 MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. Layman, Lucifer, Chanter, Clasper, Ptegent, Woodman. 18o3, 20 couples by Lord Yarboro's Druid, Furrier, Chaser, Mr. Savile's Carver, Lord Lonsdale's Grecian, Belvoir Lounger, Limner, Chanter, Topper. 1834, 18 J couples by Sir Plarry Goodricke's Absolute and Hercules, Mr. Osbaldeston's Boaster, Belvoir Benedict, Lounger, Chanter, Eockwood, Nimrod, Rummager, and Lucifer. 1835, 22^ couples by Sir T. Sykes' Rally wood. Lord Yarboro's Chaser, Belvoir Benedict, Furrier, Rummager, Regent, Rallywood, Lucifer, Level- ler, Striver, Rasselas. 1836, 24 couples by Sir R. Sutton's Ringwood, Wolds- man, r.nd Darter, Lord Lonsdale's Fencer, Belvoir Nimrod, Chimer, Fatal, Rasselas, Lucifer, Rummager. 1837, 17|- couples by Duke of Beaufort's Abelard, Mr. Heron's Romulus, Belvoir Chimer, Factor, Rector. 1838, 18 couples by Mr. Drake's Hector and Sultaii, Duke of Beaufort's Warrior, Lord Lonsdale's Platoffand Yampyre, Belvoir Bluecap, Rasselas, Factor. 1840, 18-|- couples by Mr. Lambton's PedLar, Sir R. Sutton's Seaman, Belvoir Fatal, Governor, Rector, Prompter, Factor. 1841, 15 couples by Lord Lonsdale's Lasher, Lord Fitz William's Marmion, Belvoir Champion, Governor, Conqueror, Fatal, Roderic. MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. lO 1842, 15 J- couples by Lord Fitzwilliam's Shiner and Flambeau, Belvoir Chanticleer, Barrister, Comus, Commodore, Tamerlane, Fatal. 1848, Goodall's first entry, 22 couples bj^ Belvoir Fencer, Trueman, Guider, Chanticleer, Comus (1839), and Tamerlane. 1844, 13 couples by Lord Yarboro's Basilisk and Plunder, Belvoir Koderic, Basilisk, F airplay, Trueman, Fearnought, Comus, and Conqueror. 1845, 18 couples by Sir B. Sutton's Driver, by Mr. Drake's Jacobin, Mr. Green's Shiner, Belvoir Bertram, General, Trimmer, Pedlar, Trueman, Fencer, Timon. 1846, lOj couples by Lord Fitzwilliam's Shiner, Hermit, Monarch, by Mr. Foljambe's Fleecer, Belvoir Victor, Bender, Nimrod, Fencer, Falstaff, Bertram, General, Baronet. 1847, 14 couples by Mr. Lumley's Albion and Fleecer, Lord Yarboro's Rallyivood, Belvoir Sampson, Guider, Bertram, Falstaff, General, Nimrod, President, Comus, Grappler, Raglan, Trouncer. 1848, 16 couples by Duke of Beaufort's Potentate, by Mr. Lumley's Stormer, Belvoir Falstaff, Craftsman, Platoff, Nectar, Raglan, General. 1849, 21 couples by Mr. Lumley's Sultan, Singer, and Plunder, Sir R. Sutton's Trusty, Belvoir Baronet, Roister, Fugleman, Proctor, Primer, Falstaff. 1850, 19 J couples by Captain P. Williams' Playmate and Fairplay, Mr. Foljambe's Fleecer, Belvoir Champion, Prompter, and Guider. c2 20 MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. 1851, 15 couples hy Liord YRvhovo's Ealhjwood, Mr. Drake's Duster, Belvoir Stormer, Prompter, Nectar, Kaglan, Trouncer. 1852, IT) couples by Lord Yarboro's Rallywood, (U- Mr. Drake's Duster, Mr. Foljambe's Wildair, Belvoir Sepo}^ Eustic, Kifler. 1853, 14 couples by Lord Yarboro's Eallywood, Lord H. Bentinck's Contest, Mr. L. Fox's King- wood, Mr. Willoughby's Clinker, and Belvoir Champion, Comus, Sultan, Eifler, Clasper. 1854, 17 couples by Lord Yarboro's Eallywood and Bellman, Lord H. Bentinck's Charon and Champion, Mr. Foljambe's Forester, and Belvoir Sultan, Lucifer, Nigel, Gainer, and Comus. 1855, 14 couples by Sir E. Sutton's Dryden and Trojan, Mr. Drake's Lucifer, Belvoir Chaser, Clinker, Nathan, Notary, Guider, Comus. 1856, 13|- couples by Sir E. Sutton's Hercules and Dexter, by Belvoir Guider, Chaser, Gambler, and by Duke of Beaufort's Eufus. 1857, 13 couples by Lord Fitzwilliam's Singer and Harbinger, by Mr. Foljambe's Finder, Duke of Beaufort's Eufus, by Belvoir Chaser, Comus, Lucifer, and Eallywood (1858) son of Yarboro's Eallywood. 1858, 15J- couples by Mr. Foljambe's Duster, Finder, and Wildboy, Lord Yarboro's Noble and Sportsman, Belvoir Trusty, Gamester, Comus, Guider, and Eallywood. 1859, entered by Cooper, 17 couples by Warwickshire MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. 21 Saffron, by Comus, Gamester, Sailor, Guicler, Selim, Singer, Kallywoocl. 1860, 15 J couples by Lord Fitzwilliam's Easselas and Fugleman, by Mr. Foljambe's Eocket, by Belvoir Easselas, Eocket, Lexicon, Fairplay, Gambler, Lifter, Trusty, Eallywood. 18G1, 18^ couples by Lord Fitzwilliam's Easselas and Foreman, by Belvoir Fairplay (1854), Singer, Stormer, Gamester, Limner, Trusty, Eallywood. 186-3, 27 couples by Mr. L. Fox's General, Mr. Foljambe's Bellman, Beaufort Wonder, by Belvoir Eally- wood, Fairplay, Trusty, Eufus, Stormer, Singer. 1863, 21J couples by Lord Yarboro's Natlian, Lord Middleton's Corporal, Warwickshire Nimrod, and Belvoir Eender, Druid, Singer, Nimrod, Chanticleer, Challenger, Giappler, Eufus. 1864, 25 couples by Mr. Fitzwilliam's Forester, by Belvoir Alfred, Comrade, Champion, Chanti- cleer, Stripling, Challenger, Limner, Eallywood, Stormer, and Mr. L. Fox's Guider, Lord Yarboro's Norman and Nimrod. 1865, by Sir W. Wynne's Eoyal, Mr. Foljambe's Limner, Lord H. Bentinck's Dorimont, and Belvoir Singer, Stormer, Nimrod, Pilot, Nathan, Alfred, Eaglan. 1866, by Mr. Fitzwilliam's Forester, Harbinger, and Marmaduke, Mr. Foljambe's Barrister, by Belvoir Singer, Saladin, Senator, Raglan, Falstaff, Stormer, Nelson, Wrangler, Chanti- cleer, and Lord Yarboro's Vaulter. 22 MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. The following letters are so illustrative of the man and the energy he possessed, that I have inserted them as specimens, selected from many more, written by William Goodall to Lord Forester, Sec, during the time he v^^as master. A day's cub hunting at Irnham Park, Sept. 2, 1850. " After writing to your Lordship last week, I found that the Cottesmore had commenced in earnest in our neutral coverts, and had been at the Castle Bytham kennel. They found a great show of foxes in Dunsby Wood, but were beat. I therefore thought I would take the earliest opportunity of presenting my young team to the Irnham Park Wood foxes, so sent George Shepherd over to Irnham on Saturday to say we should be there on Monday. I found out afterwards that the Cottesmore were coming there too, seemingly disposed to support a measure I brought forward last year, that of rousing the neutral Wood foxes, but which they last year opposed to the uttermost, and were angry with me for doing so, because I paid m}^ addresses to them first. Knowing they were coming on Monday, I thought I would avoid, if possible, a breach of etiquette, so I ordered our whip to bring our hounds to Westby by half past seven; and I let the Cottesmore have the honor of going in first. I got there at daybreak to see what was going on. They drew Irnham Park, where they found, gave them one ring round the wood and stopped them, thinking it was an old fox. They then went to Norwoods, found an old fox and stopped the hounds, and went home. Meantime I went and fetched our hounds, andwent where I thought they had not MEMOIRS OF THE BELYOIR HOUNDS. 23 been ; I found the cubs, liad a most capital hour, and killed. The last five minutes nearl}^ in view, and they rolled him over at the Irnham end. One of the Cottesmore hounds left behind I sent home to them, and as a mark of honor for his industry (for he is a very good one), I tied the fox's ear to his couples." Extract from a letter on his return from London and Lord Lonsdale's kennel at Birkhampstead. "My Lord, "July 24, 1855. I saw Lord Lonsdale's hounds on my way home ; I never saw such a miserable sight. I also managed to get into their foxyard ; it is Avell stored now, and is, I suppose, never without a tenant. The day before I left London, I saw a most beautiful old one-eyed tan foxhound ; he was ver}^ fat and looked like an old pet dog of some good old sportsman ; he walked about with me for some time and appeared to enjoy iny conversation. I was much taken up with him, and should much liked to liave taken him home," Extract of a letter to Goodall from Mr. Fox of Wiverton Hall. "Goodall, "April 7, 1856. " I have sent you, on leaving Wiverton, a hamper of wines from my cellar. I purpose leaving here in a fortnight, and hope by that time the three litters of cubs will be old enough to remove into your countr}^ with their mothers. I shall be glad to hear by the bearer, how old the fox was that was killed at Barnston from this place, and whether he was last year's fox. Yours truly, J. Fox." 24 MEMOIES OF THE BELYOIPt HOUNDS. Extract from a letter to Lord Forester. April 28, 1856. " Please your Lordship, " It is the intention of the farmers of our hunt to present me with a Testimonial on Thursday next, which is most flattering, and far beyond any services I can have rendered. The memory of being made huntsman, and the cheering support I have always received from your Lordship, I am well aware is the cause of my been raised to the position I hold, and will never be forgotten by me. I wish the day was over; it will unnerve me more than all the Bullfinches between Melton and Skeffington." May 9th, 1856. " Please your Lordship, " The Testimonial presented to me on Thursday last was most truly gratifying to my feelings ; it being presented b}^ 500 farmers and tradesmen of the Belvoir hunt. 121 sat down to dinner; Mr. Barbidge of Thorpe Arnold, in the Cliair, and Mr. King of Culverthorpe, being Vice-chairman. Nothing could exceed the kindness shown to an humble individual by such a body of gentlemen. It was almost more than I could bear, especial)}^ when the cup w^as presented, with £360 and this inscription : — ' This cup, with a purse of £361, the subscription of 500 farmers and tradesmen, lovers of the chase, was presented to W. Goodall, 1st of May, 1856, as a testimony of their respect, and admiration of the sportsmanlike manner in which he hunted the Belvoir hounds for the last fourteen years." MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. 25 The following hunting song was written in commemoration of a most famous run by the Duke of Kutland's hounds, December 10, 1805. Ye sportsmen attend to my song, Which to please you I hope will not fail. It's a fox chase of three hours long. And 'twas run over Belvoir's fair Yale. On Tuesday, the 10th of December, Ulie Duke chose at Waltham to meet ; The frost was so hard I remember The horses could scarce keep their feet. We waited awhile for the weather, In hopes of a gleam of the Sun, When away we all trotted together, Shaw swearing he'd show us a run. The Meltonians came late in the morn. For the sport they have always a mind, They o'ertook us at Jerico thorn. Save Lloyd, who was loitering behind. The hounds had not been there a minute. When the Duke cried, hark, halloa, away ! Not a hound was then left behind in it. You'd swear they would show him some play. Hard riders jumped off in a crack, Not one of them minding their neck. And for Belvoir were running him back. When Tom Smith rode the hounds to a check. The huntsman came up on his grey, And rolled his eye round like a hawk, Not a second in that place would he stay. 26 MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. As your si^ort lie never will baulk ; He then made a cast with his hounds, And the fox jumped up quickly in view, Like pigeons, they skirted the grounds, Leaving Craven, Yanneck, and the Jew. Away to the posts and the rails. Encompassing Bottesford town, Distress w^as soon marked on their tails, E'en some of no common renown. Cecil Forester rode at a brook, On Bernardo, ne'er picking his place, Little Wing, ever scorning to look, Followed after and fell on his face. For Normanton covert he w^ent, AVhere he left many tailors behind. Fine land, and a rare burning scent. Were the cause of his changing his mind. They skirted Long Bennington town, And along the North road up to Cotham, Where Cholmondley's nag laid himself down. Having tried, proved, and found out his bottom. Old Beynard now turned short about, For the country he wished to regain, A rare lift for a many no doubt, Since Craven here came in again. Up wdnd he now steered apace, Not fearing a hound in the nation, The horses could scarcely keep pace, Till he entered Thor old's plantation. MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. 27 Tom Tlioroton, known in the vale, Who at Flmtham takes up his abode, Of potterers headed the tail, Who left not a moment the road ; The hounds ran away from them fairl}^, And mounted high Barrowby hill. Smith's grey, who had carried him rarely, Declined, and was forced to stand still. From thence, liked the birds of the air. They flew^ up to Grantham town end, Where Wing stopped his game little mare, And Lindow could scarcety descend. In the former hard part of the run, His riding was thought quite divine, But alas ! poor Fortumo's done. And the contest obliged to resign. Some folks think it odd now, I take it. There's a horse which I never did name, A secret no longer I'll make it, The Smuggler's a horse of great fame ; But smuggled goods, unfairly made. Are always disposed of at night, Cornewall's nag being one of that trade. Chose never to come within sight. Lord Charles sat erect upon Drone, With a face that is void of a smile ; He's blood to the very back bone. Though his horse would not go the last mile. At Stroxton the Duke lost a shoe — 28 MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. Pray, a liunter to follow the pack, They are watered and wont do for you, But I'll lend you my little grey hack. Still Reynard we stoutly pursued. To the hack of, methinks. Ponton town, Where a footman, who'd lately him viewed. Cried, "he's tired and nearly run down." Vansittart hit the rails with his knee. So hard that he made them to shiver, Which when Peter Burrell did see. He took fright and went into the river. There's Yarhorough, Douglas, Tompkino, Three blades of the very first merit. But of hounds they are far in the rear, oh I Tho' nobody questions their spirit; Far better t'would be if they'd settle One rider to send out each day, And in him coalesce all the mettle, To endeavour to show us the way. Full gallop) through Goadbj'' there came, A red coat upon a gre}^ mare, So eager that halt, blind, and lame, Ean out to see who could be there ; " Have you seen the hounds here," he cried. And spurring, flanked on the old nag. It is Squire Norman so wdld. And fairly worn out to a rag. Three miles further on the chase ended, We whipped off at Burton Slade Wood, To the castle the pace then we mended, MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. 29 And trotted as fast as we could. The ladies (God bless their sweet faces). With smiles came to welcome us home, Their looks were like those of the Grace's, And Belvoir, Olympus's home. A bumper we'll drink to his Grace, A bumper to him and his hounds, And long may he live at the place Where fun and good humour abounds ; Ma}' his family flourish for ages. The noblest of sports to pursue ; And the Poet exhausted, engages To be hanged if his tale be not true. CHAPTEE II. OPERATIONS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. SEASON, 1799—1800. NEWMAN, HUNTSMAN. [HE hounds himtecl from August lOtli to May 2nd. Total number of foxes killed, 77; 26 before the Duke of Eutland's arrival at Belvoir, 4G during the time the Duke hunted with them, and 5 after the party broke up. Of these o7 were killed on the Leicestershire-side before the removal of the hounds to Wilsford in December, 5 were killed during their stay at Wilsford, 20 were killed on the Leicestershire-side between January 8th and March 28th, and 15 were killed from the "Wilsford kennel between March 28th and May 2nd. They hunted 100 days, and were stopped by frost from December 17th to January 8th, Janiiary 18th to 27th, February 4th to 19th, March 4th to 10th, 56 days. Total of hounds — Of Belvoir pack, .35j couples. Of Lord Carlisle's, lOi 46 21 hounds came in from Lord Carlisle's pack in 1798. MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. 31 The best runs were — November 2^th. — From Musson Gorse to Eastwoll. December 6th. — From Aswarb}^ Thorns to Caseby Wood in one hour. December 17 th. — From Burton Gorses, by Aswarby and Walcot, Pickwortli Wood, to Humby and into Bitchfiekl Wood. January IUIl — From Melton Spinney to Clawson Thorns, thence by Fastwell to Waltham, by Waltham Thorns to Brentingby, and into Melton Spinney; time, ] hour and 25 minutes. February 1st. — From Melton Spinney to Brentingby, through Stonesby Gorse to Bescab}^ over Croxton Park to Knipton, and by Croxton Banks to the Three Queens. January oOth. — From Hose to Stathern Point, 40 minutes, and killed. February 22nd, — From Harlaxton Wood to Denton Eeservoir, to Grantham town-end, through Barrowby Thorns to Allington. On February 2ith occurred the famous run with Mr. Meynell's hounds, from Billesdon Coplow to Enderby Hall ; the frost was hard. March lOth.—Fvom Holwell Mouth, by Dalby Wood to Burton and Prestwould. At Mr. Meynell's request the hounds drew Walton Thorns, and killed a fox. Ainil Qtli. — From Newton Wood to xA^slackby W^ood in 25 minutes. A2:)ril lith. — From Newton Wood to Aslackby Wood ; a very fine run. 32 MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. SEASON, 1800—1801. The hounds began August 11th, ended April 25th. Foxes killed, 92, viz., 37 before the Duke of Rutland's arrival at Belvoir, 55 during the time the Duke hunted with them. Of these 15 were killed from the Croxton Park kennel before the removal of the hounds to Wilsford in November, during their stay at Wilsford^ 23 on the Leicestershire-side between December 8th and February 10th; total killed, 92. They hunted 113 days, and were stopped by frost and snow from December 29th to 31st, January 22nd to 27th, February 11th to 21st, March 13th to I7th ; 21 days. Grand total of hounds — Of the Belvoir pack, 31|- couples. Of Lord Carlisle's, 8|- 43 couples. This was a season of great sport and fine runs throughout. The best runs were — November l^ih. — Aunsby Gorse, by Southards to Newton Wood, on by Walcot to Caseby and Kirkby Wood, in 50 minutes. Becemher 13^/j.— From Holwell Mouth to Hickling, by Kinoulton, to Colston Basset, up to Harby Hills, in 1 hour and 45 minutes. December 22nd. — From Stoke to ground in Frog Hollow; 1 hour and 5 minutes. MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS, December 2^rcL — The Prince of Wales hunted with the hounds; they had a run of 1 hour and 10 minutes from Bescaby Oaks. January 8rcZ. — A fine run from the Waltham-end of Croxton Park with a bag man, he ran by Stonesb}^, Garthorpe, Wymondham, Woodwell Head, and Crown Point, down to Colsterworth ; only Mr. A. Smith and the huntsman got there, the fox beat them ; 3 hours and a quarter. January 17th. — A very fine run of three hours, from Melton Spinney to Godeby, up to Croxton Lings, by Cedar Hill to Three Queens, Stoke Pasture, Stoke Park Wood, Easton, and Burton Slade Woods, and lost at Colsterworth. February 6th. — From Stoke Pasture, killing at Market Overton ; 55 minutes. SEASON, 1801—1802. The hounds began hunting August 10th, ended April 24th. Foxes killed, 72. Of which 32 were killed cub hunting. The hounds hunted 100 days; killed foxes in Leicestershire, 49 ; in Wilsford country, ; in Woodlands, 14 ; total 72. Stopped by frost and snow 89 days, viz., December 23rd, November 28th to December 3rd, December 11th to 22nd, December 30th to Janury 20th, February 8th, February 13th to 17th. 46 couples of hounds — Of Belvoir pack, 40. Lord Carlisle's, 0. 84 MEMOIES OF THE BELVOlR HOUNDS. In the 3-ear 1798, 7 couples of hounds from Lord Carlisle's pack were incorporated into the Bel voir pack. Note. — This season was thought to be the worst for foxhunting ever remembered by the oldest sports- man, though we hunted as often as in former seasons ; yet the open weather was frosty and stormy, and for two months together we were never sure we could hunt next morning. December ^8th. — A fine hunting run of 3 hours and 25 minutes, from Melton Spinney, by Scalford, Brentingby, Waltham Pasture, Stonesby, Garthorpe Lees, Coston, Sproxton town- end, by Sewstern as if for Woodwell Head, but the fox turned to Thistleton, and went by Market Overton to Exton, where, it being dark, the}?- were stopped. Messrs. Brummell, Sewell, Yarboro' Junr., Douglas, and the Duke of Rutland, were at the end. Fehniary 2nd. — One hour and 40 minutes, from Jericho to Redmile, up to Stathern Point, by Black- berry Hill and Woolsthorpe Cliff, to Harlaxton Clays and Casthorpe, killing at Barrowby. Also on February 27th, and March 1st, 2nd, 4th, Gth, Rth, excellent runs. SEASON, 1802—1803. The hounds hunted 97 days, from August 9th to April 30th, and killed 61 foxes, 23 of them cub hunting. They killed at Belvoir, 22 ; in Leicestershire, 18 ; in Wilsford country, 7 ; in Woodlands, 14. N.B. — On two days they gave up before finding, once from violent rain, and once from fog. MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOlR HOUNDS. 35 They were stopped by frost 40 clays, viz., December 6th, 38th, January 9th to 22ncl, 24th to February loth, March 4th to 8th, and 12th. Note. — This season had been more deficient in real sport than any preceding one, and this remark was applicable not only to the pack whose operations are here recorded, but to most of the surrounding packs, yet not from any want of foxes. November loth. — The best runs were from Syston Hurn, over "Gonerby Moor, by Foston Turnpike, to the right of Allington, by the left of Bottesford, to Easthorpe, thence to Woolsthorpe Cliff, and lost their fox at Lady Close ; 1 hour and 25 minutes. November 2ord. — From Jericho, by Belton Gorse, Barrowby Thorns, Harlaxton Wood, and Winmer Hill, Three Queens, and killed near Croxton ; an hour and a half. December 20th. — A second fox from Melton Spinnej^, by Brentingby, Freeby, Waltham, Stonesby, Sproxton Church, Herring's Lodge, through Stoke Pasture, and killed ; 1 hour and 9 minutes. February 21st — From Willoughby Crews, by Kelby Pasture, Haceby, Weaver's Lodge, Braceby and Pick- wortli Woods, to Lenton Pasture, and Aslackby Wood, where, changing foxes, the hounds were stopped ; 1 hour and 32 minutes. SEASON, 1803-1804. The hounds hunted on 111 days, from July 20th to May 5th, and killed G9 foxes, 29 of them in cub hunt- ing ; at Belvoir, 22 ; in Leicestershire, 24 ; Wilsford- side, 7; Woodlands, 16. d2 36 MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. They were stopped by frost 33 days, by fog 2, viz., December 6th to 18th, 15th, Januarj^ 4th to lOth, February 3rd to 9th, 12th to 16th, 24th to 27th, 28th to March 8th, 27th. Total of hounds — 52 couples. Note. — This had been a season of very good sport since December, but from hidden and unknown causes we never, since that period, had been able to take out a perfectly efficient pack ; the young ones being seized with distemper, and the old ones many of them being taken ill without apparent cause. A good run on October Slst, from Waltham Pasture, by Brentingby to Garthorpe, round Stonesby to Crox- ton Lings, to Godeby Gorse, by Waltham, and killed in Melton Koad, in 55 minutes. Note. — On December SOtJi Lord Sefton's hounds had a grand run from Brooksby to Belvoir, January IMh. — From Barrowby Thorns, by Foston Bar, Allington, Muston, Easthorpe, Bottesford, and lost near Normanton ; 30 minutes. A rare fox, as he was seen going for Newark. January lith. — From Sproxton Thorns, by Sprox- ton Church, Swallow Hole, Hallam's Wood, Harston, Knipton, Middlesdale, by Branston, and went to ground at Knipton ; 1 hour and 32 minutes. The pace severe, as they ran from Sproxton Thorns to Blackberry Hill in 36 minutes. February 2Qth. — From Newton Wood, by Pick- worth, Corby, Bitchnaves, Creeton, Bj'-tham, open field through Grimsthorpe Park, and stopped them going MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. 87 for Carlby; time, 1 hour and 55 minutes. Lord C. Manners' horse died. March 17th. — From Aswarby Thorns, by Heydor, Honington, to Caj^thorpe ; 2 hours. SEASON, 1804—1805. The hounds hunted on 94 days, from July 34th to April 35th, and killed 59 foxes. They were stopped by frost 48 days ; on December 4th, from 16th to January 5th, 9th to 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th to 31st, 31st to February 7th ; by fog, December 1st and 5th. Extract from a letter from C. Forester^ Esq. December 6th. "The behaviour of 3^our young hounds this day demands my notice, as well as the prospect of our future sport and diversion." After describing a good day for hounds, he adds : " The whole of their behaviour might have been viewed by Mr. Meynell, or any other judge of hunting ; there was a large field out, and I never sav/ people more pleased, or Newman so perfectly satisfied with his hounds." Noveraher 20th. — It is mentioned in a run to-day between Kuskington and Donington, some farmers said the fox was gone to the covert ; to the surprise of the field there was a gorse covert of 4 acres which none of them knew of. Noveviher 2Uh. — A laborious chase, as described by Mr. Musters, Jnnr., from Grundy's Gorse, by Syston to ground in Canal Bank near Grantham, 38 MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. November 2Qth. — From Dembleby Thorns, b}' Sap- perton, Lenton Pasture, to Kirkby Underwood. But the uncertainty of these monstrous woods always makes a death more to be wished than expected. February lUh. — A good run of 1 hour and 25 minutes, from Freeby Plantation, b}^ Buckminster, Stainb}^, to Witham Wood, and stopped them at Beaumont Wood. February IQth. — From Harlaxton Clays, to Barrowb}^ Thorns, Manthorpe, Grantham racecourse, Welb}^ Gipple, down by Syston to Jericho, and lost. March 20th. — From Jericho, by Elton, Whatton, Granb}^ Plungar, Barkston, and lost at Branston Ajml 22nd. — From Beadhouse Wood, by Burton, Easton Pasture, and killed at North Stoke ; 1 hour and 55 minutes. SEASON, 1805—1806. SHAW, HUNTSMAN. The hounds hunted on 115 days, from July IGth to April 25th, and killed 112 foxes, viz., at Belvoir, 24 ; in Leicestershire, 39 ; Wilsford-side, 21 ; Wood- lands, 28. Thej were stopped by frost 28 days, viz., Novem- ber 19th, 21st, December 10th to 28th, January 13th, 28th to February 4th, March 9th to 18th, April 14th. This 3^ear Mr. Calcraft's hounds were bought and incorporated into the Belvoir pack, which had lost many from an unaccountable lameness. Total effective hounds, 47 couples. MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. 39 THE GREAT BELVOIR DAY. Decemher lOtli. — This is allowed to be one of the finest runs ever performed by foxhounds. The meet was at Waltham, but the frost was so severe they went down to Jerico in the Vale ; before entering the covert they came on the drag of a fox, and ran from Jerico, by Redmile, Bottesford, Long Bennington, to Cottam, up wind, here the fox turned down the wind, ran back by Bennington, crossed the lane between Foston and Allington, by the Fir Plantation, by Muston, Thorold's Plantation, Sedgebrook, Barrowby Thorns, by the Fir Clump, over Gonerby open Fields and Earle's Fields, crossed the Canal by a bridge, and was seen no distance here before the hounds, then to Harlaxton Wood and Stroxton, Great Ponton, Stoke Park Wood, Bassingthorpe, Burton Slade. They were stopped by Cecil Forester, v/ho was alone with the hounds, who had been running o hours. The fox was constantly viewed a short way before them. It is computed they ran 35 miles over 30 Lordships. April 26th. — This day concluded a season of the best sport since 1801-2. It was much wished to finish with blood, and the hounds would have had another day in the Woodlands ; the crippled state of the stud alone prevented it. SEASON, 1806—1807. The hounds hunted on 133 days, and killed 123 foxes, viz., in Woodlands, 34; in Leicestershire, 37 ; about Belvoir, 35 ; Wilsford country, IG, 40 MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. They were stopped b}^ frost and snow 20 days, viz., November -Ith, January 7th, 15th, February 2nd, Srd, 4th, 18th, 19th, 20th, 27th, 28th, March 4th, 5th, 6th, 9th, April 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 17th, 18th. Considering the many days hunting this season, the sport was bad ; in Leicestershire, from the tame running of the foxes ; on the Wilsford-side the weather was bad. From February 17th to April 6th the hounds did not kill a fox after a run. In June, 1807, Lord Lonsdale and the Duke of Rutland bought the Duke of Leeds' hounds between them, 15 couples went into the Belvoir pack. SEASON, 1807—1808. The hounds hunted from July 13th to May 9th, and killed 139 foxes. 76 litters of foxes were bred this year. They w-ere stoj^ped by frost, &c., 36 days, viz., November 26th to December 1st, 7th to 12th, 19th to 25th, January 4th, 15th to 19th, 20th to 25th, 25th to 28th, February 9th to 18th, April 18th to 23rd. Effective hounds, 53^ couples. This season w^as more unpropitious than for many preceding ones. The whole season was like March, yet was the sport capital, and 5 or days first-rate. In November and December some fair sport, but the foxes ran rings. January 2nd. — From Hose, by Colston Basset, by Whatton Gorse, to Orston and Elton, to the river by Bottesford, up to this time it was hunting, they now ran hard by Normanton, left Allington Hall on the MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. 41 right, over Gonerby Moor to Jeiico, and killed at Syston Village; 2 hours and 57 minutes. The distance was 1 5 miles, and the fox, a 4 year old vixen, was never far before the hounds. January I2th. — An extraordinary run from Man- thorp e, by Belton, Grantham, Little Ponton, Harlaxton Wood, Barrowby Thorns, a ring by Allington, back by Barrowby, by Stroxton Hall to Stoke, to Stoke Park Wood, byWestby to Boothby Little Wood, to Abney Wood, and thence to Gipple Plantation, to Syston Park, turned back and was killed at Gipple ; it was 4 hours and 20 minutes, and the distance run over was 35 miles. Mr. Cholmondeley went through the run, all the others were missing. A bitch called Jewel, shone in recovering the fox at a hedge. Shaw finished the run on farmer Sharpe's horse, of Welby. February 9th. — A splendid run fromEedmile Gorse to Woodwell Head, and over Leicestershire, sto]3ping the hounds at Oakham road, near Eanksboro' ; 3 hours and 50 minutes. SEASON, 1808—1809. The hounds hunted on 132 days, from July 4th to April 28th, and killed 120 foxes. They were stopped by frost 32 days ; December 17th to 29th, January 2nd to 7th, 13th to 28th, February 7th to 10th. 70 litters of foxes bred. This was the worst season for weather for many years. From December 17th to January 28th we had almost a total blank, owing to frost and snow. The 42 MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. sport Avas inferior. Foxes were very mucli increased, which made us always change. The best sport was in the Wilsford countr}^ in November, and between February 4th and 27th. and from March 14th to April 20th. SEASON, 1809—1810. The hounds hunted on 128 days, from July 17th to May 4th, and killed 143 foxes, 89 of them before November 7th. They were stopped by frost from November 18th to 22nd, and from January 12tli to February 1st, and February 11th to 24th; 34 days. 64 litters of foxes bred. In November there was unsettled weather, and not much sport. Good sport on November 11th, I7th, 24th, and 30th. December 9th.— A good run of 2 hours from Normanton Thorns, by Allington, Foston, to Loveden Hill, between Hough and Brandon, by Fenton Gorse and Straggle thorp e to ^ Sutton, by Beckingham to Coddington Plantations, and stopped the hounds going into Stapleford Moor, as the hunt horses were beat. December 2Srd. — One hour and 11 minutes, from Thorpe Pasture, by Waltham, Croxton Lings, and killed in the fishpond at Frog Hall. December Slst. — From Sproxton Thorns to Bescaby Oaks, and over the Park to Conygear Wo'od, turned to the right, ran by Croxton and Saltby to Buckminster palings, on to Coston and Edmonthorpe, and was killed at Woodwell Head ; 1 hour and 1 6 minutes. MEMOIRS OP THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. 43 January \st. — From School Plats, 1 hour and 50 imiiutes, and lost by Folkingham town. February Gth. — A capital o4 minutes, froniEdmon- thorpe Pasture, killing in Wyville stonepits. March 8ih. — A good hour and 28 minutes, from Threckingham Gorse, by Pickworth, the Southards, Kelby, loosing at Ancaster. March Idth. — From Braceby Wood, 1 hour and 10 minutes, killing the fox in Caseby Village. Mr. Cholmondeley alone being with the hounds. March 20th, — From Loveden Hill, by Grantham to Harrowby, and ran to ground below Belton ; 1 hour and 35 minutes. There was a deal of sport this season, especially in March and April, as the ground was very wet and they hunted till May. The hounds suffered much from distemper all the season. SEASON, 1810—1811. The hounds hunted on 132 days, from July 21st to May 8th, and killed 137 foxes, 78 before November 0th. They were prevented by frost 28 days ; November 7th 8th, December 9th to 13th, 27th to January 12th, January 27th to February 4th, IGth and 17th. 70 litters of foxes were bred. This season was not productive of real sport. The weather, generally speaking, was unfavorable after Christmas, and the foxes, especially on the Leicester- shire-side, given to run rings. The best sport was from the AVilsford kennel. 44 MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. September 26th. — "A note from Sir W. Manners warning me from all lands in 27 Lordships." October 21st, — From Winmer Hill to a pile of wood at Denton. Young Mr. Welby assured me we could get him out so he was dislodged, and we ran up to Colsterworth Wood, in 58 minutes. November 1st — From Stathern Wood to Buck- minster, in 1 hour and 10 minutes. December 27th. — From Blackberry Hill, h}^ Harlax- ton and Little Ponton, and stopped at dark over the North-road. December Sth. — From Easthorpe Gorse, by Musson, Denton, Wyville, to Easton Pasture ; 2 hours and 5 minutes. March loth. — A good run from Leasington, Spillows by Leadenham, and lost at Stubton. N.B. — In crossing Cranwell Warren several hounds were caught in traps. December 20th. — A splendid run from Smalley's Gorse, by Denton, Woolsthorpe Cliffs, turned over the Canal to Mr. Plaskett's new house, by Barrowby Thorns, where the fox was close before them, Gonerby Moor, where the fox again jumped up before them, by Foston, between Westboro' and Hougham. The fox would not cross the Witham, but skirted it and went by Doddington, and was viewed over the lawn at Stubton house, on to Brandon, he turned and came back to Stubton, where the horses all being tired, it was found necessary to end this noble chase after running 3 hours and 50 minutes. MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. SEASON, 1811—1812. The hounds hunted on 1-10 days, from July 20th to April 12th, and killed 172 foxes, 81 of them cuh- hunting. They were stopped hy frost, &c., 16 days, viz., November 6th, December 10th, 11th, 24th to January 2nd, 6th, 20th to 25th, March 20th. Effective hounds, Qij couples. 70 litters of foxes bred, viz., Belvoir-side, 40 ; Wilsford-side, 13; Woodlands, 17. An excellent season for sport. Weather favorable, and country wet, and both old and young packs very efficient. More straight runs than on any previous season. Among the best runs were those — From Bloxholm to Spanby. „ Dorrington Gorse to Nocton. „ Folkingham Gorse to Bourn. „ Barkston Gorse to Three Queens. „ Threckingham to Kirkby and on to Grimsthorpe. „ Normanton Thorns to Brant Broughton. „ Granby Gap to Shoby Scoles. ,, Ponton school plats to Newton. SEASON, 1812—1813. The hounds hunted on 122 days, viz., from July 20th to April 24th, and killed 121 foxes. They killed about Belvoir, 31 ; in Leicestershire, 41 ; in Wilsford country, 26 ; Woodlands, 14. Were stopped by frost 31 days, viz., November 12t]i, December 7th to 29th, January 11th, 16th to 25th. 46 MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS, 52 litters of foxes bred. Effective hounds, 02|- couples. A rainy season. The hounds hunted several days in the Nottinghamshire country, and had some fair sport. Till February the sport was very bad. In March and April, very brilliant. On October 2Sth. — From Barkston Wood, over the Vale, to ground at Wartnaby stonepits, in 55 minutes. December Uh. — Was a blank day, in the Bloxholme country. January 2nd. — Owing to the hounds being warned off all Sir W. Manners' lands, the honnds met at Flintham. A good run of 2 hours from Wiverton, ending at Eadcliffe. February 15th. — A good day's sport, and a run of 2 hours and 40 minutes, from Holwell Mouth to Stathern, Eaton, Knipton Reservoir. February 23rcL — A good run from Dorrington Gorse to Blankney and Nocton Wood, in 45 minutes, and on to Nocton, Lincoln Heath Pillar, stopping the hounds in Branston Woods. February 2Srd. — A good hour and 17 minutes, from Threckingham Gorse, by Newton, Aswarby, Silk Willoughby, Quarendon, and killed in Sleaford Carrs. February 2(jih. — A capital 44 minutes, from Beeves Gorse, to Eauceby, thence by Byard's leap, killing in Leadcnham Warren. March 2oth. — From Newman's Gorse, by Sproxton and Coston to W3'mondham, by Ednionthorpe and Woodwell Head, and lost on the Fallows, near Moikery Wood ; 1 hour and 24 minutes. MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. 47 March SOtlt. — A fine da3^s sport from Hose, finally losing the fox near Melton, after running incessantly for 4 hours. April lOih. — In the Croxton country they killed 5 old and lo cubs in 1 da^^ SEASON, 1813—1814. The hounds hunted on 109 days, from July 10th to April 80th, and killed 122 foxes. They were stopped by frost 00 daj^s, viz., from November 29th to December 3rd, IGth, 27th to February 5th, J 8th, 22nd to 28th, March 4th to 15th. Effective hounds — Old 37|- Young 18J- 50 couples. 59 litters of foxes bred — 32 Belvoir-side ; 12 Wilsford-side ; 15 Woodlands. The worst season for interruptions of bad weather known. October GtJi. — A capital run of 2 hours and 25 minutes, from Aslackby Wood, by Dunsb}^ Dowsby, Irnham, Lenton Pasture, killing in Kirkby Wood. November i?)th — A good hour and a quarter, from Barkston Wood, by Woolsthorpe Cliff and Harlaxton, killing at Grantham tov;n end. December llih. — From Eectory Covert, by Sutton, Whatton Field, the Conery Covert, to Mr. Chaworth's Covert be^^ond Wiverton, in 20 minutes, to ground. December lUli. — From Harlaxton Wood to Syston Hurn, in 55 minutes. 48 MEMOIES OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. December 21 si. — From Normanton Thorns, by Stanton and Kilvington, Bottesford, by Kedmile, up to Bunker's Hill Plantation, in 40 minutes, pressed him on and killed liim b}^ the new dairy under the Castle, in 1 hour and a quarter. February IQth. — A very hard day, the hounds running 5 J- hours, from Piper hole, by Scalford, through Melton Spinney, by Melton Lodge, Old Hills, to Segs Hill, Watton Plantations, and ran to ground near Sileby. April 2ncl. — From Eeeve's Covert, by Fulbeck, Welbourn, Cocked Hat Plantation, Temple Bruer, and was killed at Ashbv Church, in 1 hour and 10 minutes. SEASON, 1814—1815. The hounds hunted on 119 days, from July 30th to April 20th, and killed 109 foxes. They were stopped by weather 40 days, viz., December 7th to 15th, by snow, December 22nd to 30th, 31st to January 31st. Effective hounds — 40 couples old. 15 couples young. 52 litters of foxes — Belvoir-side, 30 ; Wilsford- side, 14; Woodlands, 8. A very wet season. November showed good sport, though the lunmds were unsuccessful in killing foxes ; from February 1st, excellent sport; perfect weather in February and March. Good runs — November 2dth. — From Stubton Plantations, killing in Wellingore Park, in 1 hour and 20 minutes. MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. 49 December 1st — With a second fox from Newton Wood, up to Gunbury Wood, in an hour and 5 minutes. February Uh. — From Normanton Thorns, an excellent 35 minutes, pulling the fox down under Loveden Hill. March 2nd. — From Barrowby Thorns, by Syston Hurn, Marston, Foston, Allington, Sedgbrook, back to Syston Hurn, and was killed ; 2 hours. March Uh. — From Granby Gap, round Elton to Jericho, and was killed at Stathern point, in 48 minutes. March lith. — An excellent run of 1 hour and 32 minutes, from Normanton Thorns, by Bennington, Foston, Allington, Sedgbrook, Muston, and killed in the Saltbecks. March 20th. — From Sproxton Thorns to ground in Middlesdale, a good hunting run of 1 hour and 45 minutes. SEASON, 1815—1816. The hounds hunted on 128 days, from July 21st to April 2Gth, and killed 124 foxes, on Belvoir-side, 23 ; Leicestershire, 45; Wilsford-side, 19; Notts., 12; Woodlands, 25. Effective hounds, 01 couples. They were stopped by frost 45 days, viz., Novem- ber 15th to 27th, 29th to 30th; by snow, December 8th to 13th, 16th to 27th, 28th, January 19th, 29th to February 5th, Gth to IGth. 54 litters of foxes — 35, Belvoir countrj^; 9, Wils- ford; 10, Woodlands. E 50 MEMOIKS OF THE BELVOlR HOUNDS. This was the worst season as to weather on record- Scarcely a good hunting day in November or February. Sport moderate except in January and March. Up to January 6th there was no run above very average ones. On the 6th. — From Normanton Thorns, a good hour and 5 minutes, by Allington to Breeder Hills, and thence by Barrowby Thorns to ground at Belton Gardens. January Qth. — From Jericho, by Grantham to Har- laxton Lodge, where the fox turned and was killed in Barrowby village, in 40 minutes. January 10th. — From Blackberry Hill, by Denton and Great Ponton to Stoke Pasture ; 1 hour. January 11th. — From Langar, by Stathern Point to Eaton, Bescab}^ losing the fox at Sproxton, from a heavj^ storm ; 1 hour and 55 minutes. January 26i/i. — From Newton AVood, by Lenton to Aslackby, Kirkby, and Dunsby, across Haconby Fen to the Forty Foot, when owing to a heavy storm the hounds were stopped. February 27th. — A capital 35 minutes, from Aunsby, killing at Laughton. March 16th. — From Grundy's Gorse, by Eopsley, Boothby, Osgodby, Bulby Hall Wood, Kirkby Wood, and killed in Aslackby Wood; 1 hour and 10 minutes. SEASON, 1816—1817. THOMAS GOOSEY MADE HUNTSMAN. The hounds hunted 120 days, from August 14th to April 5th, and killed 90 foxes, on Belvoir-side, 21 ; MEMOIES OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. 51 in Leicestershire, 82; in Wilsford country, 12; in Notts., 18 ; in Woodlands, 7. 52 litters of foxes were bred. Effective hounds, 58j couples. Hunting was stopped by frost 23 days, viz., Novem- ber 14th to 18th, 25th, December 7th to lOth, 12th to 14th, 19th to 24th, 30th, January 7th to I3th, l4th to 18th, February 11th. This season was not a good one for hounds, and foxes did not run straight. From March 12th the ground was too hard for the chase, and the drought continued without intermission till May. Nortli and East winds prevailed. SEASON, 1817—1818. The hounds hunted on 120 days, from August 1st to April 25th, and killed 85 foxes, viz,, on Belvoir- side, 21 ; in Leicestershire, 28 ; in Wilsford country, 21 ; in Notts., 6 ; in Woodlands, 18. They were stopped hunting by frost 35 days, viz., December 10th to 15th, 22nd to January 6th, February 2nd to 17th, March lOth, 12th, 26th. Litters of foxes bred — Beivoir-side, 28 litters. Wilsford-side, 7 „ Woodlands, 9 „ Notts., 9 „ Total - 53 litters. Effective hounds, 59 couples. This season contained a greater proi)ortion of sport than any preceding one. January was remarkable for e2 52 MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. a series of good runs, and for weeks the hounds accounted for their foxes. March was very wet. Foxes, especially in the Wilsford country, ran straighter tlian usual. Good runs were on — November Mth. — From Normanton Thorns, killing at Marston; 1 hour and 25 minutes. November 29th. — From Stubton Gorse, killing at Honnington. December 2nd. — From Harby Hills to Stoke Park Wood. December 4th. — From Byard's Leap to Eeeves' Gorse and Cariton-le-Moreland. December I5th. — From Easton Wood to Haceby village. January 10th. — From Newton Wood, killing at Birthorpe ; a perfect burst of SG minutes. January I6th. — From Melton Spinney, to Harston, Denton, Skillington ; 2J hours. January I9th. — A great run from Kopsley Rice, by Harrowby to Belton sandy lane, by Spittlegate Mill and Winter's Gorse, crossed Canal at Miers' Farm, and ran at a desperate pace to Barrowby Thorns, straight to Allington, where they killed in a ditch, after a continued burst of 1 hour and 19 minutes. Since the run from Clawson Thorns in 1806, this was the severest run, being chiefly upvv'ind. The sportsmen were beat off. Besides the Duke of Rutland, only Mr. Yere Fane came up, and he 10 minutes late. January 2Sth. — From Reeves' Gorse, by Cranwell, Blankney, Lincoln Pillar, and ran into him at Nocton, in 1 hour and 12 minutes. MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. 53 February 2Qt1u — From Cranwell, killing near Walcot. March 26th. — From Aswarby to Aslackby Wood. SEASON, 1818—1819. The hounds hunted on 12 J: days, fiom August 4th to April 10th, and killed 102 foxes ; on Belvoir-side, 30; in Leicestershire, 30; in Wilsford country, 11; in Woodlands, 35. They were stopped by weather 16 days, viz., Novem. ber, 9th, December 22nd to 28th, 29th to January 5th, February 1st, 3rd, 23rd, 27th. Effective hounds, 59 couples. Litters of foxes bred were 53. Good runs — November 17th. — From Stoke Park Wood, an hour and 50 minutes, by Westby to Irnham Old Park, Lenton Pasture, and killed at Little Humby. December lOth. — From Dembleby Thorns, stopping them in Ligoldsb}^ AVood. December llth. — From Harby Hills, and stopped at Rowhoe Covert. December 22nd. — A blank day in the Stubton countr3\ January 14:th. — From Caythorpe Gorse to the Temple Warren, in 53 minutes, and killed. February 9th. — From Melton Spinney, killing in 42 minutes, at Eastwell Pasture. February \2th. — From Pickworth Wood by Walcot, Lawton, Graby to Eippingale, into Dunsby Wood in view, ran in the Wood, 25 minutes, and killed. 54 MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. April 1st. — From Hose Gorse to beyond Grimston Gorse to ground, in 43 minutes. SEASON, 1819—1820. "Hiatus valde deflendus." SEASON, 1820—1821. The hounds hunted on 122 days, from August 7th to April 14th, and killed 82 foxes, viz., on Belvoir- side, 26; in Leicestershire, 25; in Wilsford country, 14 ; Woodlands, 17. They were stopped by weather 24 days — December 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th, 24th to January 10th, February 12th, 17th, 20th, 28th to March 2nd. Effective hounds — 48 couples old. 11 J- couples young. 54 litters of foxes bred. A very good season , up to Christmas the sport was more brilliant and better performed by hounds than in any former season. After Christmas day not one day's sport perfect in all respects, took place. February was the driest month on record. From January 16th to February 18tli not a drop of rain fell. SEASON, 1821—1822. The hounds hunted on 128 days, from August 7th to April 6th, and killed 100 foxes, viz., on Belvoir- side, 23 ; in Leicestershire, 35 ; in Wilsford country, 27 ; in Woodlands, 15. 44|- couples old hounds. ^"^2 iy j^oung hounds. 58 couples. 47 litters of foxes were bred. MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. 55 N.B.— Stopped by weather only one day, the 17th January. An extraordinary season for good sport. The winter was not only most open and favorable for the chase, but the weather most enjoyable. The wind never veered, except for one week, from South and West points. The country was always in excellent state, occasionally too deep. The sport was good throughout. The first six weeks foxes beat the hounds. There were 35 brilliant chases or bursts, 37 of them ending with kills. N.B. — The horses never stood better or were less lame. Among fine runs were especially those from Sapper- ton Wood to Bourn ; 1 hour and 27 minutes. December \st. — An extraordinary day from Aunsby to Kirkby, Laughton, and a great reach of country. The hounds at last being lost, and not found till next day, having been seen by a shepherd to kill their fox at Sempringham. From Evedon Wood to Beckingham. From Newton Gorse to Grimsthorpe, in 1 hour and 25 minutes. From Braceby to Elsthorpe Spring. SEASON, 1822—1823. The hounds hunted on 103 days, from August 7th to April 12th, and killed 75 foxes, on Belvoir-side, 19 ; in Leicestershire, 30; in Wilsford country, 10; in Woodlands, 16. 56 MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. They were stopped b}^ weather 49 days, of which 15 were in December and 21 in January. 44 litters of foxes bred. Effective hounds — 48 couples old. 13 couples young. Though much stopped by weather, yet the sport on the whole was better than many seasons, and for satisfactory execution of the hounds unprecedented. The 3 best days sport were on — December 10th, — From Sapperton Wood to Aswarby Thorns in 34 minutes, thence by Scredington, Helpring- ham, to Little Hale Fen, crossed the Fort}^ Foot, and lost near Swineshead ; a run of 1 hour and 45 minutes. February 2ith. — From Boothby Great Wood, by Osgodb}^ Ingoldsby, Caseby, Lenton to Falkingham, back by Pickworth, where the fox jumped up in view, and racing him for 17 minutes, they ran him to ground at Osbournb}^, dug and killed him ; a run of 2 hours. Lord Tweeddale and the huntsman were alone with the hounds at last. March 2>rcl, — From Elton Gorse, by Stanton, Bennington, Doddington, to Westboro' Spinney, by Loveden Hill, and killed at Hough ; 1 hour and 48 minutes. SEASON, 1828—1824. The hounds hunted 121 days, from August 11th to April 12th, and killed 86 foxes, viz., in Belvoir country, 22; in Leicestershire, 32 ; W^ilsford country, 21 ; Woodlands, 11 ; and were stopped by frost 12 days, MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. 57 viz., December 13th, 14tli, 21st, January 12th to 19th, February 2nd, March 2nd and 'ith. 48 litters of foxes were bred. Effective hounds — 40 couples old. 15 „ young. Though the season was more open than any, except the one of 1821-22, yet sport was very bad till the last day of January, when there was a fair proportion. An illness among the hounds, from which the old Pack, the last attacked, never fairly recovered, was the cause ©f deficiency of sport. March ^2nd. — A fine run from Lawn Hollow, by Eastwell to Harby Hills in 19 minutes, the fox descended the hill and ran by Clawson Thorns, Clawson Town, and Nether Broughton, and killed by Hickling; time, 1 hour and 18 minutes. The onl}^ four at the end were Lord Howth, Mr. Long, Mr. Blount, and Mr. G. Forester. SEASON, 1824—1825. The hounds hunted on 122 days, from August 16th to April 4th, and killed 94 foxes, viz., Belvoir-side, 21 ; Leicestershire, 35 ; Wilsford-side, 27 ; Woodlands, 13 ; and were stopped 9 days by snow and frost, viz., December 3rd to 8th, January 26th, February 3rd to 8th^ Litters of foxes bred, 54. Eifective hounds — 38j old. 19 young. This season was not one of good sport. Foxes were very tame, and through the season there was not a ten mile point made, with the exception of a run 58 MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. from the School Plats to Welby. The young pack eclipsed the old pack. From Jamiary 20th the latter went out 15 times without tasting blood, excex)ting 2 foxes chopped. SEASON, 1825—1826. The hounds hunted 117 days, from August 8th to to April 21st, and killed 94 foxes, on Belvoir-side, 23 ; in Leicestershire, 29 ; Wilsford-side, 20 ; Wood- lands, 16. Stopped hunting 39 days — On account of the death of Duchess of Eutland, November 28th to December 26th ; by frost, December 20th to January 2nd ; by snow, 8th to 21st, 23rd to 31st. 54 litters of foxes bred. Hounds— 44 J couples old. 16 J couples young. Though this season was not productive of many brilliant runs, sport was satisfactory. From March 7th no rain fell. The best runs were — December 2Ath. — From Hose Gorse to Flawboro' Grange. February Uh. — From Sproxton Thorns, running by Waltham, Scalford, Melton Spinney, Clawson to Hose, and Langar, in 2 hours and 40 minutes. February Qth. — From Haydor Southards, by Dem- bleby, Newton, Walcot, Falkingham, Rippiugale to Dunsby, and back by Lenton Pasture to Demblebj^ where the hounds were stopped by Messrs. Drummond and Stringer, who were alone with them, after 2 hours and 10 minutes. MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. 59 SEASON, 182G— 1827. The liounds hunted from July olst to April Qlst, and killed 108 foxes, viz., Belvoir-side, 25 ; Leicester- shire, 41 ; Wilsford-side, 36 ; Woodlands, G ; and were stopped by weather 32 days, viz., in January 3rd to 8th, 20th to 30th, February 5th to 7th, lOth to 13th, 15th to 27th. 48 litters of foxes were bred. This was not a good season for sport. The ground before Christmas was too hard. The 2 best runs were on December 16th and April 19 th. December l^tli. — A rainy day. From Haceby Wood, by Lenton Pasture to Aslackby, and killed in Kirkby Wood, in 58 minutes. Aiiril 19i/i. — From Brauncewell Plantation, by Byard's Leap, Sparrow Gorse, Ancaster, Wilsford Warren, to Silk Willoughby, where being headed, the fox came by Culverthorpe, and was run into in Kelby Field, in 58 minutes. SEASON, 1827—1828. The hounds hunted 120 days, from August 8th to April 9th, and killed 92 foxes, viz., on Belvoir-side, 16; in Leicestershire, 36; Wilsford. side, 31 ; Wood- lands, 9 ; and were stopped 19 days, viz., November, 21st to 26th, 29th, January 6th, 9th to 14th, Feb- ruary 10th to 19th. Old hounds, 42J couples. Young ditto, \b^ couples. 39 litters of foxes bred. 60 MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS, Not a bad season. The best runs were — January dth. — From Falldngham Gorse, by Osbournby, Aswarby Thorns, Scredington, Evedon Wood, and killed at Ewerby Thorpe, in 2 hours and 50 minutes. January SOth. — From Pickworth Wood, by Haceby, Dembleb}^ Aswarb}^, Silk Willoughby, and Quarring- ton, back to Aswarby and killed, in 1 hour and 28 minutes. March Uh, — From Sproxton Thorns, to Coston by Crown Point, Woodwell Head, Thistleton, Stocken Hall, Little Bytham, Haugh, and killed by Pickworth Wood, in 1 hour. March 27th. — From Freeby Wood, by Thorpe to Scalford, by Wykeham, Godeby, Eaton, and killed at Harby Hills, in 1 hour and 20 minutes. SEASON, 1828—1829. The hounds hunted from August 18th to April 21st, and killed 92 foxes, on Belvoir-side, 12; Leicester- shire, 35 ; Wilsford-side, 30 ; Woodlands, 15 ; and were stopped 23 days, January 5th to 8th, 15th to February 6th, and February 26th. 89 Litters of foxes bred — Belvoir-side, 23 ; Wils- ford-side, 11 ; Woodlands, 5. Effective hounds, 73 couples. Not a first-rate season. About Christmas some good runs, and 2 good runs after January 6th. From March 9th the weather was bad, and the ground too hard. MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. Gl December lltJi. — A remarkable run over a country never run by bounds. From Haverholme Wood to Tattersball Castle, and b}^ Lown Wood to Tumby Wood, where the hounds were stopped; 1 hour and 48 minutes- January ^nd, — From Ancaster Gorse, b}^ Welb}^ Kopsley Kice, and killed at Boothby, in 55 minutes. January dth. — From Jericho to Stathern and Lan- gar in 35 minutes, and on to Kinoulton Wood, and by Widmerpool Inn to Hickling Standard, on b}^ Nether Broughton, to ground at Wartnaby, in 2 hours and 20 minutes. Here closes the printed accounts in the Belvoir Books, which were written after each day's sport in the year 1801 to 1829 ; during the cubhunting season by the huntsman, and during the regular season by one of the Belvoir family. A more true account of the weather of those years, and the sport day by day, it is impossible to possess, as they were committed to paper directly, with every circumstance, however small, that occurred, not even omitting in most instances, the hounds drawn for each day's work. The seasons 1829-30 and 1830-31 are preserved in manuscript, they were neither seasons of great sport. In 1829 they were stopped by frost from January 9th to February 10th, and from December 17th to January Gth. In 1830-31 from December 24th to January 3rd, 5th to 10th, and 26th to February 8th. From 1828-29 there is a gap of six seasons, from the period when the Belvoir Book was discontinued, to the Journals of Lord Forester. He took the 62 MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. mastership of tlie hounds in 1830, and resigned them in 1857 to their owner the Duke of Eutland. MAECH 27th, 1832. " These two first-rate runs are from Lord Forester's note book." We found at Goadby Gorse, and went away at a great pace, leaving Caldwell close to our right, and pointing for Melton Spinney, but bearing to the right, crossed the turn])ike road nearly opposite Waltham Pasture, which we left to our left, and running straight forward crossed the river at Wyverby, left Stapleford Park and Whissendine to our left, crossed the Melton and Oakham roai near Alcock's Lodge, and ran to Cold Overton, in 50 minutes, from thence through Overton Park Wood, wdiere the scent declined, and hunting him by Branston, went through Pryor's Coppice, had a long check, but recovered the scent and hunted up to our fox at Touch hill Gorse, from w^hence we ran at great pace for 20 minutes, and he ran to ground in an open roadway within a few yards of the leading hounds. Old Rockwood went into the drain and killed him, and we had to break up the drain to get him out. This run was 17 miles as the crow flies, and was run over the finest part of Lord Lonsdale's country. A EUN FEOM SPEOXTON THOENS. We found at Sproxton Thorns, and ran a great pace up to Thistleton in 40 minutes. Li a field of turnips a fresh fox jumped up, and we ran him back, leaving Coston Gorse to our left, by Garthorpe to MEMOIRS OP THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. 68 Newman's Gorse, here were 4 foxes, we went away on the last and ran hard, leaving Waltham to our right, by Caldwell, between Scalford and Holwell, by Landyke Lane, and down into the Vale, between Clawson Thorns and Holw^ell Mouth (from Caldwell there had been no one near the hounds but Lord Forester on his mare by Julius Caesar), the hounds went on without a check, leaving Long Clawson, Hose, and Harby all to the left, with their fox close before them, near to Hose Lord Forester viewed him, but in the road that goes from Stathern to the Harby Hills, Lord Forester contrived with the help of a farmer who had joined him, to stop them, after a magnificent run, both for pace and the extent of country gone over. DECEMBER 18th, 1833. THE MEET— NEWTON BAR. They found at Falkingham Gorse an old fox who had beaten them for 3 years over part of tlie same country. He ran by Threekingham to Spanby and Swaton, turned to Thorp Latimer for Car Dyke, up to which point Lord Forester, Lords C. and R. Manners, Mr. Howson, Sir T. Whichcote, and a few more were well witli the hounds. The Dyke was a stopper, and Mr. Willerton was the only one who crossed it, the others made for a place which was fordable, but the hounds got far ahead, to the Helpringham Drain. Mr. Willerton got over this, but the hounds were out of sight. The second whip followed Mr. Willerton, and with the exception of Goosey and Mr. Tindle, who got up by the road, no one saw the hounds again. 64 MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. People in the fields said who saw them, that the fox was close before the hounds through the Fen, and so cool a hand was he, that he was seen to stop and dry his sides at a stack. When they whipped off he was not 5 minutes before them, and he took up his quarters that night in a shed not 200 yards from the spot. The distance was 37 miles from point to point, and the run lasted 8 hours and 35 minutes. In the season 1855-56, February 2Gth, a similar run took place. The fox was found at Falkingham Gorse, ran by Stow Green, Pointon, and by Dunsby into the Fen, crossed the Forty Foot Drain, where the sports- men got over by a barge. The fox running down wind was apparently lost, but Messrs. Hardy and John ^Yelb3^ got on a haystack and saw the fox stealing b}^ The hounds were got on him, and Goodall finished with a who-hoop at Pinchbeck, after running 2 hours and 35 minutes. The following were also good runs, as narrated by Lord Forester in the earl}^ days of his mastership. Found at Harby Covert and killed at East Bridg- ford ; 1 hour and 10 minutes. Found at Ingoldsby Wood (after 45 minutes and a kill in the morning from Boothb}' Wood) and ran leaving Ingoldsby close to the left, Osgodby House to the right, up to Bulby in 25 minutes, thence through the riding across Kirkby Wood, left Dunsby Wood close to the left, and crossing the Bourn road, killed him at dark at Morton Fen, in 1 hour. No one but the Master and Goosey saw the kill, or came up at all, except Mr. Litchford who joined them afterwards. MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. 65 Found at Lawn Hollow at 3 o'Clock on the shortest day, and running without a check to Grimston Village» killed him there at 4 o'Clock. This was the best scent T ever witnessed, the hounds running abreast over the fields. Found at Granby Gap the day after the run from Ingoldsby, and killed at Clifton Gardens. FROM LORD FORESTER'S JOURNALS. SEASON, 1835—1836. Note. — A bad early season. The sport was good in February and April. From the Easton Woodlands there were some very fine runs. The hounds killed 114 foxes, and were stopped by frost, December 19th to S9th, January 9th to 14th, February 3rd to 4th. The good runs were— November 4th, December 1st, 0th, 14th, January 25th, February 12th, 15th, 18th, 22nd, 39th, March 7th, 25th, 28th, 29th, April 8th, 12th, 18th, 20th. November 14f/i.— Croxton Park. From Sproxtou Thorns, a fast ring, pointing for Coston, over the Brook, round to Sproxton Town, and to ground. From Croxton Lings, a capital 55 minutes, by Waltham, Stonesby, Sproxton Heath Gorse, Herring's Lodge, to the Knipton Eeservoir. Decemher Ist. — Weaver's Lodge, Found in Sapper- ton Wood, fast by Newton Wood, left Toll Bar to left, by Dembleby and Aunsby, and killed at Silk Willoughby, in 1 hour. Found again at the Nightingale Gorse, ran 66 MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. at extreme pace by Braceby, and ran to ground by Haceby Hall, in 20 minutes. December dth. — Piper Hole. Found at Clawson Thorns, went away very fast by Holwell Village, to the Old Hills, Scalford Gorse on the left, was headed at the road to the right, and crossed the turnpike between Melton Town and Lodge, up to Goodricke's Gorse, where there was a check, but soon recovering it, recovered our pace at Osfordby, and setting our head upwind, went by Saxilby Gorse up to Wartnaby Stone- pits, over the road by Holwell Mouth, through Clawson Thorns and Piper Hole, where the body of the hounds changed their fox, and went through Goadby Park to the Gorse up to Eastwell, where we got on bad terms with the fox and stopped the hounds ; 2 hours. December lUh. — Croxton Park. From Sproxton Thorns, a good hour and 20 minutes, to ground, and v/ith a second fox, a good hour and 40 minutes, round by Croxton Banks, Croxton, Skillington, to ground at Three Queens. Jmiuary 25th. — Piper Hole. A fast 35 minutes from Goadby Park, by Waltham, nearly to Melton Spinney, by Brentingby, to ground in Freeby. February 12th. — Stubton. From Stubton Gorse, by Brandon and Shiels Gorse, up to Caythorpe, and at a great pace to Byard's Leap Gorse, ran over the middle of the Fields to Lord Bristol's plantation, within a field of Dunsby gorse, here turning downwind the scent declined, and tlie scent failed at Leasingham ; an excellent run and 12 mile point. MEMOIKS OF THE EELVOIR HOUNDS. 67 February 15th,— Rose. From Clawson Thorns, by Holwell, Dalby Wood, two Broughtons, to Clawson Town, in 39 minutes, a good Hunting back by Wart- naby, and killed at Old Hills ; 2 hours and 13 minutes. February 18i/i.— Swallow Hole. From Sproxton Thorns, by Stonesby, to Bescaby and Saltby, in 85 minutes, by Herrings, Humberstones, Saltby, Sproxton, to ground near Coston Gorse, bolted and killed him; 1 hour and 15 minutes. February 22ncL — Croxton Park. From Coston Covert, by Buckminster, Skillington, to Colsterworth Pasture, Easton Wood, and into Witham Wood. The fox was dead beat, and part of the pack went back with him into Easton Wood, where the hounds were got together, and ran him to ground by Stoke Park Wood ; 2 hours and 40 minutes. February 2dth. — Goadby. A good afternoon run from Waltham Pasture, first nearly to Melton Spinney, then by Goadby, Eastwell, along the Stathern Plan- tations, into Barkston Wood, away again to Harby and to Stathern back, where they were stopped. Marcli 7th. — Belvoir. An excellent day's sport, from WTnmer Hill, killing in Ponton Park Wood. Horses all beat. March 2Dth. — Boothby. A fine day's sport of six hours, finding at Hogtree Wood, and running by Humby, Hanby, Lenton, Aslackby, finally killing in Aslackby Village. March 2Qth. — Lenton. From Lenton Pasture, at a bursting pace to Sapperton Woods, nearly to Newton Gorse, leaving Walcot and Falkingham on the left, ran f2 08 MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIE HOUNDS. to Pointon (as severe a 82 minutes as was ever seen), here, owing to our fox having ran half a mile down the road, we came to difficulties, we recovered the scent, and ran 2 or 3 miles into the Fen, and lost. April 8ih. — Easton. A capital 56 minutes and kill, from Burton High Wood, by Colsterworth to Skilling- ton and Gunby. A2)ril 12th. — Burton Long Wood. A first-rate run. Found in Burton Long Wood, and ran by Burton, Lown Wood, to Ingoldsby side of Bitchfield Wood, by Osgodby Copy, to Irnham Old Park, ran the whole length of it, and came out by Gsgodby House, the fox turned, and running the whole length of Wood back, ran by Lown Wood to Burton High Wood, here a check ensued from two curs having ran the fox, but being soon recovered, we ran by Burton Long Wood to the Swayfield Woods, to Counthorpe Hills, they set to run hard, and crossing Grimsthorpe Park, ran to Dobbin Hill, leaving Witham-on-the-Hill on the left, they were running into the fox when he went to ground in a sawpit two fields from Careby Wood. Ap7il 18th. — Bitchfield. A fine run from Osgodby Copy, over Irnham Park, by Norwoods, and Bulby Hall Wood, Nab Wood, through Bourn Wood and Anstey Wood to Witham=on4he=Hill, on to Careby Wood and Dobbin Hill, and to ground. Ajml 20th. — Easton AVood. A fine day's sport, finding in Easton Wood, and running by the Swayfield Woods and Tortoise Shell Wood into Mockery Wood, by Beaumont to Witham ¥/ood, v/here he wao killed^ after 3 hours hard running. MEMOIKS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. 00 SEASON, 1836—1837. The hounds were stopped by weather 10 days, November 23rd, stormy; December 23rd to January 7th, by snow ; November 29th, December 2nd to 6th. Good runs on November I5th, 18th, 22nd, on December 5th, January 13th, 14th, 19th, 20th, 23rd, February 14th, March Gth, 13th, 29th, April 4th. N.B. — Boothby the fixture. They could not hunt there for the snow. They got back to Belvoir at 4, and there being no snow, hunted at Muston Gorse. November 15th, — Croxton Park. After a quick 18 minutes from Coston Gorse found at Sproxton Thorns, ran by Bescaby, Sproxton Heath, Buckmin- ster, Stainby, to the Plantations by Skillington; a severe 52 minutes. The hounds were stopped at Easton Wood. November ISth. — Ancaster. A superior 50 minutes from Ancaster Gorse, by Culverthorpe, Aunsby, Scott Willoughby, to the Bridge End Eoad by Newton Gorse, where a check ended the run as the scent could not be regained. November 22nd. — Newton. From Newton Wood by the Toll-bar, to Dembleby Village by Aunsby Gorse, through the Southards, to Weaver's Lodge, by Abney Wood, and through Ropsley Rice to Somerby, and Ponton Park Wood, to the left into Boothby Great Wood, through it, and pointing for Westby, but "his race was run," and he lay down in a furrow, and jumping up was run into in the open, after a first-class run of 1 hour and 10 minutes. 70 MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. Deceiiiber 5th. — Coston. Found at Coston Gorse, ran by Woodwell Head, to Buckminster, and Stoke Pasture, and the School Plats, where the fox ^Yas viewed, and turning back to Stoke, was ran into in the open between Stoke and Skillington ; 1 hour and 13 minutes. Decemhe}' 2nd. — Barkston Gorse. By Eeeve's Gorse, Stubton, and Stragglethorpe, to the Turnpike Road at Brant-Broughton in 45 minutes, where the fox was lost. December 16th. — A good run from Falkingham Gorse, when the fox was drowned in the drain at Hel- pringham. January, Saturday, 2th. — After a snow storm, a blank day in the Vale, Jericho, Elton Rectory Covert, and Musson Gorse ; almost the only instance of a blank day. January 13i/i. — Belton. An excellent day's sport, from Ropsley Rice, by Culverthorpe, to Aunsby Gorse, and from Aunsby to Walcot, by Pickworth and Sapper- ton, where the hounds were stopped. January lUh. — Sproxton Thorns to Brentingby, Stapleford, Wymondham, b}^ Coston Gorse to Gunb}^ where the fox was lost, after a good run of 1 hour and 15 minutes. January 17th. — Weaver's Lodge. From Nightin- gale Gorse, to Dembleby, Culverthorpe, Swarby, nearly to Rauceby, and killed in the Garden at Wils- ford, in 45 minutes. At half-past 3 found a second fox in Hog-Tree Wood, and ran by Ingoldsby, Lenton, and Bulby Hall, to Kirkby Wood, wdiere the hounds MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. 71 divided, part were stopped in Bourn Wood, part in Dunsby. No one was with the hounds the whole way ; three only got a fair start, but the hounds ran them out of sight in the first mile and a half. January 20th. — Byard's Leap. From Cranwell to Leadenham, and to ground at Fulbeck. January 2Srd. — Croxton Park. From Coston Covert, by Sewstern, Gunby, Witham, skirting Witham Wood, by Colsterworth, through Easton Park, to ground in the Quarry at North Koad, 1 hour and 20 minutes ; and with a second fox, from School Plats, by Stoke Pasture, Stroxton to Spittlegate Bar, thence by Har- laxton Inn, nearly to Barrowby, where he was viewed, and they ran into him between Barrowby and Grantham, in 1 hour and 15 minutes. All the horses were dead beat, and but four people at the finish. It was a very rainy day. February lUh, — Caythorpe. From Keeve's Gorse by Fulbeck and Welbourn, up the hill at Navenbj^ but, sinking it again, went under Coleby, by Harm- stead Gorse, to Waddington, nearly to Nocton Pillar, where the fox was viewed ; he turned to the right, and repassing Navenby and Welbourn, went into a drain in a pond, from which he was taken and given to the hounds, after an excellent run of Sj- hours over a very difficult country. March 6th. — Tipping's Gorse, to Saltby, Sproxton, Stonesby, Waltham Pasture, to Scalford, where the fox beat us. He was not found till a quarter past four. 1 hour and 24 minutes. 72 MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. March 7th. — From Newton Wood, by Dembleby, Haydor, Weaver's Lodge, Welby Hazels, to Ancaster Gorse, where he was killed. SEASON, 1837—1838. The hounds were stopped hiintmg by frost 48 days, from January 5th to February 26th, and they killed 102 foxes. They had good runs — November 25th, 27th, Decem- ber 2nd, 6th, 8th, 13th, 19th, 22nd, January 3rd, March 3rd, 5th, 9th, 13th, 21st. Ended hunting April 21st, at Easton. This was a season of good sport, the foxes ran stout, and the points were good. November 25th. — Croxton Park. From Coston Covert, by the village, to Buckminster Park, and Sproxton, thence fast to Saltby Heath, and turning by Swallow Hole was lost at Herrings' Gorse. November 27th. — Croxton Park. From Goadby Gorse, along the Harby Hills and Eastwell Pasture, by Eaton and Branston, to Eaton, Knipton Keservoir, and Belvoir Castle, in 45 minutes, here were two foxes, and the hounds ran one, by Denton Reservoir, to ground at Harlaxton Inn. December 6th. — Newton Toll-Bar. From Falkinsf- ham Gorse, b}^ Sempringham, to Pointon, by Lawton, to Lenton Pasture, by Walcot, to Piekworth, Sapper- ton, to the left of Lenton (58 minutes). The fox was headed at the brook, and ran at decreased -psLce by Osgodby, to Irnham Park, Norwoods, left Grimsthorpe MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. 78 Castle on the right, hy Edenham, to Bourn town, where he turned into the Kides, ran through the wood, and we went away at the top end close to our fox, but the hounds checked and turned back into the wood. Several foxes being on foot, we w^ere beat after a most splendid day's sport. December ISth, — Croxton Park. A very good run of 1 hour and 50 minutes, from Stonesby Gorse, by Waltham Pasture, Freeby, Saxby, Garthorpe, leaving Coston to the left, by Buckminster Park to Stainby, by Gunby, pointing for Witham, but turning to the left crossed the North Eoad near Colsterworth, and the fox was pulled down in a field near Easton Pasture. December 19i/^.— Gipple. From Haydor Wood, by Dembleby, the Nightingale Gorse, Newton, Walcot, Falkingham, leaving Billingboro' and Sempringham on the left, killed close to Pointon ; 1 hour and 20 minutes. January Srd. — Kopsley. From Sapperton Wood? by Dembleby and Patman's Wood, and killed ; 50 minutes. Found again near Welby Hazels, and ran by Kelby and North Kauceby, nearly to Cranwell, checked here, but our fox jumping up in some turnips, they ran him by Sleaford Carr, and crossing the Sleaford Road, ran into him, in 1 hour and 25 minutes. March ^rd. — Croxton Park. From Holwell Mouth, a ring by Wartnaby and back, and then by Wartnaby, Kettleby, Saxilby, Welby Ponds, nearly to Goodricke's Gorse, where the fox was turned by a sheep dog and ran into, after a good hour and 5 minutes. March 6th. — Croxton Park. From Newman's Gorse, with an evening found fox, fast by Garthorpe 74 MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. Moor to Sproxton Thorns, by Stonesby and Waltham Eectory, nearly to Goaclby, entered Croxton Park, and ran thence to Eaton and Eastwell, and the hounds were stopped at Stathern Point, after a hard run of 1 hour and 12 mmutes. March dth. — Cranwell. From Dunsby Gorse, by Cranwell to Sleaford, round Sleaford Firs, pointing for Evedon, but turned by Leasingham Gorse, and the fox was pulled down at Cranwell, after a severe run of an hour. March I9th. — A good run from Melton Spinney. March SOth. — From Aswarby Thorns, by Screding- ton, Spanby, into the Fens, from which he emerged between Dowsby and Eippingale, and was killed. March Slst. — From Burton Sleigh Wood, and killed at Buckminster ; a good hour and 55 minutes. SEASON, 1838—1839. The hounds killed 95 foxes up to April 12th. Were stopped by frost about 28 days, viz., November 27th, December 20th to 31st, January 6th to 11th, 18th, February 19th, 21st, March 5th to 16th. They had good runs — November 22nd and 23rd, December 8th, January 12th, 14th, 16th, February 7th. 12th, 16th, 18th, 20th, March 4th, 18th, 28th. This season showed but moderate sport. The foxes ran rings, and few straight runs occurred. November 22nd. — From Melton Spinney, Old Hills^ to Saxilby, to Dalby, in 50 minutes, by Old Dalby, and lost near Munday's Gorse. MEMOIRS OF THE P^ELVOIR HOUNDS. 7^1 November 237T?. — A good 26 minutes, from Sapper- ton Wood, and lost at Scott Willougliby. A second fox gave a good hour and 55 minutes, from Dembleby Thorns, by Lenton, Osgodby, Bitchfield Wood, to Stoke Park AVood, where were two scents, and the hounds were stopped. December 8th, — From Irnham Park Wood, an excellent run of nearly two hours, round by Elsthorpe Spring into Bourn Wood. January iUh. — From Hose Gorse up to Stathern Point, thence over the Vale to Cropwell, where the fox was lost. January 2Srd. — From Goadby Gorse to Sproxton Thorns, and to Denton Gorse, and with a second fox, from Swallow Hole to Woolsthorpe Cliff. January 25th. — A good hour and 25 minutes, from Ingoldsby Wood, to Irnham Park, and killed at Oseby. February 12th. — Two good bursts, one from the Nightingale Gorse, to Tallyho Gorse, in 15 minutes, and second, from Aswarby Thorns, b}'- Willoughby, and nearly to Kauceby, and thence to Culverthorpe, in 45 minutes. February ISth. — From Coston Covert, to Gunby Warren, by Colsterworth, and back to the Warren, in 45 minutes. Second fox from Newman's Gorse to Barkston Wood. February 26th. — From Boothby Little Wood, by Lenton Pasture and Folkingham Gorse, and ended near Dunsb3^ March 4.th. — From Melton Spinney, an excellent hour, killing at Piper Hole, running by Melton to Goodricke's Gorse, Clawson Town. 76 MEMOIKS OF THE BELVOIK HOUNDS. March ISth. — From Coston Gorse, b)^ Sproxton Thorns, over the Heath, by Buckminster, and killed at Wymondham, in 57 minutes. March 2Sth, — From Holwell Mouth, a good run over the Broughton side of the Vale, to ground in one hour 10 minutes; and secondly, 45 minutes from Piper Hole, killing in Goadby Park. April 12th. — The close of the season. SEASON, 1839—1840. The Hounds hunted to April 22nd, and killed 1S7 foxes. The Hounds were repeatedly stopped when running hard, in the Croxton Park country, from fear of trespassing on Lord Harborough's property. Stopped by frost, December 30th, 6th to 14th of Januar}^, February 19th to 29th. A good days sport, January 4th, also on 15th, IGth, 17th, followed hj a week of very stormy weather. Good sport February 8th, 11th, 12th, 14th, 17th. After March 12th, the ground continued hard and dry to the end of the month. Previously to the frost, the sport, in the Wilsford country esi)ecially, had been unusually good ; after this, the ground and state of the weather was such that hunting was almost out of the question. Foxes were abundant throughout the countr}^, and especiall}^ on the Lincolnshire side. January ^rd. — Haverholme. With a second fox a severe run of G5 minutes, from Cranwell Gorse, by Dunsby Gorse, nearty to Haverholme, and killed in the Park. MEMOIRS OF tTHE BELVOIR HOUNDS. 77 January 2Sth. — Weaver's Lo.dge. A brilliant 25 minutes, to ground from Sapperton Wood. January olst. — Newton Toll Bar. Found in Folk- ingham Gorse, and ran by Tlireckingliam, and straight to and through Aswardby Thorns, and Willoughby Gorse, up to Sleaford Town, in 48 minutes, (9 miles straight,) thence to Kirkby Laythorpe, and on leaving Burton Pedwardine to the right, by Helpringham to the left of Little and Great Hale, and killed on the edge of the Fen, after a capital run of one hour and 39 minutes, only four horses got to the end. February Qth. — Bloxholme. After a quick gallop in the morning, found in Dunsby Gorse, and ran fast by Bloxholme, and Ashby, nearly to Digby, thence by Dorrington and Ruskington, to Evedon Wood and Evedon, into Haverholme Park, and changed foxes, away, pointing for Sleaford, but turned to the left by Ivirkby Laythorpe, to Scredington, where all the field were beat off, except the huntsman, Lords Forester, and Maidstone, the latter of whom, like many others had stopped his horse at Haverholme, but being at home got on a fresh one, from Scredington the hounds ran on to Helpringham, (before reaching which the hunts- man was beaten,) left it to the left, and Swaton to the right, and out the edge of the Fen, where Lords Forester and Maidstone stopped the hounds at dusk from fear of losing them and leaving them out all night. The fox was only one field before the hounds at the time, quite beaten. February 18i/t.— Stubton, From Gonerby Moor, by Foston Toll Bar^ left Hougham and Marston to the 78 MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. right, Dry Doddington to tlie left, up to Claypole in 40 ninutes, checked and lost at Balderton. April Srd. — Byard's Leap. From Cranwell Gorse, by Eauceby Plantation, Wilsford Cover and Warren, to Haydor, and on by the Southards to Newton Wood, and killed ; a good run of 2i hours ; 10 miles from point to point. SEASON, 1810—1841. The Hounds hunted to April 21st, and killed 111 foxes, in the course of a very indifferent season, during nine weeks of which hunting was stopped by frost. Heavy rains the beginning of March. Good sport on November 23rd, 25th, December 9th and 12th. Hunting was stopped by frost, from November 26th, to 29th, again from December 13th, to January 17th, January 20th, 21st and 25tli, and again from January 3 1st, to February 11th. Good sport on January 29th, February 16th, 17th, 19th, March 19th and 24th, and April 2nd (when the Hounds hunted at 7 a.m. before Croxton Eaces,) and 8th. December StJi. — Boothby. Found in Hogtree Wood, cai«e away from Humby Wood, towards Boothby, but turned to the right, left Somerby, Eopsley Eice, Abney Wood Southings, and Dembleby Thorns to the right, and Culverthorpe to the left, up to this point it was a most beautiful run, but the scent declining, owing to 2 scents, the hounds hunted on by Silk Willoughby, and they lost near Quarrington ; a 12 mile point. MEMOIRS OF ^HE BELVOIR HOUNDS. 70 February 12th. — Belvoir. From Saltbeck's, by Muston and Bottesford, Normanton Little Thorns, Staunton and Bennington, and stopped the Hounds at dark, running hard for Gotham. February 20th. — Lenton Village. Found a second fox in Sapperton Great Wood, skirted Newton Woods, and raced by Walcot, straight up to Lenton Pasture, left Keisby Wood to the right, through Aslackby Wood, skirted Kirkby Underwood, away for Elsthorpe Spring, where the fox was headed and turned to Dunsby Wood ; up to this point, one hour 2 minutes very fast. Li Dunsby Wood many foxes, and little was done after. February 2ith. — Syston Park. After a quick ring of 20 minutes with blood, found in Gonerby Moor, ran between Allington and Foston, left Long Bennington to the right, and on nearly to Gotham, turned back and lost at Bennington, after a brilliant gallop of 85 minutes. February 2Q>th. — W^eaver's Lodge. Found in Falk- ingham Gorse, and ran by Threekingham, Spanby, and Scredington, nearly to Fleckington, in 20 minutes^ turned by Helpringham and Swaton to Borthorpe, then left Billingboro' to the left, and Sempringham to the right, and killed in Pointon Fen, after a capital run of 1 hour and 40 minutes. March 10th. — Denton. From Harlaxton Wood, by Gasthorpe Plill, Barrowby Thorns, Gonerby Moor, and Jericho, to ground at Belton, found again at Har- laxton Wood, and had a very good run of an hour by Barrowby, Woolsthorpe Cliff, Winmer Hill, to ground in Hallam's Wood ; a hard da3^ 80 MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. April 10th. — Lenton Village. From Aslackby Wood, a hard day of continuous running for 5 hours, ending in Cabbage Hill Wood. SEASON, 1841—1842. The hunting was stopped by frost November 15th to 20th, December 18th to 2Pn\\, 26th, January 4th to February Ist^ after whicli the snow drifts were almost impassable till February 8th. Good sport on November 28rd, 29th, December 1st, 3rd, 6th, 8th, 10th, 11th, 27th, 28th, 31st. February 8th, 11th, 26th, March 11th and 2'3rd, and on April 1st, at 7.30, a.m., before Croxton Eaces. November SOth, — Newton Toll Bar. Found in Aunsby Gorse, ran through the corner of Dembleby Thorns, whence the hounds came away within 100 yards of the fox, and ran him at extreme pace past the Southards, AVeavcr's Lodge, and Eopslcy, into Hogtree Wood, without a turn, many horses being already brought to a stand still, the fox then came back by Eopsley and Sapperton, left Sapperton Woods to the right, through llaceby Wood, by Newton Toll Bar and Scott Willoughby, and the hounds ran int© him between that place and Aswardby, after a capital run of 1 hour and 35 minutes. December litli.- — Stubton.. From Eeeves Gorse, went between Fulbeck and Caythorpe, left Sparrow Gorse to the right, past Sudbrook and Willoughby, and on, leaving Ancaster Gorse to the left, by the Bone Hills, over Kelby Field, by Haydor, into the Southings, MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. 81 They had now run 10 miles straight without a check, in an hour and 10 minutes ; but here there were 2 foxes, they ran into Dembleby Thorns, and straight away, but evidently on a fresh fox, by Aunsby Gorse, and Aunsby, and pointed for Newton Wood, when the hounds were stopped after a capital run of 1 hour and a half. Fehniary 2ord. — A capital run from Aswarby Thorns to Caythorpe. March 1st. — Weaver's Lodge. Found a second fox in Haydor Wood; ran through the Southings, Dembleby Thorns, and Aunsby Gorse; left Aunsby and Aswarby Gorse to the right, through Aswarby Thorns, and killed beyond Burton Gorse, in 1 hour 10 minutes. Friday 4.th. — A very hard day. The first fox from Wilsford Carr, killed in 25 minutes, and then 1 hour and 20 minutes from Bonehill Gorse. March 12th. — Goadby. From Melton Spinney, by Wykeham, Goadby Park, and Eastwell, down the hill by Stathern, into Barkston Wood, and stopped the hounds. Found again in Clawson Thorns, and killed in Goadby Park, after a good run of 35 minutes. March 22nd. — Weaver's Lodge. Found a second fox in Haydor Wood, and ran him very hard to Abney Wood and Eopsley Kice, left Boothby Little Wood to the right, and checked at Bitchfield Wood, ran on to Camp House, where he turned back on his line and was eventually lost. March 2ith. — Stoke. Found in Stoke Park Wood, came away by Great Ponton, across Stoke Park, nearly to Skillington, turned through Colsterworth Pasture 82 MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. to Easton Wood, passed between Burton Goggles and the Laimd Woods, by Camp House, to Irnham Old Park, Ingoldsby Wood, and straight on by Boothby to Hogtree ; and Humby, and Eopsley Hurn, up to this point it was a beautiful run, but the fox here turned back, and the hounds, hunted him back, and lost him near Corby. Goosey, having hunted the Belvoir Hounds 25 years, retired and went to Cottesmore as kennel huntsman to Sir R. Sutton. W. Goodall, who had previously been second whip, succeeded him ; having begun as second whip to Mr. Drake. * The Hounds were stopped by snow November 22nd. By frost January -Srd, 11th to 13th, 15th, to 17th, February 3rd to 7th, 14th to 20th. Good sport, December 2nd, 3rd, 6th, January 4th, 7th, February 10th, 13th, 25th, March 1st, 8th, 15tb, 20th, April 10th. SEASON, 1842—1813. GOODALL, HUNTSMAN. Wednesday SOth. — Colston Bassett. Found in Key Wood, and ran by Clawson and Clawson Thorns, nearly to Holwell Mouth; bore to the left, over Landyke Lane End, and killed between that place and Scalford, after a capital run of 54 minutes. The hounds were almost immediately holloaed to another fox, and ran him fast nearly to Goadby , down Harby Hill to Harb}^ and killed him close to Stathern, after an excellent run of 1 hour 5 minutes. MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. 83 December i2th. — Bloxholme. Found in Dunsby Gorse, had a beautiful run of 58 minutes over the Heath, and killed at Wellingore. December IQth. — Weaver's Lodge. Found a second fox in Newfoundland Gorse; left Wilsford and Wilsford Carrs to the right, and away across the middle of the large fields, leaving Kauceby Plantation and Byard's Leap just to the right, to Leadenham Plantation in 48 minutes ; went down to Leadenham, where the fox was headed back to the hill top, and went away by Fulbeck Heath Gorse ; he sunk the hill again between Lead- enham and Welbourn, and the hounds streamed over the magnificent country below, leaving Brant Brougli- ton to the left, till they ran from scent to view, and coursing their fox three large fields, killed him at the end of 1 hour and 45 minutes, thus concluding a superb day's sport. The first fox had come to hand after a good ring of 1 hour and 25 minutes. Tuesday 27th. — Stubton. From Barkston Gorse, by Black's Plantation, Welby Hazels, Abney Wood, Kopsley Kice, by Somerby, as for Boothby Great Wood; ran to Ingoldsby Wood, and into Osgodby Coppice, and stopped the hounds with difiiculty at dark, after a most excellent run of 12 miles, from point to point, the latter part from Ropsley Rice having been a complete race. January 21st. — A good run from Boothby Wood to Bourn Wood. January 2Sth.~Stoke Rochford. From Stoke Park Wood, by Boothby Wood and Bassingthorpe to Burton Sleigh Wood, whence the hounds came away best pace for Easton Pasture, when two fresh foxes g2 84 MEMOIBS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. which were at play outside the Wood, were seen to the surprise of the whole field to charge the hounds ; one of them turned away when close to the pack, the other which the hounds followed, went straight through them into Burton Sleigh Wood, and eventually beat them at Swayfield. February Sth. — Little Ponton. Sir E. Sutton's hounds joined company in Burton Sleigh Wood, and the two packs drew Burton Long Wood, and ran for 2 hours 40 minutes in the woods, till dark, keeping well together though often changing foxes. March Ath. — A good run from Boothby Great Wood, to Burton Sleigh Wood, by Osgodby and Irn- ham, to Norwoods ; thence by Bulby Hall Wood, Els- thorpe Springs, and Fox Wood, to the corner of Bourn Wood, where the fox was viewed, beaten, close before the hounds, but the body of the pack were holloaed to a fresh fox, and ran to Dunsby Wood, and were there stopped. SEASON, 1843—1844. This was an extraordinary season for sport. There were good runs on November 25th, 29th, December 1st, 4th, on the 5th and 6th the Queen and Prince Albert honored the hunt, and the Prince rode remark- ably well, in a fair run in the Croxton countr}^ being piloted by Lord Wilton; also on December 8th, 9th, 12th, 13th, 15th, 20th, 29th, January 1st, 6th, 12th, February 17th, 20th, 28th, March 1st, 14th, 23rd, 26th, April 6th. They were stopped by frost January MEMOIRS OP THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. 85 3rd, 15tli, 16th, 22nd, 23rd, February 1st to IGth, 21st to 23rd ; total 22 days. Foxes killed, 100. April 10th the last day. Novemher 26th. — From Clawson Thorns, by Nether Broughton and Willoughby Gorse, and killed at Wysall Village, without a turn, in 55 minutes. The only people with the hounds in this fine run, were Lords Wilton, Forester, Archibald Seymour, and Mr. Gilmour, a 9 mile point. December IsL — From Falkingham Gorse, by Laugh- ton and Aslackby into the Fen, and killed by the Forty Foot Drain, in 1 hour and 5 minutes. December 6th. — Croxton Park. The Queen and Prince Albert came from Belvoir. There was a good run from Newman's Gorse to Stapleford, and the hounds were stopped at Saxby. Prince Albert rode the run. December Qth. — At Harlaxton. The Queen came out in an open carriage. The run was to Belton. December 9th — From Coston Covert, by Crown Point, up to the North Ptoad, by the Bull Inn, through Mill Wood, and Adderburn Head, and killed in the open three fields beyond. December 20th. — From Hose, up to Stathern Point, then by Harby, over Hickling Standard, and killed one field from Parson's Gorse ; 2 hours. December 29th. — From Falkingham Gorse, to In- goldsby Wood, and on to the Drain at Boothby Hall. Bolted and killed. January Qth. — From Sproxton Thorns, by Buck- minster, Stainby, Sewstern, and North Witham, into 86 MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. Witham Wood, in 44 minutes, by Burton Long Wood to Burton Sleigh Wood. February 28th. — From Scalford Plantation, by Holwell and Wartnaby, to ground at Goodricke's Gorse. March 1st. — After two gallops, a quick run from Eauceby Plantation, to Newton Wood, in 50 minutes. March 2^rd. — From Bloxliolm Gorse to Kusking- ton and Cranwell, and killed above Leadenham. March 26th. — From Piper Hole, a fine run of 1 hour and 50 minutes by Clawson Thorns to Hickling Standard, where the fox was headed going for Kinoul- ton Gorse; he turned back by Hose and Piper Hole, by Scalford Bog, Wykeham, and was killed at Waltham Pasture. A2yril Qth. — From Croxton Banks to Stonesby, Freeby Wood, and Melton Spinney. SEASON, 1844—1845. Note. — This season was one of the worst possible for sport ; excepting 3 weeks in January, there was no hunting weather after the beginning of December, and during the short time it was hunting weather, there were few good scenting days. The hounds hunted to April 19th, and killed 84 foxes. The good runs were November 20th, 22nd, December 19th, January 7th, 14th, 18th, 28th. They were stopped by frost 71 days, viz., December 4th to 18th, 19th to 30th, January 28th to February 4th, 6th to 26th, 28th, March 1st to 10th, 11th to 22nd. MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. 87 November 20th, — From Melton Spinnej^; a good hour; half the pack killed their fox at Bescaby, the other half having changed fox at Sproxton. December IQtJi. — Erom Coston Gorse, by Sproxton, and killed between Stoke Pasture and Kungerton; 45 minutes. January lith. — The only good run. From Sapper- ton Wood, by Hogtree, Humby, Boothby Little Wood, Osgodby Coppice, through Irnham Old Park, up to the Corby Road, where he was killed; 1 hour and 5 minutes. January ISth. — From Belton Gorse to Byard's Leap. SEASON, 1845—1846. There was not a single frost to stop hunting, but the season's sport was very bad, ending April 6th. The cubhunting was good, 25 brace being killed before November 1st ; the spring was very dry. Good runs on November 19th, 24th, December 1st, 3rd, 10th, 17th, 25th, 27th, January 5th, 26th, February 2nd, (a first rate day,) 17th, March 7th and 9th, ended April 16th. November 19th. — From Sproxton Thorns, by Waltham and Wykeham, and Goadby Park, down to Hose, Hickling, and up to Key Wood, by Colston Basset, where they killed, a 12 mile point. November 24.th. — From Coston Covert to Stapleford Park, the hounds were taken round, and hit off the fox at the Burton Lazar's Cover, and ran by Whissendine, nearly to Ranksboro', crossed the canal at Burley Bushes, and were beat at Burley Wood. 88 MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. December 1st. — From Herring's Gorse, through Stoke Park Wood to Burton High AVood, Bassing- thorpe and Haslow Wood, where he turned to Great Ponton, and was killed by the Whalebones above Little Ponton; 2 hours and 10 minutes. December 10th. — Found our old friend " The Black Fox " at Clawson Thorns, ran by Kettleby and Wart- naby to Goodricke's Gorse, where he was headed by some boys, he turned by Melton Lodge, and was killed at Holwell Village; 1 hour and 10 minutes. December Idth. — From Sproxton Thorns, by Stonesby Spinney, Caldwell to Goadby ; turning short of Piper Hole he came back by Scalford Bog to Newman's Gorse, (running for him all the way,) thence up to Sproxton Thorns, through it, and they killed at Stonesby, in 1 hour and 20 minutes. Very few with the hounds, and much distress. January 6th. — The only hard frost. Hunted at 1. Found at Holwell Mouth, and stopped the hounds at Gaddesby, after an excellent run. February 2nd. — Found at Freeby Wood, ran to Melton Spinney, back by Freeby, to Stapleford Park, and by Wymondham to Woodwell Head ; here most of the horses were dead beat. They went away from Woodwell Head, by Teigh and Edmonthorpe, through Coston Gorse, and up to Woodwell Head again, where, no one having been with the hounds for 3 miles. Lord Forester assisted by Mr. John Woods, stopped them at Half-past 5. Horses were left out in all parts. MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. 89 SEASON, 1846—1847. Kobinson and Shepherd Whippers-in. Not a bad season's sport. Several good runs. The best were on November 18th, 27th, 28th, Decem- ber 8th, 9th, 32nd, January 7th, 11th, 25th, 27th, 30th, February 17th, 22nd, 26th, March 6th, 13th, 21st, April 1st. Ended April 15th, and stopped by frost 50 days, viz., November 28tli to December 8th, 10th to 21st, 24th to 29th, January 11th to 25th, February 1st to 6th, 7th to 15th. March 24th, did not hunt, it being the fast day for the Famine in Ireland. This season and four following seasons are written in Goodall's journals. November 18th, — From Coston Gorse, and killed at Bescaby. November 28th. — An extraordinary run, and stout fox from Boothby Wood, who took the hounds a line, first by Bassingthorpe and Bitchfield, and through Ingoldsby Wood, leaving Lenton on the left, to Keisby Wood, thence to Falkingham Lodge ; here they checked, after a wonderful 50 minutes. They hit him off up the road, and ran by Aslackby Wood, up the rides of Kirkby Wood, by Elsthorpe Spring, into Bourn Wood, in 1 hour and a half; here they pressed him sore, and he left the Wood, and we again checked at Eden- ham, but though we heard of him again dead beat, and hunted into Grimsthorpe Park, we were forced to give him up. 90 MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. January 26th. — From Sproxton Thorns, by Bescaby to Croxton Banks, by Denton Park; crossed the Canal near Grantham, and lost him at Barrowby. January 27th. — From Melton Spinney, by Brent- ingby to Sproxton Thorns, and on to ground at Lawn Hollow. January ^Oth. — From Hogtree Wood to Abney Wood and Welby Hazels, and to ground between Honington and Carlton ; a capital 45 minutes. February 22nd. — A severe run from Melton Spinnej^ of 2 hours, all over the country; ran to a drain near the Spinney, bolted and ran another hour and killed at Stonesby. Maixh Qth. — From Newman's Gorse, by Buck- minster to Saxby, where Sir E. Sutton's hounds joined them, and they ran together by Freeby, and pulled him down at Thorpe Arnold. SEASON, 1847—1848. Morgan and Shepherd Whippers-in. The hounds hunted 124 days, from August 21st to Aj)ril 28th, and killed 82 foxes, 31 of them during cub- hunting. Stopped by frost January 20th to 31st — 12 days. This season was but an average one for sport. The foxes ran rings. Season ended April 10th. This season Mr. Greaves succeeded Sir Kichard Sutton, who went to Quorn, in the Cottesmore country. He hunted the Cottesmore country for 5 seasons, and MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. 91 was succeeded by Mr. Burroughs, who after 2 seasons was succeeded by Sir John Trollope. Up to November I6th the hounds had had good sport. Novemher 26th. — From Stonesby Gorse, and ran to ground at Harston. December 20th. — A tremendous day, from Herring's Gorse to Dalby Wood, sto]3ping all the horses. December 27th. — An excellent 50 minutes, from Sproxton Thorns, by Sewstern and Stainby, to ground near Morkery Wood, and then a capital ring of 40 minutes, from Stonesby Gorse to Croxton Park. The fox saved his life by creeping on to the Ivy on the top of the wall and lying there, when the hounds passed, he was seen to descend by three labourers working near. January 16th. — From Hose Gorse, a tremendous hard day, all over the Broughton country, ending with a ring all over the Harby Hills. All the horses were stopped but Goodall's. February Ibth.—From Folkingham Gorse, by Helpringham, and lost by the Forty Foot Drain ; a good run and 10 mile point. March ^rcl. — From Folkingham Gorse, by Aslackby and Bulby, and ran to ground under the gate at Grimsthorpe Oaks. March Sth. — From Lawn Hollow, by Croxton, Humberstone's Gorse, Stoke Pasture, to Coston Old Gorse, towards Woodwell Head, (the fox being in the same field with the hounds,) but a check saved him, and we ran back into Buckminster Village and lost. Horses all beat. 92 MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. March I6th. — From Granby Gap, by Wiverton to Key Wood, round to Harby, and killed at Stathern. March Idth. — From Dunsby Gorse, and killed at the Green Man ; a fine 40 minutes. SEASON, 1848—1849. The hounds hunted from August 16th to April 16th, 134 days, and killed 84 foxes, 37 of them cubhunting. The Cottesmore hounds killed 58 foxes. November was very stormy. All the country from Barrowby to Stubton was short of foxes. Frost stopped hunting December 21st to 25th, January 2nd to 8th. High wind January 23rd and 24th. Good runs — November 18th, December 11th, 13th, 16th, 27th, January 20th, 22nd, 26th, 31st, February 6th, 13th, March 5th, 22nd, April 5th, 7th, 11th, 14th. On April 13th a fall of snow, which lasted 14 hours. Monday, November 27th. — From Melton Spinney to Freeb}^, pointing for Stapleford, but turned by Newman's Gorse, and ran by Bescaby to Croxton Village and killed, after a good hour and 10 minutes. December SOth. — After a good morning's sport, found at 3.20 at Piper Hole, ran to Goadby, thence to Old Hills, and leaving Holwell and Kettleby on the right, ran to Cant's Thorns, and running on by Shoby Scoles, stopped the hounds at dark at Hoby. January 29i/i. — Found a second fox in Melton Spinney, ran by Thorpe, Freeby, Garthorpe, nearly to Wymondham, andturnedto Stapleford Park; the hounds MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. 98 were cast round it and hit their fox, and ran by Melton to Goodricke's Gorse, and came back t© Sysonby ; here the hounds might and ought to have been stopped, but were suffered to go on expecting every minute to catch the fox ; they recrossed the Nottingliam Koad, when it became too dark to ride to them. The hunts- man and whippers-in got hacks at Melton, and hearing the cry, stopped them eventually at 9.15. at night. At Brentingby. March 8th. — A snowy morning. Going to draw Coston Covert, a fox was viewed three fields from the Covert; the hounds were put on, and running by Wymondham, and leaving Woodwell Head on the right, ran by Thistleton, and crossed the North Road at Mill Wood, skirted Tortoiseshell and Beaumont Woods, by Swayfield and Cabbage Hill Woods, and killed between that and Grimsthorpe, after a capital run of 1 hour and 40 minutes. March I2th. — A second fox from Swallow Hole, took a line by Saltby, Lord's Gorse and Wyville, crossed the North Road at Great Ponton, ran to Boothby Great Wood, Stoke and Burton Long, Witham, and Beaumont Woods, and was lost between that and Tortoiseshell Wood. March \6th. — From Hose Gorse, by Long Clawson, Holwell Mouth, Kettleby, and Wartnaby, to Welby and lost there. Found in Clav/son Thorns, and ran by Scalford up to Waltham Rectory, Stonesby Spinney, and to ground at Bescaby. March 20th. — Found a second fox in Hogtree Wood, and ran through Humby, Little Boothby, and Ingoldsby 94 MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. Woods, to Irnham Park and Norwoods, and stopped the hounds at 6 o'clock, below Grimsthorpe Castle. SEASON, 1849—1850. Morgan and Shepherd, Whippers-in. The hounds hunted 119 days, from August 23rd to April loth, and killed 80 foxes, 34 of them in cub- hunting. The season was a satisfactory one for sport. The hounds were stopped by frost November 28th, December 27th to January 3rd, January 5th to 26th, 27th ; total 28 days. On the 21st January, whilst at exercise in the snow, we saw 3 foxes, and all the hounds, 58 couples, were set on, and they killed one. The ground was very hard all November. Good sport in February, on 5th, 9th, 15th, 16th, 20th, 23rd, 26th. On the 19th, drew all the country blank from Gonerby Moor to Welby Hazels, finding at last in the Nightingale Gorse. A deal of rain during the season. February 6th to 13th very stormy. The Cottesmore killed 47 foxes this season. November 27th. — Falkingham Gorse, went away to Aslackby, and between Keisby and Aslackby Wood, Bulby Hall to the right, and to Norwoods in 43 minutes; ran through it and Grimsthorpe Oaks, and ran to ground in Crooke Hills, in an hour and 10 minutes ; a 12 Mile point. MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. 95 January 2dth. — From Humby Wood, a hard day in the Woodlands, finally running to ground at Witham Common. January oOth. — Found in Holwell Mouth, ran by Long Clawson, pointing for Hickling, turned to Hose, and thence to Kinoulton, between which place and Owthorpe, they joined in with Sir E. Sutton's hounds; they ran in company to Cotgrave Gorse, thence to Wynnstay Gorse, and back to Cotgrave, and killed their fox. February 27th. — Found at Staunton ; by Long Bennington, Shelton, to Cottam Thorns, thence straight to the river Trent at Farndon ; here the hounds crossed the Newark branch of the Trent, and came to a long check. The huntsman at last got to them, and carried them over Muskham Bridge ; they regained the scent, but the fox was too far ahead to be regained, and they gave up at Worney Wood, in the Kufford country ; an 11 mile point. This was the first time the Belvoir hounds ever crossed the Trent. April 6^/i.— From Holwell Mouth, by Wartnaby, Grimstone, and Saxilby, Shoby Scoles, to Hobj^, in 30 minutes ; here the fox was headed, and crossed the River and Canal between Frisby and Brooksby, and going straight up the hill was again headed ; he turned by Kirby, recrossed the River and went into Welby Osier-bed a field before the hounds, and his life was saved by the hounds being halloaed to a fresh fox. 96 MEMOIKS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. SEASON, 1850—1851. The hounds hunted from August 22nd to April 18th, 138 days, and killed 113 foxes, 35 of them in cub- hunting. Stopped by frost only 8 days, viz., November 30th, December 19th to 22nd, 23rd, 25th, and snow. Good sport the beginning of the season, though the ground was dry. Good runs November 18th, 20th, 23rd, December 2nd, 4th, 6th, 13th, 28th, 30th, January 1st, 13th, 25th, February 4th, 7th, lOth, 14th, 22nd, 24th, 27th, March 6th, lOth, 13th, 24th, April 4th, 9th, also some very straight necked foxes in February. November 2Qth, — From Fenton Gorse, nearly to Norton Disney, 8 miles ; ran round by Brant Broughton Covert, nearly to Aubourn Moor, and stopped the hounds going back to Broughton; a hard day. December I2th. — From Coston Covert, by Stonesby to Waltham and Croxton Lings, thence to Goadby Park, after an excellent 50 minutes, the first 22 minutes to Stonesby Gorse being most brilliant. December I6th. — From Sproxton Thorns, by Crown Point, Gunby Gorse, up to Witham Wood, in 45 minutes, back to Thistleton and again to Witham Wood. December iSth. — From Stonesby Gorse, by Waltham to Goadby Eastwell, Eaton, over the Park to Croxton Banks, through Hallam's Wood, and killed in one hour and 2 minutes, a brilliant run. January Srd. — From Kirkby Underwood, by Aslack- by, and Keisby, and Laughton, nearl}^ to Falkingham, turned through Pickworth Wood, to Newton Toll Bar, to Dembleby Thorns, where the fox was killed, in one hour and 35 minutes. MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. 07 Wednesday 16th. — Found in Melton Spinney, crossed the Grantham Koad beyond Thorpe Pasture, went between Stonesby Gorse and Stonesby, and over Croxton Park to the grove of large Trees on the Belvoir side of the Park ; here the hounds stopped and bayed at the foot of a large oak tree ; after some time, the fox was discovered 50 or GO feet up in the tree, endeavouring to conceal himself, he would not move till the whipper-in climbed the tree and poked him from behind, when he came away leisurely down the stem which grew in a slanting direction, and away he went, the hounds which had been taken to a short distance off, set off within 150 yards of him, and ran him at nose-end through Bescoby Oaks, away at the Saltbj^ corner, and bearing to the right past Stonesby, left Sproxton Thorns to the left, and went by Saxby to Stapleford Park. This was 6 miles as the crow flies, up wind, and with the fox for the last mile and a half in the same field as the hounds ; he here turned to the right, and coming out of the Park, the hounds ran him at a decreased pace to Melton Spinney, whence they went away with a fresh fox, and this gallant fellow saved his life. Great distress among the horses. Sir T. Whichcote had about the best of it. The above scene of the fox in the tree, was some years after modelled in silver, with equestrian figures of the present Duke of Kutland, Sir T. Whichcote, Mr. Litchford, Goodall, and two hounds, and presented to Lord Forester by the gentlemen of the Belvoir hunt, on his marriage. 98 MEMOlBS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. January ISth. — From Haydor Southards to Evedon Wood. January 20th. — From Clawson Tliorns, by Little Belvoir, Wartnaby Stonepits, to Grimstone Gorse and Thrussington Wold, leaving Walton Thorns and Willonghby to the right, and going towards Widmer- pool; turned to the right, and killed between the Broughtons, in 1 hour and 85 minutes. Fehruary Sth. — Found a second fox in the Eectory Covert, ran by Redmile to Musson Gorse, Sedgebrook, and Barrowby to the left, and killed half a mile from Grantham, after a most terrific burst of exactly 4 minutes ; 8 miles as the crow flies. The hounds beat the horses all the wa}', and appeared v;hen in sight, to fly every fence like a flock of pigeons. Fehruary 12th. — From Coston Covert to Croxton Park in 28 minutes, on to Belvoir Plantations in 52 minutes, and killed in 1 hour and 12 minutes. Fehruary 25th. — After a good 50 minutes and kill in the morning, found in Normanton Great Thorns, and ran by the Eectory Covert, Eedmile, across Barks- ton Wood, to Eaton and Eastwell, and lost at Goadby ; 12 miles. Fehruary 2Sth. — From Newton Gorse, hy Walcot and Laughton, Keisby W^ood and Aslackby Wood, tlirougli Kirkby Underwood, to Gunbury Wood, and lost in Bourn Wood, after a good run of 12 miles from point to point. March 20th — From Goadby Bullimores, by East- well, to Croxton Park, between Lord's and Humber- stone's Gorses, by Hungerton, and killed at Winmer Hill, in 57 minutes. MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. 99 SEASON, 1851—1852. The hounds Idlled 99 foxes. They were stopped by frost, November I7th, 29th, December 1st, February 19th to 25th, March 6th; total, 9 days. The middle of February was stormy, and very dry weather ensued to the end of the season. Good runs, November 22nd, 26th, 29th, 81st, January 16th, 21st, 23rd, 28th, 80th, February 2n(], 8rd, 7th, 9th. November Sth, — From Keisby Wood, through Aslackby Wood, to Laughton, Falkingham Gorses, and Stow Green, Swaton, Screddington, and lost near Hel- prmgham ; a 10-mile point. December ijth. — From Easton Wood, over Stoke Park, to Stoke Pasture, and Hungerton ; left Denton, Harston, and Woolsthorpe on the right, and went to ground above Musson Gorse, whence he bolted and was killed, in 1 hour 85 minutes ; a 10-mile point. December 2Qth, — From Fulbeck Heath Gorse, and killed near Beckingham. January IQth. — From lugoldsby AVood to Bourn Wood. January 2lst. — From Granby Gap, by Langar lane- end, Colston Basset, to Hoe Hill, a fast 45 minutes; lost at Cropwell Butler. January 2ord. — From Keisby Wood, by Aslackby Village and Pointon, straight to the Forty Foot Drain, and stopped the hounds; an 8-mile point. January SOth. — Found in Ingoldsby Wood, and ran to ground at Boothby, dislodged him and ran back to Ingoldsby Wood, through it, and Osgodby Copy, 100 MEMOIRS OF THE BELYOIR HOUNDS. over Irnliam Park, and by Norwoods ; left Grimstliorpe Castle to tlie right, up to Elsthorpe Springs, crossed Bourn Wood by the rides, and ran round Austy Wood, up to Laund, where the fox was headed, and they ran him to Thurlby Wood and killed him, after a very fast run of 1 hour and 50 minutes; a 12-mile point. Lord Forester adds, I never saw a finer woodland run. February Srd. — From Wilsford Carrs by Broad- water, to Aswarby Thorns by Scredington to Swaton, and lost; a 10-mile point. February ^th. — From Bescaby Oaks very fast to Sproxton, and over the heath by Stainby, to the "Bull" at Witham Common, to Mickley, and Tortoiseshell Woods ; in an hour. Here came to slow hunting, and ran to Castle Bytham. The fox was killed by a gipsy's dog. SEASON, 1852—1853. The Belvoir hounds killed 100 foxes. Tliey were stopped by frost and snow from February 10th, to March 8rd. Very much rain fell in November, and throughout the season. There was a deal of sport, and some excellent runs, and straight foxes. April 15th the last day. Good sport December i3rd, 0th, 7th, 8th, 10th, 11th, 11th, 15th, 18th, 22nd, and 24th, but over no great distance of ground. From March 15th to 24th very stormy weather, with frost and snow, but it did not quite stop hunting. The two best runs and well ended, were on Monday, 7th February, from Coston MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDR. 101 Covert ; and Asli-Wcdnesday, from Normanton Great Thorns. November 24?/^.— From the Okl Hills hy Potter's Hill, Saxilby and Shoby Scoles, to Ilagdale House, in 48 minutes, and lost at Thrussington. December 27tJi. — In a hurricane of wind the hounds had an excellent run from Hose Gorse to ground at Woolsthorpe Cliffs. January 1st, — From Irnham Old Park, hy Nor- wood to Bulby, Aslackby, Laughton, Sempringham, to the Billingborough Ptoad ; the fox turned here, and was killed by Falkingham Gorse ; 2 j hours. January ^jth. — From Sproxton Thorns to Denton, and killed in 1 hour and 20 minutes ; and from Crox- ton Lings, a most severe hour and stopped the hounds, every horse being beaten. Hounds never ran faster or more continuously, as appended in a note. January StJi, — Found in Melton Spinney. The body of the hounds remained in cover with a fox and killed him. Seven couples started with another, who was killed after a most brilliant run, at Old Dalby ; but half of the seven couples took a fresh fox on the way, divided, and ran to ground at Holwell. The pack thus accounting for three foxes at once. January lOtli. — From Ingoldsby Wood to ground in Belton Park. January 2Uh. — From Coston Covert, by Wymond- ham, and lost close to Panksborough Gorse. January 2^th. — From Ponton Park Wood, by Boothby and Somerby, to Belton Park. February itJt, — From Barrowby Thorns, by Cas- 102 MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. tborpe, between Harlaxton and Denton, by Stoke Pasture, and lost near Buckminster. February 1th. — From Coston Covert, ran half way to Woodwell Head, then by Gunb}^ Gunby Gorse, nearly to Thistleton, back by Gunby Gorse and Sewstern to Coston Covert, straight through it, and they ran like greyhounds by Wymondham and Ashwell, between Edmonthorpe and Teigh, straight to Woodwell Head, away by Crown Point, Stainby, Gunby Warren, and South Witham, crossed the North Road, and killed the fox just before he entered Mickley Wood, after a magnificent run of 2 hours and 15 minutes. Only half a dozen sportsmen got to the end, and horses were beaten all over the countrj^ February dth. — Ean a fox to ground at Staunton. On the way to drawNormanton Great Thorns a fox cross- ed the hounds, ran through that covert, and went at best pace by Allington, Foston Toll-bar, Gonerby Moor, nearly to Marston, then to Jericho, Belton Gorse, and nearly to Great Gonerby, back to Jericho, by Belton Gardens, and took a ring through Gonerb}" Moor to Jericho again, ran between Syston Park wall and Belton, and killed between Harrowby and Coldharbor, after a superb run of 3 hours and 40 minutes. Great tailing again, and very few at the end. Lord Cardigan and the Marquis of Granby stopped their horses on Harrowby Hill, the latter his favorite old roan. March dth. — From Melton Spinney by Scalford to Wykeham, over Goadby Pasture, by Eastwell to Eaton in view, on to Terrace Hills, and killed in Barkston Wood ; .a capital hour and 20 minutes, MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. 108 March 12i]i. — l^rom Costoii Covert, by Saxby and Freebj'', through Brentingby Spinney, over the Turn- pike Eoad to ground; the fox bolted of his own accord, and went past Melton Spinney, by Scalford, nearly to White Lodge, by Piper Hole, to Clawson Thorns and Holwell Mouth, Little Belvoir, Wartnaby Stonepits, down to Nether Broughton, and was killed after a most capital run of 2 hours and 50 minutes ; a 12-mile point. March 22nd. — From Hose Gorse to Old Scalford Gorse, and a second fox from Melton Spinney, by Burton Lazars to Burton Gorse, between Great Dalby Gartree Hill, to ground on the top of Burton Hill, in ■iO minutes. SEASON, 1853—1854. The liounds hunted 118 days, to April Gth, and killed 115 foxes, of which 02 were after November 1st; after a very wet summer and autumn, a succession of high winds prevailed and spoiled the first part of the season ; then followed the long and severe frost, and almost immediately after dry weather commenced, and lasted to the end of the season. It was a bad season for sport. Stopped by frost November 2-jrd, 21th, December 16th to 22nd, December 27th to January 18th. This frost was very severe. On the night of December 27th, the Thermometer stood at 24 degrees below freezing point, and on January 2nd, 1854, at 4 degrees below Zero. February 18th frost, and from February 22nd to 24th a gale blew, which dried the country for the rest of the season. 104 MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS, Good sport December 6tli and 24tli, January 21st, 24th, 28th, February 1st, 11th, March 25th and April 3rd. November 2Sth. — A wild wet morning, wind South West. Found in the Old Hills, pointed for Goodricke's Gorse, but left Kettleby and Wartnaby to the right, Saxilby to the left, Grimstone to the right, pointing for Shoby Scoles, and bore to the right, and ran up by the side of Lord Aylesford's Gorse. Up to this point half a dozen men were with the hounds, but by the time they reached the Gorse, they had got two fields ahead of every one, and turning the top corner of the Gorse were lost. The hounds ran clean out of sight — crossed the six -hills lane by themselves, and going nearly to Willoughby, came back to EUars Gorse, and Mundy's Gorse, in the corner of which the fox was seen to go to ground only a few yards before the Hounds. The time of this unparalleled run was one hour. A large field of Sportsmen were out, but the hounds ran clean away from them over the open. November SOth. — From Humberstone's Gorse, by Tipping's Gorse, Denton Park, Casthorpe, Sedgebrook, and Allington, and killed 2 fields below Bennington Grange, after a capital hour and 5 minutes ; a 9 -mile point. SEASON, 1854—1855. The hounds killed 98 foxes, up to April 18th, the last day. They were stopped by frost and snow 51 days, viz., November 26th, December 11th, 19th, 27th, 28th, 29th. January IGth the frost set in with extra- MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. 105 ordinary severity, and stopped hunting till February 28tli. The Thames and other rivers were frozen over. The hounds hunted occasionally in the snow. It was a bad season for sport, for the ground, owing to the dry Summer of 1854 was hard and the scent was bad. The drought continued till the frost set in, high winds, and stopped hunting for nearly seven weeks; after which the sport improved, till the dry weather re -commenced, which lasted with little inter- mission till the following July. Good sport January 6th, 10th, ICth, and Decem- ber 23rd. This was the winter of our Army in the Crimea, and our field was deprived of many habitues. November 2ord. — From Sproxton Thorns, by Coston, to Woodwell head, in 24 minutes. Novemher 24:th. — From ReeveB's Gorse, by Stubton and Stragglethorpe, Beckingham, Stapleford Moor, and killed in the open at Norton Disney ; a most sporting run of 1 hour 25 minutes. December 16th. — From Dunsby Gorse, a very quick 80 minutes, and then a good run from Wilsford Carrs, killing at Aswarby Thorns. March SnL — From Ilogtree Wood, by Ingoldsby, Irnham Old Park, Corby Pasture, Bitchnaves and Swinstead, and lost in Grimsthorpe Park. March 6th. — From Sproxton Thorns, over Gar- thorpe Moor, by Stonesby Spinney, nearly to Caldwell; by Goadby to Croxton Park, Hallam's AVood, Old Denton Gorse, nearly to Hungerton; byHarlaxton, to 106 MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. Grantliam Town-end, back to Harlaxton to ground; an excellent and severe run of 2 hours and 35 minutes. SEASON, 1855—1856. The summer of 1855 was very dry. Then came a deal of ram through the season, which was first-rate in quality of sport. Some very long and straight runs. The hounds hunted 118 days, and killed 110 foxes. They were stopped December 8th b}^ snow till the 14th, and from the 18th to 2Gth, January 10th to 17th, SDth to February 5th ; total, 22 days. Sir R. Sutton died in the middle of this season. The Farmers of the Bel voir Hunt presented Goodall with a cup containing oGO guineas, as a token of their regard for the able manner in which he had hunted the hounds, and his unvarying civility and cheeriness in the field. At the end of the season the Gentlemen of the Hunt presented Lord Forester with a piece of plate on his marriacje. 14th December. — Sale of Sir R. Sutton's hounds, which made £1890 ; his horses, £5000. November 2nd. — From Humby Wood, a capital hour and 5 minutes, killing at Newton in the open. A young Dryden bitch of this season, raced out of the pack and knocked the fox over, single handed. November 12tlL — From Cottam Thorns, to ground in Brant Broughton Covert, running by Bennington Fen, Balderton Hall, to Coddington Plantation, in 35 minutes ; and on by Stapleford Moor and Beckingham. MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. 107 January dth. — From Miind^^'s Gorse, 2 good runs and killed both foxes, after an hour with each. January ISth. — From Bloxholme, a fine run over the heath, to ground in a field on the left of the lane, between Belton Park and Grantham. February StJi. — From Newton "Wood, a good hunt- ing run of two and a half hours, to Broadwater and North Bauceby, back by Kelb}^ and killed at Ancaster Gorse. Every horse was reduced to a walk. The hounds hunted beautifully from Newton "Wood, hj Swarby and Quarrington, to Broadwater and Bauceby Plantation, down wind. The fox came away up wind, and the pace was first rate, back by Silk Willoughb}^ Quarrington, Dembleb}^, Culverthorpe, and Ancaster. February 26th. — From Falkingham Gorse, a wonder- ful run by Stow Green, Pointon, Millthorpe, Dowsb}-, and at Dunsby ran down into the Fen, crossed the 40 foot drain, which the hunt's people crossed by a barge, and nearly lost the fox some miles beyond ; but Mr. Hardy and Mr. John Welby getting on to a haystack, saw the hunted fox come by them, got the hounds on him, and killed him in a ditch by Pinchbeck Village ; tho run was 2 hours 85 minutes, and the distance from Belvoir above 30 miles. N.B. — This was the first time the hounds ever killed a fox over the Forty Foot Drain. February ISth. — From Sproxton Thorns to Goadby Gorse in 22 minutes ; on by Caldwell to Scalford, to Holwell Mouth, by Stathern Point, and the fox was run into by Harby Village ; 1 hour. 108 3IEM0IRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. February 2St]i. — From Sproxtou Thorns, an excellent hour and 5 minutes, and killed at Harby. March 5th. — From Melton Spinne}^ a first-class run over Leicestershire, of 3 hours and 10 minutes; the hounds were rewarded for their perseverance by killing in the lane between Tilton Village and Wood. They ran by Thorpe, over Burbidge's Farm, crossed the River at Stapleford, and leaving Wymondham to the left, ran up to Cold Overton Spinneys, came here to very cold hunting, but Goodall persevered, and at the Knossington Road the scent improved ; they then ran hard up to Owston Village, near to the Wood. The fox was headed and ran by Halstead, over Wadborough Hill, to Tilton Village, and was killed in the lane. March 2dth. — From Jericho, a good run of 1 hour and 25 minutes, with a third fox ; ran by Belton, by Mr. Ostler's house, over the Ambergate Railway, to Barrowby Thorns ; crossed the Beck for AUington, but being headed, came back by Hougham Plantation, and was killed near the Side-bar under Gonerby Hill. SEASON, 1856—1857. The hounds hunted 131 days, and killed 135 foxes. Ended April 31st. Were stopped by frost and snow from November 37th to December 6th, four days at the end of December, and from January 20th to February 6th; total, 33 days. They were also stopped hunting b}^ the lamented death of the Duke of Rutland, which took place at Belvoir, on the 30th January, 1857. MEMOIRS OF THE BELYOIR HOUNDS. 100 This season was very wet, and an excellent one for sport. Many of the runs will challenge comparison wdth those of any previous season. The wind was seldom in the East. In November the sport was bad. Becemher 10th. — After a quick 30 minutes, and kill from Clawson Thorns in the morning, a fine run of 2 J hours from Old Hills, to Stathern Point, down into the Vale, by Broughton, through the Curate, to EUar's Gorse, where they stopped the hounds. Goodall and Mr. Burbidge being alone with them. December I2th.- — From Newton Gorse, a first-rate 50 minutes and killed. December l^th. — From Stonesby Gorse, a fine straight run, by Knipton and Belvoir Kennels, to the right of Woolsthorpe Cliff, over the Canal, and across the Boad to the right of Casthorpe ; and running in view, pulled him down by the Plantation opposite Mr. Sills' house ; time, 1 hour and 40 minutes. The Melton men were all late, having stopped for a steeple chase, and followed on our tracks. December l^jth. — From Stonesby Gorse to Whissen- dine Pasture, with half the pack. The other half ran a fox through Bescaby to Swallow Hole. December IQih. — From Byard's Leap, a 35 minutes run ; and secondly from Cranwell, a capital 40 minutes, up to Temple Brewer, but changed foxes at Ashby. December 20t]i. — From Hogtree Wood, a very good run of 55 minutes, and killed in the open beyond Lenton Pasture. The pace which was good, was led by Lord Granby on his black mare. 110 MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. December 2Srd. — From Newton Gorse to Aslackby, by Pickworth, to Lenton Pasture, on to Keisby Wood and Aslackb}' Wood, where they killed after a good 2j hours run. December 2Qth. — From Aswarby Thorns to Bulby Hall ; 2 hours. January 1st. — From School Plats to Syston Park, an excellent hour. They ran over the North-road, by Salter's Ford, by Harrowby, and over Belton and Syston Parks, and lost at Minnetts' Plantation. January l'2th. — From Holwell Mouth to Owthorpe. The hounds went away quick at the bottom end of Holwell Mouth, all the field being on the terrace, except Lord Wilton, F. Fane, and Goodall, who got away with them. They ran very hard by the Brough- tons, up to the Curate Gorse, and on by Parson's Gorse to Widmerpool, where the fox was viewed; they then ran on to Owthorpe, where there was a change of scent, which saved the fox. The run lasted o hours. A very hard day. January 17th. — A real good hunting run of 8 hours, from Jericho, by Elton, on by Plungar, up to the right of Barkston, to Croxton Park, and changed foxes at Bescaby Oaks. February lltJi, — A very remarkable day, as we had three fine bursts, each ending with blood. February 22nd. — From Stonesby Gorse, ran by Newman's Gorse, Freeby Wood, to Stapleford, on to Wliissendine, where the hounds got on a stale scent and lost. MUMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. Ill March SOth. — A rattling 30 minutes on a very hot da3% from Sproxton Thorns at best pace, by Saltby Church, Herring's Gorse, along the Sewstern lane, to left of Stoke Pasture, and ran to ground just before the hounds, under Wyville. SEASON, 1857—1858. This was on the whole a bad season. Sport was pretty good in November and December, then came frost, never severe, dry winds and no scent. Foxes were scarce in the Lincoln countrj-, and on Lord Harborough's side. The season ended April 12th, and with it Lord Forester's mastership, after 27 seasons. The hounds w^ere stopped by frost 80 days, January 5th, 0th, 7th, February 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 19th to March 13 th. March 15th a total eclipse of the Sun at 1 o' Clock ; we were running a fox down the Sewstern lane. The landscape was of a deep violet colour, and the scarlet coats bluish. Good sport occurred on November 23rd, 27th, 28th, also December 4th, 5th, 19th, 23rd, January 12th. December Sth, — A quick run of 35 minutes, from n, small patch of gorse called Annis's Gorse (which the churl burnt up the next day), near Keisby Wood. The fox took a capital line by Laughton and Walcot, and was killed in the open close to Osbournby. November IGth, — From Granby Gap, by Langar and Wiverton, to ground at Colston Basset, and a 112 MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. second run from Hoe Hill, killing in the open, in 25 minutes. November 11 th. — It looked like being a blank day, having drawn all the Newton-side blank ; but at half- past three found at the Southards, ran hard by Hacebj', Pickworth, to the right of Lenton, into Boothby Little Wood, on through Aslackby Wood to the Village, by Ingoldsby, and killed in the dark at the back of Lenton Village ; time, 1 hour and a half. December lAth. — From Normanton Little Thorns, by Staunton and Bennington, under Foston, and over the Witham near Dry Doddington, and killed in the Stubton Plantation ; time, 1 hour. December 16th. — A good day's sport. 40 minutes from Ingoldsby Wood, running to ground near Keisby, and a second run from Aslackby Wood, by Laughton and Folkingham, to Newton Gorse, and thence by Dembleb}^, to Osbournby, where he was killed, after a good hour and a half. December 2Qth. — A very hard day from Boothby Wood, the hounds running continuously for 3 hours and 30 minutes, and killing at Lenton. SEASON, 1858—1859. This season the Duke of Eutland took tlie master- ship of his own hounds. The season was remarkable for the wind being always South South West, and never East. Scent was bad throughout the season, yet there were some good runs. MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. 113 The hounds were stopped by frost only on o days, 32nd, 23rd, 24th, of November. They killed 97 foxes. November dth. — From Caythorpe Covert, killing on the hill above Syston Park. November 12th, — FromHaydor Southards to Ponton Park Wood, where the fox escaped, though run in view a long way, through the over-eagerness of Goodall in capping them on — an instance too common, of a beaten fox escaping by hounds being lifted from the scent. December 1st, — From Waltham Thorns, one of the quickest 20 minutes ever ridden to Coston Covert, where the fox did not stop, and the hounds ran at best pace for 20 minutes more, to the corner of the lane opposite Gunby Gorse, where the hounds threw up their heads in a moment, and could never hit the scent off in any direction. December 2ith. — From Abney Wood to Newton, and killed at Ropsley ; 1 hour and a quarter. January 8th. — From Stonesby Gorse to Woodwell Head. January lU/t.— From Hogtree Wood. The hounds were running hard for o^ hours, from woodland to woodland, and after a fine day's sport, killed their fox at Stoke Tunnel. January. — From Newton Wood, a good 50 minutes, and killed at Sempringham. February 12th. — From Schoolplats, a quick half hour, killing in Barrowby Village. April 6th. — A perfect summer's day, the last day of | the season, and the last day Goodall ever was out \ hunting. Partly from a fall, and partly from diseased 114 MEMOIES OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. lungs, he soon after took to his bed, and died on the 1st of May, deeply lamented by all who knew him, not only for his superior energy and talent in the field, but also for his sterling qualities as a man. SEASON, 1859—1860. COOPER, HUNTSMAN. G. Shepherd and E. Long, Whippers-in. Cooper, who had been second whip and had come from the Brocklesby, was appointed huntsman. Shepherd retained his place as first whip. Foxes killed, 80. This was a remarkably bad scenting season, not only with us, but throughout England. The hounds, too, owing to the changes in the establishment, and the new huntsman, were not ably whipped-in. The sport was very bad. Hunting was stopped by frost 27 days, viz., December 14th to 27th, January 28th, February 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 9th, to 17th, 20th, 21st, but there were in all no less than 93 frosty mornings. November 9th. — From Colston Bassett, a very good run of 50 minutes and killed. Found the fox in Mr. Martin's garden, ran to Keywood by Langar, Wiverton Hall, to Tithby Village, Cropwell, through Hoe Hill, killing in a hedgerow a field from the covert. December 7th. — From Whatton, by Eadcliffe, to ground on the Trent Bank ; a good run. N.B. — During the run a partridge flew^ against the neck of the horse on which G. Shepherd was riding, and fell dead, having broken its neck. MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. 115 From Casthorpe Hill over Pincler's Farm to Harlaxton Wood, by the Old Hall to Denton Reservoir, and by Brewster's Farm, to ground in Woolsthorpe Cliff; 1 hom\ December oOth.- — An extraordinary storm of thunder and lightning. The Caythorpe Church Spire was struck and half knocked down. We were hunting near at the time. January Qth. — From Hose Gorse at a good pace up to Clawson Thorns in 15 minutes, on by Landyke Lane, over the hill, and by Stathern windmill, killing in Barkston Wood ; 1 hour. A2ml IQth. — The only good scenting day in the season. Cooper took out a pack early in the Belvoir Woods, had a good morning's sport, and ran up to Harlaxton Clays. Lord Forester and two or three more of us joined in, had another pack out, and finished with a long day's hunting. SEASON, 1860—1861. Long and F. Gillard, Whippers-in. The hounds hunted 120 days, and killed 119 foxes, up to April 19th. They were stopped by snow November 17th; on February 20th it blew a hurricane. December 18tli frost set in, which lasted without intermission 5 weeks 2 days, and was more intense (especially Christmas Eve and Day), than any in the present century. The hounds had a wet and excellent cubhunting, and came out in good condition and very steady. Up i2 116 MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. to October 2nd they killed 16 brace, chiefly in the Belvoir Woodlands, for owing to the previous summer being one of the wettest on record, much corn was out in October. The season was above an average for sport; the country very wet and deep, and rain perpetual. Plenty of foxes, but they ran rings. Good runs November 10th, 14th, 20th, December 5th, 17th, January 28th, 30th, February 4th, 12th, 16th, 18th, 27th, March 22nd, 28th, April 1st. November 10^/i.— From Sleaford Wood, a good hunting run, by Cranwell and Lord Bristol's Planta- tion, and ran to ground below Fulbeck. November \Uh. — Waited for the fog to clear, and then found in the Stubton Covert close to Great North- ern Eailway ; ran first towards Claypole, but turned and crossing the Stubton Lane, ran on the left to Dodding- ton, crossed the Witham and the North-road between Heron's Lodge and Bennington, and ran at speed to Great Normanton Thorns, in 82 minutes. Ground deep and tailing great. The fox ran through the Covert to Staunton, was hunted back to the Thorns, and killed in them. November 20th. — From King's Gorse at Culverthope, leaving the Southards on the right, to Aswarby, across the Park and as if for the Thorns, but turned to Scott Willoughby, which was reached in 80 minutes ; they ran on by Quarrington, nearly to Culverthorpe, when the fox turned to the right and ran to ground in the Stone Quarry at Broadwater ; an excellent hour and a half. Country very deep and all the horses tired. MEMOIRS OP THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. 117 December 6th. — From Burbidge's Covert, first along the railway to Freeby, then through the Stapleford Spinnies up to Leesthorpe, crossed the Oakham-road, and ran by Dalby and Burton unto Gartree Hill in 35 minutes. December 17 tit, — From a turnip field on Singleton's Farm at Barrowby, an excellent 35 minutes, running by Denton Rectory, across the Harston Lane, round Croxton Banks, and into Hallam's Wood. January 2Sth. — A good run with our third fox from Stoke Pasture by the Three Queens to Denton Fir Clump, by Hallam's and Harston Wood, over the Devon to the Bridge by the Kennels, where the fox turned and was killed by Cattle's Farm ; a fast 35 minutes. January QOth. — From Stonesby Gorse, by Denton Fir- clump to Harston, and into Harston Wood to ground ; a good hour. And secondly from Sproxton Thorns, a quick 27 minutes, round Bescaby to Sproxton Heath Gorse and killed. February 12th. — From Keisby Wood, a fast 40 minutes, through Aslackby and Dunsby Wood, over the Bourn-road to Heckington, where we ran into the fox with only half the pack. February IGth. — After a good gallop of 25 minutes from Sproxton Thorns, we were going to draw Freeby Wood, when a fox was seen to enter it ; and Cooper getting the hounds close at him, they raced him over the Melton-road at great pace, by Scalford Grange and Caldwell, nearly to Goadby Gorse, but he turned by Croxton Lings over the Park to Bescaby; time 35 118 MEMOIRS OF THE BELYOIR HOUNDS. minutes. He ran near to Swallow Hole, but came back to Bescaby Oaks, up to Stonesby Gorse, by Newman's Gorse, and at a great pace over the grass fields, by Saxilby into Stapleford Park ; here Cooper had to take his hounds round to a gate, the Duke and Mr. J. Welby went into the Park at another gate with a few couples of hounds and view^ed the runJ|||pfe,fox going to Whissendine Pasture ; but by the time Cooper got u^the scent was too cold and the hounds were stopped ; it was a fine run of 1 hour and 40 minutes. February 16th. — From Aswarby Thorns by Os- bournby to the Sapperton Woods, through Pickworth Wood, back through Sapperton and Braceby Woods, and to the Bridge-end Koad, which the fox crossed, and was killed by the Nightingale Gorse ; a hard day, horses beat. The hounds had been running the last fox 2j hours, and 4 hours continuously. March 22nd. — From Humby Wood with an after- noon fox, ran at best pace by Boothby Little Wood, Ingoldsby Wood, through Irnham Old Park Wood, over Irnham Park to Norwoods, by Bulby Hall, and into Kirkby Wood, a very good 50 minutes ; here they changed foxes, ran up to Elsthorpe Spring, and back to Kirkby Wood, and were stopped. March 2Sth. — From Hose Gorse to Piper Hole, by Landyke Lane to Clawson Thorns, in an hour; changed foxes and ran quick under the Hill to Piper Hole, thence to the Bullimore's, and by Eastwell to Eaton, and went to ground at Braunston ; time, 1 hour and a quarter. MEMOIRS OP THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. 119 April 1st. — From Melton Spinney, a capital 25 minutes, by Scalford and Wykeham nearly to Waltham ; checked, but got up to the fox again, and ran to Saxilby, back to Thorp Arnold. The fox was whipped up out of a hollow by Colonel Reeve, and ran another ring by Freeby, over the Melton-road, up to Asfordby Windmill, where the hounds were stopped. It was four o'clock, and all the people were gone but the Duke, Lord Forester, Messrs. Drummond, Hardy, and J. Welby. It was agreed to put the hounds into Holwell Mouth ; a fine fox went away directly and gave us a capital run of an hour, by Little Belvoir to Grimston Gorse, and by Asfordby up to Leicester-road, where he turned back and we lost him by the Canal. SEASON, 1861—1862. The hounds killed 112 foxes ; hunted on 127 days ; 28 brace cubhunting. The early part of the season w^as dry and there was no sport in November. The first fortnight in Feb- ruary was dry and hot. From March 26th to April 12th, an unusual quantity of rain fell and the sport was good. The hounds were in very eft'ective order and excellent condition. December 23rd no hounds hunted, it being the day of Prince Albert's funeral. The hounds were stopped by frost 17 days, viz., November 15th to 19th, December 26th, 30th, January 17th to 23rd, February 8th to 11th, March 4th, 5th. The sport was above an average. 120 MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. The best three runs were — November 22nd, — From Sapperton Wood, killing at Aslackby ; 1 hour and 10 minutes. January ith. — From Scalford Bog, a fine run. The run up to W3^mondham was just 1 hour. The fox went by Goadby Gorse, left Waltham to his right, crossed the Melton Road by the Turnpike, ran over the Hills and Hole's Field, through Stonesby Gorse and Plantation, thence at tip -top pace over the open, leaving Coston close on the left, by Garthorpe as if for Stapleford, but bore to the left, and ran into a small Spinney close to Wymondham Village ; here a fresh fox jumped up, and the hounds ran him hard by the corner of Woodwell Head, into Barrow Gorse, and towards Thistleton, where they stopped the hounds. Our Scalford fox was seen to go slowly by Woodwell Head to Thistleton to a straw yard, where some boys found it and whipped it out. February 16 th, — FromNewman's'Gorse, an excellent hour. They ran toFreeby Wood, Brentingby Spinney ^ thence by Freeby and Garthorpe to Coston Village, where the fox turned back, ran back to Freeby, and went to ground under a gate ; he was soon bolted and killed. February 17th. — A very nice run of an hour and 25 minutes, from Little Normanton Thorns, by the Green Lane to Orston, on by Thoroton to Car Colston and by Flintham Park to ground on Trent Bank. February 19th. — From Clawson Thorns, first by Clawson and Old Dalby, up the hill by Little Belvoir and Grimston, thence sunk into the Vale and ran a MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. 121 ring to Piper Hole and killed, after running an hour and a half. A third fox from Hose Gorse, a capital 35 minutes, round Key Wood and Colston Basset, and was killed at Langar. April 10th. — From Keisby Wood, a good 45 minutes, and killed ; and a run of 2 hours from Irnham Old Park, by Boothby to Holywell, where they stopped the hounds late in the day. March 1st. — A good run of 1 hour and a quarter, from Melton Spinney, by Plymouth Lodge, down to Asfordby, and killed him in the river. April I6th, — At Haverholme ; last day. SEASON, 1862—1863. The hounds killed 107 foxes. Season ended April 2nd. They were stopped by frost only 5 days, viz., November 24th, 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th. After that nothing like a frost. November was bad for sport, there was not a run. From the third week in December till 2nd of February the country was very wet, and the sport excellent After that very dry weather set in, and though the hounds ran well in the evenings there were few runs. The run of the season was on January 17th, from Coston Covert, by Melton Spinney, killing at Waltham in an outhouse, in 45 minutes. The story of it was thus related at the time : — We found our fox at Coston Covert, the scene where the fox was shot by Mr. M. before the hounds on a 122 MEMOIES OF THE BELYOIR HOUNDS. late occasion, December 27th ; an act which has been universally censured, and which has shown the good feeling of all classes to the Noble Science, inasmuch as the man in question was avoided b}^ all, and a paper signed by nearly 500 farmers and landowners, has been presented to the Duke, testif}dng their wishes to up- hold hunting and assist him in the liberal and noble manner he conducts the hounds. This conduct is truly English, and shows how much hunting conduces to unite all classes and promote good fellowship. But to the run, — the fox on his legs in an instant, went away at the right hand corner of Coston Covert, the hounds settled well to him in the first field, and ran, having the Coston Brook on the right, to Garthorpe Village. The fox here turned to the left and ran up to Saxby Plantation, reaching it in exactly 12 minutes. Scarcely drawing rein, we held on by Saxby Village, thence to Freeby Village, and bearing to the right, ran close along Brentingb}^ Spinnej^, but he was too bold to enter it; crossing the Melton-road, he set his head for Melton Spinney, but when within three fields of it, turned suddenly to the right, and Cooper viewed him going at diminished speed for Waltham. The hounds hunted him beautifully along the bridle-road to Waltham, and over the small enclosures to Waltham Eectory, where he crossed the Turnpike and ran into a stable on the right of the Village. The run up to this time was 45 minutes from leaving Coston Gorse. Scarcely anything worthy the name of a check had occurred, and the line taken was excellent. After a little delay, a hound marked the spot where the fox had entered the MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. 123 stable, Cooper looked in and discovered liim under a manger, whence he was ejected, and rewarded the pack with his blood for the excellent way they had done their work. Well may it be said of such a fox " Semper honor, nomenque tuum laudesque manebunt." December Srd. — From Hose Gorse, a good hour and killed. December 10th. — From Singleton's turnips, ran to Harlaxton Wood, by Spittlegate Bar, across the Canal, by Barrowby Cottage to Gonerby Church ; here being headed the fox turned, and we ran fast into Harlaxton Village. The hounds threw up all of a sudden, but looking in the Ivy on the wall we descried Eeynard watching us ; he was dislodged and killed ; a good hour and 5 minutes. December IQth. — Late in the day found at the Mount in Belton Park, ran hard by Welby Village, by Ropsley Rice to a Drain at Harrowby Farm House ; bolted him, and just as the hounds were eating him out bolted another ; they set off and ran this one hard to Belton, when it being dark they were stopped ; time, 1 hour. December 17th. — Along run from Sproxton Thorns, ending at Knipton ; 2 hours and 40 minutes. December Idth. — A capital run of an hour with a fox put up in a turnip field by Pointon House. He ran by Laughton to Aslackby, back along the Falkingham- road a full mile and a half at full speed, a perfect race; ran through Falkingham Little Gorse, and to a Drain at Laughton ; he was bolted and ran to Pointon Plantation, where they killed him. Hounds could not run harder, yet it blew a tremendous gale all the time. 124 MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. January IQth. — This day we liad an extraordinary fast 35 minutes, from Ingoldsby Wood to Witham Wood, our fox picking the cream of the countr}^ He went by Osgodby Coppice, through Bitchfield Wood, by Burton Village, over the Great Northern Railway, by Lown Wood, to corner of Burton High Wood, and thence into Witham Wood, where, as usual, there were many foxes, which saved his life. February ^rd. — A good run from Boothby Great Wood to Tortoiseshell Wood. February 7th. — In a smart run from Casthorpe Hill to Peascliff, a bad accident happened to the Duke of Rutland, whose grej horse breasted a stake or bound fence at the top hill at Gonerby, and he was obliged to be taken in a fly to the George Hotel. February Qth. — Burbidge told us his shepherd had seen a fox lying in a fallow field close to Brentingby. Cooper took the hounds to the field, and up he jumped in view ; they ran him hard by Brentingby, Freeby, up to Saxby Plantation, and by Wymondham Mill to Coston, over Mr. Marshall's battle ground to Buckminster thence to Saltby Church, up to the lane to Sproxton Thorns, where five hounds coursed the fox, but he beat them, and after a long check Cooper held on to Stonesby Gorse, where the hunted fox had gone to ground ; they bolted and killed him. February lOth. — From Stubton, a most excellent straight run of 1 hour and 55 minutes. The fox took us by Stragglethorpe, Lord Brownlow's Covert, to Hough, thence to Normanton Hill-top, 35 minutes ; here the hounds checked, but hunted up to Mr. Newton's MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. 125 House, and on to North Kauceby, thence by Bulliwell's to Quarrington, round the ViHage, and down to the Sleaford Carr, where the hounds ran into him in the open. The hounds behaved admirably, hunting a cokl scent over some of the Heath. Season ended April 2nd. SEASON, 1863—1864. The summer, 1863, was very dry, and the harvest early, the fields being cleared by September 2nd. 27 brace of foxes came to hand in cubhunting, but the scent was very bad. N.B. — The rainfall in England was small. The smallest amount, excepting Bedford, fell at Grantham, viz., 16.75 inches, the average depth being 28.78 inches. The hounds killed 137 foxes. They were stopped by frost January 1st to 13th, February 6th to 12th, and 21st, March Dth by snow; total, 21 days. December 3rd a great hurricane. The early part of the season was dry. January began with a very hard frost. In February rain, then snow and high winds, and at the close of the season much rain. Sport on the whole was bad, owing to the change- able character of the season. The country abounded in foxes, not a weak point anywhere, but on the Eauceby-side they were all mangy. November 19th. — A very quick 25 minutes late in the evening, from Ancaster Gorse, by Kelby to Patman's Wood, losing below Culverthorpe. 126 MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. December 6th. — A capital 25 minutes from Swallow Hole, by Cedar Hill and Knipton Reservoir to Granby Wood, killing at Green's House at Knipton. December 21si. — A good hunting run of 2 hours and 20 minutes from Granby Gap. We ran to Barks- ton Wood, along Terrace Hills, by Eaton to Croxton Lings, to Bescaby Oaks and Sproxton Village, where the fox was seen just before the hounds, but they lost him it being dark. December 2ord. — A good run of an hour and 1 5 minutes from Freeby Wood, by Gillett's House to Stonesby Gorse, to Coston Village and Covert, and on by Buckminster to Sproxton Heath Gorse, where we lost. Two valuable hounds, Barbara and Lucy, were poisoned in Coston Covert, being found dead with a dead fox before them. The earth stoppers terrier was also poisoned. This w^as the twelfth poisoned fox here. January lith. — From Jericho, a good run of 1 hour and 40 minutes, by Bottesford to Elton, thence to Redmile, round by Hose, and killed under Piper Hole. January 22nd. — From Tipping's Gorse, the old grey fox, late in the evening. Run him very fast by Conygeare Wood, across Denton Park, over Wools- thorpe Cliff, and lost at the Canal; 45 minutes. January 2Srd. — A good hunting run of 1 hour and 40 minutes from Rectory Covert, by Bottesford, round Elton Hall to Sutton, by Jericho, up to Stathern Point, where they changed to another fox. February 17 th. — Coston Covert was to-day drawn by boys, the hounds being kept outside. They drove out a fox, the hounds were laid on. He ran b}' Edmon- MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. 127 tliorpe up to Woodwell Head, by Barrow, to ground in Cottager's Gorse ; time, 40 minutes. February 2ord. — A very frosty morning, but at 12 o'clock found a fox in Falkingham, and had a smart run to ground between Laughton and Aslackby ; bolted him and ran him back to Falkingham Gorse. Hardly had the hounds entered it, than a fresh fox went away by Stowgreen. The hounds got away close at him, and ran him at nose -end over the Pastures by Spanby as if for the Tallyho Covert, but he changed his point and turned back, crossed the Threekingham lane, by the Toll-bar, ran along the Falkingham-road, and crossed at Falkingham Bar ; they thence streamed over the country, leaving Walcot on the right, Pickworth on the right, without hesitation, till they entered Aslackby Wood ; just 35 minutes, and not a check. The fox was seen to enter the Wood just before them. They ran straight through Aslackby Wood, by Hawthorpe, into Bulby Hall AVood, over the Brook, and into Catberry Wood; time, 50 minutes. As fine a run as could be ridden to. The hounds were never too far off, yet always had the best of the horses. But in Norwoods were two scents, they- got on the wrong one, and the fox's life was saved. No doubt our fox went on, as a very beaten one was seen trot- ting by Grimsthorpe Castle shortly after, by a gentleman returning from hunting with Trollope's hounds. March 2nd-~.From Sproxton Thorns, a good 40 minutes, by Wymondham and Saxby into Stapleford Park. March Uh. — From Falkingham Gorse to Aslackby Wood in 40 minutes. This looked much like the fox 128 MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. that gave us tlie run last week. He took us from the big Gorse at a great pace by the little Gorse, uj) to the Pointon Drain, which was stopped, thence over the Brook, up to Dowsby, as if for Dunsby Wood, but turning to the right ran into Aslackby Wood. This was done in 40 minutes, and as the ground was very deep all the horses were blow^i. If any had the best of it Mr. Houson had, on his old grey horse. Mr. H. being in his 74th year. We again lost our fox by a constant change in Kirkby Wood, though we hunted into Bourn Wood. March 12th, — From Burbidge's Covert, by Saxby and Brentingby to Waltham Thorns, and ran to ground just below Goadby Gorse ; a good 40 minutes. Which would have been better but the hounds were much over-ridden by a large, unruly field. Season ended April 9th. SEASON, 1864—1865. F. Gilliatt and W. Snaith, Whippers-in. This was the w^orst season for sport for many years. All November the ground was dry and too hard to ride. A large amount of frosty mornings, and 3G days entire stoppage. Scarcely one good scenting day throughout the season. The hounds killed 111 foxes. They were stopped by frost 36 days, viz., Decem- ber 17th to 20th, 24th to 28th, January 21st; by snow and frost, 22nd to 26th. A deep snow^ from January 27th till February 3rd. February lOth to 19th frost. MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. 129 Deep snow 20th, 21st, 22nd, also March 22nd. The summer, 1864, had been one of unprecedented drought. No rain fell, and the crops were short and wells dry. One wet week from 14th September, then dry till November 15th, when rain fell. So dry a cubhunting season was not remembered, and all hounds were short of work. November 26th. — From Falkingham Gorse, by Laughton to Millthorpe, as for Aslackby Wood, but the fox turned and came back to Laughton ; 40 minutes. November 2dth. — From Keeves' Covert, a smart r50 minutes, round Welbourn, and killed on Leadenham Hill-top. December 7th. — From Sproxton Thorns, a good 85 minutes, round Buckminster and Skillingtonto ground ; bolted the fox and ran by Coston into Sproxton Thorns. December 9th, — From Sapperton Wood to Pickworth, back through the Woods to Newton, by the Nightingale Gorse to Culverthorpe, along the lane to Broadwater, where the fox was viewed, but probably got to ground. December lUh. — For the first time since the poison- ing, the hounds drew Coston Covert. A fox broke directly, but with only 8j couples of hounds. These got away close at him and raced him down to Garthorpe, rose the hill to Saxby Spinney, skirted Stapleford Park, and ran over the fine country by Teigh to the Green Lane, from Ashwell to Langham ; here Cooper's horse fell dead under him, and Mr. G. Drummond lent him his horse. The fox had lain down in a hedge-row and K 130 MEMOIKS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. the liounds over-ran him, but being held back they killed him ; it was a splendid 50 minutes, and there were many casualties. January 2nd. — From Lenton Pasture, a bagman ran hard to Pickworth Wood, through Sapperton up to Eopsley Windmill, back to Pickworth, and was killed near the village ; 40 minutes. January lOth. — A quick 16 minutes from Hogtree Wood to Sapperton Wood, round Sapperton and back to a drain at Eopsley; 1 hour. Bolted the fox and ran again to gTound at Hanby. February 27th. — The quickest burst of the season ; 21 minutes from Hose Covert, killing the fox at Colston Basset. March Srd. — From Stubton, through Beeves' Covert, by Colonel Packe's House to Caythorpe Hill-top ; here 2 foxes ran the same line, and the hounds ran by Lord Bristol's Plantation to a field from Eauceby Plantation, where they killed. The fox ran some way on the top of a wall. Time, 57 minutes. March 14.th. — From Falkingham Gorse, a hunting run by Keisby, killing at Lenton. SEASON, 1865—1866. All September was dry and hot ; and the Cattle Plague, which begun in July, became worse, and was most virulent in September and October, and continued throughout all the wintei, a million dying of it. The hounds killed 43 foxes up to October 16th. Total during season, 119 foxes. Hunting on 131 days MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. 131 Through November and December the weather was very mild, with high winds and a succession of rainy- days. Wind South and South West. January was wet and windy; Pebruary and March wet, and very little East Wind. Stopped by frost January 12th, 13th, February 28th ; by snow March 1st to 6th. Total, 9 days. February 22nd and 23rd the Prince of Wales hunted with the Belvoir hounds. Both days were very wet and stormy, and crowds came to see him ; yet on both days we had excellent sport ; two runs each day. The Prince rode well, especially the first" day on a chesnut mare. This season was far above the average for sport. The country was very wet. There were abundance of foxes in every part, and the hounds were in good trim, yet after the new year they did not hunt up to and kill their foxes after runs satisfactorily. The best runs were — November 26th. — From Ingoldsby Wood, a very fast 40 minutes, by Bassingthorpe, through Boothby Big Wood to Humby Wood, where they changed foxes. November 27th. — A good hour from Sproxton Heath Gorse, by Swallow Hole to Sproxton Thorns, through Buckminster, back to Sproxton Heath ; it being dark, the hounds were stopped. December I2th. — From Aswarby Thorns, by Wil- loughby to the Bulliwells, up to California very fast ; they ran on by Wilsford Carr and Kelby to Culver- thorpe, where they changed foxes, and ran to ground at the Ancaster Cottages ; a very hard run. k2 182 MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. December ItMh. — A good 40 minutes, from Granby Gap by the Rectory, Elton, thence to Musson and Redmile. December I6th. — This was as fine a run as has been seen for many years, as the extent of the country crossed was so great, and all the time the hounds ran at a good holding pace, without any long checks. It was a frost, and we drew Ancaster Gorse at twelve; wind North West. The fox came out twice before he went away. He crossed over to Garner's Plantation, thence across the valley, and through the Fir Flantation to right of Ancaster ; they swung round towards Kelby, skirted Welby Hazels, thence to Welby Village, up to the Seven Bridge Road. They crossed it to the left of Abney Wood, and ran past Ropsley Village, nearly to the Wood. The fox evidently shifted his point several times during the run, and here he meant Hog- tree Wood, but he turned to the left, left Ingoldsby on his right, and ran by Mr. Heathcote's house, and round Lenton Village, keeping it on the right ; here he turned over the open country towards Falkingham, leaving Lenton Pasture on the left, and Keisby Wood on the right ; they ran hard nearly to Laughton ; he left it on the left, and passed close by Aslackby Village, crossed the Bourn Road at the 103rd milestone, and ran into Rippingale Village ; here no doubt the fox had threaded the homestalls as we came to the first long check. It is probable we here changed, as the beaten fox was seen in the Village ; however the hounds struck a line and ran hard to Haconby Village, which they left to the right, and ran hard down the Fen ; MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. 133 the only way to ride was down the Haconby Lane, which was up to the hocks. They ran to ground at the Forty Foot Drain. The time from Ancaster to running to ground was 2 hours 45 minutes ; and the distance from point to point 17 miles, though the ground gone over by hounds and horses far exceeded this. Every hound but one was up at the end, and Cooper remarked 5 couples of this year's entry especially Proctor, Precious, and Promise. It was a severe day for horses and one or two died. N.B. — Mr. Lawrence informed me that a tired fox was seen going into Dunsby Wood by his shepherd. December 18th. — A good run of 1 hour and a quarter, from Brentingby Spinney, by Waltham and Goadby Gorse to ground at Scalford ; killed it after bolting. December 2Qth. — A merry 45 minutes from Clawson Thorns, first towards Scalford ; the fox turned there and ran by Piper Hole, down the hill at Stathern, and into a tunnel below the Village; they bolted and killed him. December 22ncL — A very fast thing from Night- ingale Gorse, through Dembleby Thorns, by Patman's Wood to Broadwater, by Rauceby, and were running the fox in view over the large field, near Byard's Leap, when he got to ground. Found again in California, ran him hard to Sparrow Gorse, to Normanton Hill-top, along the lane to Fulbeck. The fox ran down the Hill and they killed him close to Caythorpe. The first run was 1 hour, the second, 50 minutes ; two capital runs. A good scenting day. December SOth. — A good 40 minutes from the 134 MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. Rectory Covert, by Elton and Staunton, and lost in the lane close to Bennington. January ^rd. — A good hour and a quarter from Coston to Woodwell Head, back by Coston, and killed at Buckminster. And sQcondly, a good 50 minutes, from Sproxton Thorns, ending at Waltham Pasture. January 6th. — A good run of 1 hour and 50 minutes from Sapperton Wood to Norwoods, in 40 minutes, on by Creton to Grimsthorpe, where they lost. January 20th. — After a long day, drew Bescaby Oaks at 4 o' Clock ; a fox went away and they got close at him, checked in the Saltby lane, whence all the Melton men turned home ; the hounds hit the scent soon, and ran to the left of Sproxton Thorns, by Coston and to Coston Covert, left it a field to the right, and ran to the right of Buckminster into Gunby Gorse. It was quite dark, so Cooper stopped the hounds. It was a capital hour. Only six of us were left with the hounds. January 22nd. — From Stoke Pasture, by Stoke and by Sir M. Cholmeley's new pond, across Easton Park, by Colsterworth Pasture into Witham Wood in 35 minutes. Sir J. Trollope's hounds had been in the Wood, so the scent soon was foiled. January 26 th. — A very hard day. After a deal of running, had a good run from the Nightingale Gorse, by Newton to Humby, by Lenton, back to Pickworth Wood ; 1 hour and 10 minutes. January 2Qth. — A good run from Normanton Big Thorns, by Staunton to Little Thorns, along the lane to Orston, by Flawborough, nearly to Bennington, by MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. 135 Allington to the Saltbecks, where the fox, Uitely viewed, was unaccountably lost. Fehruaj-y ISth. — A capital 30 minutes from Little Falkingham Gorse, by Sempringham, to ground in Billingboro' Fen. Fehi'uary 16th. — A smart 35 minutes from Bopsley Kice, by Syston to Bell Mount. February 17 th. — A good run of 2 hours from Burbidge's Covert, round Dalby, thence to Whisendine, thence very fast back by Dalby to Gartree Hill, and to ground on Burton Hill. February Idth. — A good hour and 20 minutes from Tipping's Gorse to Knipton, thence to Denton, and ran to ground at Harlaxton. February 22nd. — The meet was at Piper Hole, and as the Prince and Princess of Wales were staying at Belvoir, the concourse of people was immense. It was a most unpropitious morning, heavy rain and sleet. The Duke ordered the hounds to Hose Gorse, and the long string of riders spread all over the country. Found a good fox — got well away — the country was very deep, and we ran well by Hose to Stathern, up the Hill to Landyke lane, where the fox made a turn, and sinking the Hill ran into Long Clawson and was killed, after a good 50 minutes. Then drew Harby Covert — got well away — ran fast by Harby, over the Canal to Stathern Windmill, bent round to Hose, ran round it and by Harby, and ran into the fox in a wheat field, after a good run of 1 hour and 20 minutes. The Prince rode his chesnut mare through both runs, and with good judgment, though at last she was beaten, but 136 MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. lie saw the fox killed. The Duke of Beaufort, Lord Hamilton, and Colonel Kingcote, rode both runs well. Friday, 2Srcl. — Again an enormous field to meet the Prince at Weaver's Lodge. If possible, it was more stormy than the day before. We found in Sapperton Wood, and despite a fearful storm of sleet, the hounds ran very hard to Lenton Pasture, and to Keisby Wood, and through it into Aslackby Wood, in 35 minutes ; here they soon changed. The Duke ordered Cooper to draw Ingoldsby Wood, found and ran to Humby Wood, thence by Boothby Little Wood to Ingoldsby. The fox ran hard over the grass to the Brook to the left of Heathcote's House, crossed it, and ran to ground at Hanby ; time, 1 hour. The Prince rode a brown horse first, and a white one second. March lAth. — From Mr. Sherbrooke's New Covert, the first time of asking, a good hour ; by Clawson and Hose, and killed on the Hill by Clawson Thorns. March 23?tZ. — A nice run from the Tallyho Covert to Culverthorpe, where the fox turned and ran back into Swarby Gorse. SEASON, 1866—1867. Hounds hunted 120 days, killed 146 foxes. Were stopped by frost and snow 30 days, viz., November 20th, 21st, January 1st to 7th, 11th to 25th, March 8th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 18th, 19th, and on the 20th, 21st, 22nd, a deep snow. Intense cold and East wind. On November 14th occured the shower of Meteors. MEMOIKS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. 137 This was throughout a most variable season. After a cool summer and wet autumn, November was very wet. Ground swampy, yet a very bad scenting month. The country abounded in foxes, except the Falkingham Gorses. There was no first class run, but a fair number of standard ones. The general sport did not come up to the average of late years. An immense amount of rain and snow, saturated the ground all the winter, and made it deep going. The best runs were on — November Srd. — From Cottam Thorns, by Hawton and Flintham, to ground in Trent Bank ; 1 hour and 10 minutes. December 1st. — A hunting run of 1 hour and 20 minutes, from Jericho^ by Sutton, Elton, Eectory Covert, to Belvoir and Muston Gorse. December Ath. — From Stubton, by Brandon to Gelston, and killed in Caythorpe Village ; 1 hour and 20 minutes. December 5th. — From Coston Covert, through Gunby Gorse and Gunby Warren to ground in Easton Park; 1 hour and 10 minutes. December Sth. — From Normanton Big Thorns, a fast 32 minutes late in the day, by Bennington, Heron's Lodge and Foston to Gonerby Moor, thence to Barrowby Thorns, stopped the hounds in the dark; 1 hour and 25 minutes. December 20th. — From Osbournby Field Covert, a first-rate 50 minutes, killing in a turnip field near Swarby Gorse. 138 MEMOIRS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. January 28th. — From Burrowes' Plantation, a capital run by Aswarby to Quarrington, by Sleaford, to ground on Smith's Farm, whence he was bolted and run into in Haverholme Park; 1 hour and 35 minutes. January 2dth. — A fast 24 minutes from the Bulli- more's, by Goadby Gorse to ground at Stonesby. February 1st. — From Stubton, a good 26 minutes and killed at Beeves' Covert; and a second 20 minutes to Welbourn Pits. February ith. — From Grimston Gorse, the hounds joined in chase with the Quorn, and running some way together killed their fox by Goadby Gorse. February \Uh. — A capital day's sport. A hunting run of 2 hours from Goadby Gorse. Then a rattling 12 minutes from Waltham Pasture to ground at Freeby Village; and thirdly, a very severe run from Newman's Gorse all over the Melton country, and ended at dark in Croxton Park; 1 hour and 4.5 minutes. February I6th. — A smart half hour from New Covert, and killed in Whissendine Village ; and secondly, a quick ring of 35 minutes from Bescaby. February 19th. — From Newton Wood, a severe run of 2 hours and 45 minutes, ending at Rauceby. February 26th. — From Stubton, by Fenton and Wellingore, killing at Cocked Hat Plantation ; 1 hour and 45 minutes. February 27th. — From Coston Covert, by Wood- well Head, and lost by Burley Turnpike ; and secondly, from Herring's Gorse to ground at Knipton Reservoir; 45 minutes. MEMOIBS OF THE BELVOIR HOUNDS. J 89 March 6th. — From Clawson Thorns, and killed at Willoughby; 1 hour and 10 minutes. March Qth. — From Sproxton Thorns, and killed by the Fir Clump on Knipton Carriage Drive; 1 hour and 35 minutes. L. EIDGE, STEAM PRESS OFFICE, GRANTHAM. / 1