another in the Pastures, that led us off to Fir Grove ; left
it to the right, and went straight to the Grove, and through
the Park up to Idlicote, where he took to ground. Then
we returned to Brickhill Gorse, and found again. Our
fox led us away for Harwood's-house, and up to Lord
Northampton's ; then over the warren to Gilks's Gorse,
and on to Wichford-wood. The hounds were stopped here,
as it was getting towards night.
WALTON WOOD, MARCH 31.
The hounds found a fox at Bowshot. It was a bad
day, no scent, and therefore no hunting. This meet closed
the season 1831-32.
Cub-hunting began August the 25th, and ended on the
29th of October.
The hounds hunted five days a week ; they were never
known to be in better condition. The men were well
mounted, and the foxes plentiful.
The first meet, this season, was on November the 1st,
1832, at Upton.
Drew the Hill, where we found an old fox, and killed
him in a few minutes. Found a second, an old one, and
turned him up near Upton. Found a third fox, and ran
him to Kineton-holt, and he took to groimd at Knoll-end.
242 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT.
BY WHOO- WHOOP.
UFTON, NOV. 13.
Drew the wood and found. Our fox went away at a
very fast pace to Bishop's Itchington, where he went to
ground. Then went to Itchington-heath, and started a
second fox, who led us bravely to Chadshunt, and then
made for North End, where he turned short back j brushed
through Gaydon Spiny, to Itchington. Having gained
Verney-gorse, and run through that cover, reynard turned
short back to Itchington-heath, where we killed. This was
a very smart run of one hour and 25 minutes.
CHESTERTON, NOV. 22.
Unkenneled at Chesterton-wood, and killed our first
fox at Ladbroke, There one of the right sort was imme-
diately found ; reynard made neither feint nor double, but
at once broke cover, with the hounds close at his brush.
He led them at a slapping pace to Hodnell, then by Chapel
Ascote, Ladbroke, and Bishop's Itchington, and was run
into in gallant style, and killed on Itchington-heath, after a
run over a fine sporting country of full 1 6 miles, without a
moment's check. The distance was done in 55 minutes.
bishop's ITCHINGTON, NOV. 29.
Drew the gorse at Watergall, but as the earths were
open we did not find. Found afterwards at Chesterton,
when our fox went directly off to Lighthorne, through the
rough at that place, and then to Bowshot. Leaving that
cover to the right, reynard took straight for the coppices at
Chadshunt. On reaching Itchington-heath, he turned short
back to Verney's Gorse, where the hounds ran into him in
capital style. The run lasted 46 minutes.
MR. RUSSELL.— isa^. ^43
HAMPTON, DEC. 3.
Having unkenneled a fox in this wood, he took us away
to Sherborne ; the scent lay very bad, yet they hunted him
beautifully up to Hampton-on-the-Hill, and although they
could not do much with him, we still kept after him to
Gannaway-grove ; here we got upon better terms with our
game, and brushed him away in good style for Wolverton-
field, and then on to Luskum-wood. Leaving that to the
right he bore down for Stratford, when he diverged to the
right again, and ran up to Hatton Rock. After trying the
earths at that place to no purpose, he dashed away to
Daisy-hill j then left Hampton-wood to the left, and direct
for Scad-bank ; the earths here also refused him, and he
next made for Old Pastures coppices ; on to Hampton
Lucy, through the village, across the Avon, and we ran him
to ground in Charlecote Park. This was a famous run from
Gannaway-grove of an hour.
OAKLEY, DEC. 6.
' Hark ! the holloiv woods resounding,
Echo in the hunter's cry ;
Hark ! how all the vales surrounding,
To his cheering voice reply !'
This day afforded us capital sport. We found in the
wood, and our fox took away straight for Barford, where he
turned short to the left to Middle-hill, and on to Newbold
Pacey. Quitting that place to the left, he was off for More-
ton Morrell, through Lighthorne, and on to Chadshunt.
Here reynard turned short back to Itchington-heath ; and
leaving that covert to the right, turned short to Verney's
Gorse. After threading the gorse, reynard drove on at his
best pace through Chesterton-wood, and on to Harwood's-
house ; where the hounds came to a check, after a run of
â– 57 minutes. We presently hit him off again, and regular
Q 2
244 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT.
hunting succeeded for a considerable time ; when at last
we got up to him at Chadshunt coppices. From this place
he led us along at a good rattling rate, to Kineton ; here
our fox turned short to the left, and came back until near
to Gay don ; having him now almost in view, he doubled
short to Chadshunt House, where he was killed. This run
lasted three hours.
EPWELL WHITE HOUSE, DEC. 8.
Our fox, the moment we found, went first direct down
by Compton Wynniate, up to the windmill, and then on for
Edge Hill, turning short to the right, for Epwell-gorse.
Leaving that covert to the left, he turned short back to
Compton Wynniate, and on for Idlicote. Turning here to
the left, he came back to Tysoe, where the hounds ran into
him in noble style, in the middle of a field. This was a
very fast thing indeed of 40 minutes.
Went on to Brailes, where we found a second fox, and
killed him in ten minutes. — Then tried further and found a
third fox, which in about a quarter of an hour we ran to
ground. 1
WHIMPSTONE BRIDGE, DEC. 10.
This morning we found at Gaily Oak, when reynard
split away for Pebworth ; but inclining there to the right,
he soon made Clifford Hill. Leaning to the right again, he
bore down for Stratford ; then to the left straight through
the Cherry Orchard, where he ran to ground. This was a
brisk run of 35 minutes. We dug the old fellow out, and
gave him another start ; but he was nearly done up, and
we ran into him in about ten minutes.
1 It was on this day that Jack Ransom killed Crazy.
MR. RUSSELL.— 1832. 245
MIIFORD BKIDGE.
Found ill Woltbrd Wood, when our fox took straight
off for Todenham, and on to Ditchford. When very near
to Shipston, he passed that town to the left, and went down
to Tidmington ; then over the brook to Wolford Wood,
where we killed him, after a sharp run of an hour.
PRINCETHORPE VILLAGE, DEC. 18.
We found a fox in the wood, and in half an hour ran
him to ground. Drew Wennel Wood, blank. Found soon
afterwards at Waveley Wood, and when he had given us
two or three rings in the wood, reynard went fast away by
Bubbenhall, over Bubbenhall bridge, and then led us almost
up to Combe Woods. Leaving these coverts to the right,
he came back to Wennel-wood, which he passed through,
and went on to Baggintou Grove. Away from that place to
Chantrey-heath, through Stoneleigh Park, over the water
at that place, and on to King's-wood. Reynard, having ran
through the wood, made the best of his way to Wainbody-
wood ; here he turned short and came back very near to
Stoneleigh, where the stanch pack ran into him in an open
field.
This was a gallant run of one hour and 15 minutes,
without a check.
ALVESTON PASTURES, DEC. 24.
Drew the covert here, and Fir Grove, blank. Found
in Mr. West's plantations, when after running about there
for an hour, he went to ground. We found again at Rough
Hill ; reynard led off straight up to Lighthorne, and we
killed him after a run of one hour and ten minutes.
a3
246 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT.
FERN HILL, JAN. 1, 1833.
We did not succeed at any of the woods near to this
meet, but we found ultimately in a neighbouring wood ; we
ran our fox at his best pace through the country, for one
hour and 20 minutes. We then got to steady hunting for
an hour and 40 minutes, when Bill Boxall picked up the
fox alive before the hounds, and he was killed. This run
altogether lasted three hours.
BY WEAZEL.
LADBROOKE, THURSDAY, JAN. 3.
On the 3d of January, we had a beautiful thing with
Mr. Russell, near Southam. We found an old fox at
Radbourne, that ran like a very Belgian, at a splitting pace,
to Watergall ; through the cover there to Dassett Hill,
leaving Fenny Compton on the right. On the hills pug
effected a bargain with another pug, and persuaded him to
take the hounds on at a merry pace up to Edge Hill, by
Knoll End, while he remained at Dassett. From Edge Hill
pug made for Shennington, and then to Epwell's famed
White House, where, lucky for pug, he got into a drain.
The run lasted three hours. It is the first time, for
these five and twenty years, that a fox took so direct a line
to Edge Hill, over this magnificent grass country. At one
time Mr. Corbet thought proper to smoke out the foxes
from the earths at Knoll End, as there were so many recep-
tacles at Edge Hill ; the consequence was, he could not
force a fox to Knoll End, the place where we unkenneled
to-day.
MR. RUSSELL.— 1833. 24?
THE SAME, BY VENATOR
* Come, mount boys, to liorse, and away.'
What Sportsmen describe as a beautiful thing,
They tell us 'tis noble and fit for a King.
Take pug as you find him, in dingle or gorse.
As men take their wives — that's for better or worse.
An old fox broke cover at Radbourne to-day.
That ran like a Belgian when splitting away. 1
Off to Watergall first, and then he ran straight
Thro' the covert, not daring a moment to wait ;
Then up Dassett Hills — now hold hard ev'ry steed,
Reserve well the strength they will presently need.
To the right he soon left Fenny Compton, when
He play'd us a trick we ne'er dreamt of till then.
Here a witch and her fiends, as legends indite,
Tho' not seen by day, hatch'd up mischief at night,
To pug had imparted, on Long Compton Hill,
A lesson or two of her cunning and skill. 2
1 Leopold, the newly-made Kin^ of Belgium, led his army ap^ainst
the Dutch. As soon as his troops caught sight of the enemy, they all
tlircAV down their arms and ran away ; and it was not without some
difficulty that the King and his personal staflF escaped.
2 There is scarcely a district in England, where oral tradition has
not conveyed to us some mysterious event — the handiwork of some
wizard or witch — some fairy or fay — of some hobgoblin, or sprite or
other invisible agent — who have performed most wonderful things,
occultly, to the surprise and consternation of the natives. On the top
of Long Compton Hill, it is said, an old witch used to assemble, at
times, her associates and myrmidons, to project mischief against any
of the inhabitants of the surrounding country who disputed their
power, or did not obey their injunctions ; and, many years ago, the
traveller was shewn several large stones, set up endwise, like so many
pillars in miniature, as the representatives of those midnight devilkins,
who, to the great joy of the neighbourhood, had, by some superior
power, been most miraculouslv turned into stone.
248 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT.
On the hill pug effected a bargain, they say.
With some other fox, which he met by the way.
And persuaded his friend, as a matter of grace,
To lead on the hounds at a rare merry pace.
By Knoll End to Edge Hill, which quickly he gain'd.
While safely at Dassett the first fox remain' d.
From Edge Hill to Shennington pug dash'd along.
To Epwell White House^ erst so famous in song ;
When he took to a drain, and lucky for pug,
As he there sav'd his brush, his pads, and his lug !
In describing this run, Whoo-Whoop says —
Radbourne Gorse, this morning, produced us a good fox.
As soon as reynard was unkenneled he went off at the very
best pace to Watergall. There we changed our fox for one
of the right sort, who took us in most gallant style to Farn-
borough. Leaving that place to the left, reynard went off,
first to Knoll End, and then on to Epwell, and at length we
ran him into a drain that leads to the cellars. This was the
best day that I ever saw in Warwickshire.
The hounds behaved uncommonly well during the whole
of the run ; and many gentlemen present, good judges of
the chase, spoke highly of their speed, steadiness, and style
of hunting.
BY WHOO-WHOOP.— UPTON, jan. 5.
This day afforded us another good run. We drew and
found at Lord Northampton's. Our fox went to Shen-
nington ; left that to the right, and then made straight for
Upton House ; on to Edge Hill, and then to Warmington ;
from this place he came back to Knoll End. Here reynard
was killed after a most excellent run of one hour and 30
minutes.
MR. RUSSELL.— 1833, 249
HAMPTON, JAN. 14.
We drew this wood, and found. Our fox ringed about
for an hour, and then went away for Sherborne Pit, where
he ran to ground. We next drew Grove Park, blank. In
u short time we found at Warwick Old Park, when our fox
ran to Hay-wood ; here he ringed about for three hours,
and until he was lost.
WALTON, JAN. 17.
The momeiit we found, our fox made off at a xery fast
pace for one hour before the hounds turned him vip. A
second fox was found in Lighthorne Rough, which we ran
to ground at Chesterton. A third fox was started at Ches-
terton, which we ran to ground in the same drain. In the
course of the day the pack divided, and seven couple went
on with a fox to Mr. Orreds farm, and there ran him to
earth. Mr. Cockbill afterwards took the hounds home.
riLLERTON GATE, FEB. 2.
We found a fine stout fox in drawing Pillerton Gorse,
which took us away for Gambells ; he left that place to the
right, and then came back to Tysoe. Left that village to
the right, and bore up for Shutsford ; then took to the left,
and on to Lord Northampton's, where he got safe into
the earths.
This run lasted only 45 minutes, but the pace was so
very fast, that few Sportsmen have seen a field of horses so
much distressed as they were in so short a time. The
hounds beat the nags to day in prime style.
HOUNHSHILL, FEB. 4.
This morning we drew Alveston Pastures, where we
found a fox that led us away first to Walton Wood, and
250 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT.
then on to Lox'd Willoughby's ; from thence to Bowshot,
and on to Moreton Wood. Having made Oakley Wood,
reynard left that covert to the left, and then came back to
Charlecote, where we ran him to ground ; he was bolted,
and killed. A sharp run of one hour and 25 minutes,
ITCHINGTON HEATH, FEB. 22.
In drawing this cover we found a vixen fox, and
stopped the hounds. Being led away, almost immediately,
by another fox, we ran him to ground, after a sharp burst
of 15 minutes. Found a third at Chesterton, which took us
off to Lighthorne ; here he turned to the right, and went
straight to Chadshunt coppices, and went to earth. Whilst
the hounds were baying their game, we were hallood to
another, we followed him for 20 minutes when he ran to
ground. These disappointments determined us to return
to the place where we left our second fox ; we bolted him,
and after running him for an hoiir, at a good hunting pace,
the hounds threw him up.
FARNBOKOUGH, FEB. 23.
The first place we tried this morning was Windmill-
hill ; reynard was snug in his kennel, but hearing a little
more bustle about his domicile than was consistent with his
habits of retirement, up he sprang, and took straight for
Farnborough. The worthy 'Squire, though a true friend to
the .sport, was no enemy to the fox, and reynard always
met with fair play, when he sought refuge in any of the
numerous coverts and plantations upon his estate. Being
driven from this place, he diverged to the right, sunk the
bottom to Bodington-hill, and then on for the Gorse. In a
few minutes he cjuitted that brake to the left, and made for
Prior's Marston • then inclining to the right, he bore for
Prior's Hardwick. Turning still more to the right, he next
MR. RUSSELL— 1833. S.'Sl
returned back straight to Farnborough, where he ran to
ground. This run lasted an hour. Reynard was bolted,
and the hounds threw him up in the second field.
THICKTHORNE, FEB. 2fi.
Drew the wood, blank. Found a fox at Berricote-
wood, which led us away through Milverton and Cubbing-
ton, and then down to Offchurch. Crossing the water, he
made away for Long Itchington, and turned short back to
Offchurch, where he was killed, after a run of one hour and
45 minutes.
AVON DASSETT, MARCH 2.
A fox was found this morning at Windmill-hill, which
led straight off to Bodingtoii, and then to Prior's Hardwick.
Leaving that place to the left, he ran back direct to Farn-
borough, and was there turned up, after a run of about 50
minutes.
MITFORD BRIDGE, MARCH 19.
Drew Wolford Wood, and found. Our fox led us off
for Moreton-in-Marsh ; leaving that place to the right, he
led on to Addlestrop, where we killed. The run was a good
one of 43 minutes.
The weather had been so unfavourable nearly for three
weeks, and the scent lay so bad from the prevalence of fogs,
sleet, snow,- and other impediments, that the hounds, when
they did meet, had not a fair chance to shew any sport. —
This falling off, just at the end of the season, was much
regretted. The hounds were in as good condition, and the
horses as fit for work, as they were at any time since they
commenced hunting, but they were beaten by the weather.
The atmosphere was most unfavourable to scent.
•252 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT.
WHIMPSTONE BRIDGE, MARCH 25.
This morning we drew Gaily Oak, and did not find.
Better luck attended us afterwards, as we found a fox on
trying Preston Bushes, that burst off first for Gaily Oak,
and turned short to the right for the Sand House ; he then
inclined to the left, for Garrett's Brow ; leaning once more
to the left, he ran under the hill for Mickleton village, and
up to the Burnt-house. Left it to the right, and ran very
near to Camden ; then diverging to the left, reynard bore up
to Weston, through the Park, and on to Lady Norreys'
plantations. Bearing then to the left, he came back to
Weston Park, which he passed through, and on to New-
combe, where the hounds ran up to him. This run, up to
the first check, w'as 43 minutes, and the run altogether 55
minutes.
Last meet, this season, Saturday, March the 30th, at
Upton.
The pack, this season, hunted 80 days, and killed and
accounted for 9-i foxes.
Mr. Russell gave up the houxids at the end of this
season. His horses were sold, at Tattersall's, on the *^7th
of May, and brought good prices.
MR. RUSSELL.— 1833. 253
DEMISE OF MR. RUSSELL.
^OHN Russell, Esq. of Kirkby Mallory, Leicestershire,
and late of Upton House, in this county, died at No. 32, in
Lansdowne-place, Leamington, on Sunday evening, the
27th of April, 1833, in the 39th year of his age, sincerely
and deeply regretted by all who knew him. Mr. Russell
was Master of the Warwickshire Hounds for three seasons,
and acquired great and deserved popularity in that situation.
In him were happily united the sound judgment and energy
of a first-rate Sportsman, with the conciliatory and polished
manners of a gentleman, and he was much beloved for his
gentleness of deportment, and excellent temper, which,
though often tried in the field, was never ruffled. Captain
Russell was second son of Lord William Russell,
brother of the Duke of Bedford. He was born July 11th,
1796. He entered early into the navy, and served many
years in the Mediterranean, and other parts of the world.
— Mr. Russell shone in all the endearing relations of
domestic life.
Thus early railed to everlasting rest,
Death spares not long the bravest and the best.
254
WARWICKSHIRE HUNT.
MR. RUSSELL'S FOXHOUNDS,
NOVEMBER, 1831.
NAMES.
Virulent
NINE YEARS.
SIRES.
Lord Soiules's Ottoman
DAMS.
Vengeance
SEVEN YEARS.
Dairymaid . . I Duke of Beaufort's Doriniond . i Bridemaid
l/apwing . . 1 Guardsman . . . . 1 Lapwing
Victory . . I Benedict . . . . Virulent
Bridemaid
Brevity
Benedict
Bobadil
Jessamy
Volatile
Whipster
Wildfire
Warble
SIX YEARS.
Rocket
Duke of Beaufort's Rubens
Mr. Osbaldeston's Jasper
Valentine
Duke of Rutland's Lifter
Mr. Osbaldeston's Rasselas
Bridemaid
Brilliant
Lucy
Virulent
his Wanton
Whynot
Blossom
Benefit
Butterfly
Barmaid
Bashful
Bonny I>ass
Dolphin
Emperor
Hadricin
Hesperus
Nimrod
Pillager
i
FIVE YEARS.
Workman
Mr. Osbaldeston's Vanquisher
Duke of Beaufort's Boxer
Woi-kman
Mr. Osbaldeston's Emperor
Lord Tavistock's Hercules
Duke of Beaufort's Nimrod
Duke of Beaufort's PlatofT
Brilliant
Blemish
Virulent
Darling
Judy
S Mr. Ward's
\ Misery
Friendly
Comedv
MR. RUSSELL.
255
FOUR YEARS.
NAMES.
Blucher
Bajazet
SIRES.
DAMS.
Cymbeline
Clarion
Comfort
Rocket
Curious
Hermit
Harper
I
Hannibal
Vocal
Pilot
Pontiff
C
Bachelor
Proseiplne
Prudence
^
VVhynot
Rocket
Whynot
Warrior
Workman
Daiiymaid
Champion
Comedy
Countess
Dorimont
Daffodil
Gossamer
Minister
Royal
Ruby
Rosebud
Rally
Rector
Rubens
Redrose
Ruin
Viola
Windsor
Wildboy
THREE YEARS.
Duke of Beaufort's Boxer
Rocket
York and Ainstey Gallows
Minister
Rocket
Rocket
Duke of Beaufort's Rubens
Duke of Beaufort's Vanguard
Workman
Cymbeline
Destiny
their Toilet
Diligent
Proserpine
Warspite
Darling
Virulent
Dairymaid
Brusher
Bowman
Baronet
Blameless
Bugler
Cryer
Dewdrop
Duncan
Harmony
Harmless
Manager
Mover
Madcap
Modish
TWO YEARS.
Benedict
Colonel Berkeley's Pagan
Rocket
Ranter
Bobadil
Ranter
Minister
Warble
his Bravery
Cymbeline
Destiny
Darling
Honesty
Dairymaid
256
WARWICKSHIRE HUNT.
TWO YEARS.
NAMES.
SIRES.
DAMS.
Remus
Rocket
Vocal
Remnant
Duke of Beaufort's Rubens
his Waspish
Rifleman
Rocket
Playful
Rambler
Rocket
Wildfire
Vaulter
Duke of Beaufort's Vanguard . .
Diligent
Welcome
Colonel Berkeley's W«ldsman .
his Racket
Workman
Workman
ONE YEAR.
Volatile
Bachelor
^
Bluecap
C
Bachelor
Dairymaid
Bounty
y
Diligent
Edwin
Destiny
Harbinger
Surrey-Harlequin . .
their Welcome
Hymen
Benedict
Hebe
Hercules
]
Hadrian
Prudence
Hopeful
Ottoman
I
Bachelor
Ornament
Ornament
s
Racer
Rocket
Butterfly
Register
1
Rosemary
\
Rocket
Blossom
Rivers
J
Solomon
Solomon
Benefit
Vyner
Vanity
Whimsey
1
Duke of Beaufort's Workman . .
Virulent
Woodman
\
Duke of Beaufort's Workman . .
Brevity
Woful
J
Watchman
1
Willing
}
Whipster . ,
Wildfire
Wisdom
J
Warspitc
Whipster
Rosebud
Woldsman
Whipster
Rally
37 Couple of Old Hounds.
12| Ditto Young Ditto.
Total . . 49| Couple.
MR. THORNHILL.
W. p. Thorxhill, Esq. of Houndshill, next undertook
the Mastership of the Warwickshire Hounds ; and the
Sporting Gentlemen of the county congratulated them-
selves upon his acceptance of the appointment. The estab-
lishment, as usual, was supported by a subscription.
Bill Boxall continued huntsman.
Jack Ransom second whip.
Tom Day first, and
Cubhunting began, this season, at Warwick Old Park,
August '26th, 1833, where they found a litter of cubs, and
killed one, after running two hours. This hunting ended
(m the 26th of October, when the hounds had run and
killed one old fox, and 18 cubs.
R
258 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT.
The first meet v.as on the 28th day of October, at
Houndshill, and the season afforded some capital sport.
The hounds hunted five days a week.
October 28. — Regvdar hunting began to-day, by trying
Houndshill, where we found a fox in the Ozier Pastures,
that went away to Fir Grove, and then returned to the find,
where he was thrown up. Foiind reynard at home at
Brickhill Gorse, he went away very fast to Walton, where
we changed. The fresh fox brushed through that place to
Wellesbourne, where, as it was getting dark, we stopped
the hounds.
FROM WEAZEL, BY VENATOR.
' With the Sports of the Field no joys can rompare,
To pleasure's light footsteps we trace ;
We run down dull sloth, distance old care.
Rosy health we o'ertake in the chase.'
Know first, Im a thoro' -half-bred son of Erin,
Which shews I was born either thereout or therein.
In Warwickshire, lately, my luck was so prime,
No Sportsman e'er spent such a fortnight of time
As I did with Thornhill — who's gain'd a good name
With the Hunt and the farmers — deserving his fame.
The pack in the finest condition I found.
And ev'ry thing right from the horse to the hound.
HOUNDSHILL, OCT. 28.