field, a large grass enclosure, where Beatrice was second,
Manfred being very considerably in the front, and the rest
WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. 377
keeping about the same position as at the brook. After
clearing the hedge into the road, Manfred dropped into a rut,
and fell. Beatrice on gaining the road swerved at the last
fence, a thickset one, and fell into the ditch. Vivian also
refused the leap twice, and with great difficulty got over.
Yellow Dwarf refusing the fence twice, Flacrow came up,
got over, and won the race in good style, Vivian carrying
121b. more than the winner, and being at the post second.
The ground was run in 14 minutes. Some of the riders
met with accidents, but no one was much hurt.
The result of the race was declared as follows : —
Mr. Coke's b h Flacrow . . ( Mr. Haycock ) 1
Capt. Lamb's b g Vivian .. (Capt. Beecher) 2
Marquis of Waterford's Yellow Dwarf ( Owner ) 3
Not placed.
Lord Lowth's Carlow
Lord Wilton's Prince
Lord Macdonald's Fugleman
Lord Redesdale's Stocking Weaver . . Mr. D'Oyley
Sir E. Mostyn's Emanuel
Capt. Lamb's Manfred
Mr. Phillipson's Beatrice
— R. Greaves's Midnight
— Worth's Baronet
— Wadams's Red Rose
— Barnard nas. Lancaster
— Sadler's Desperate
— Hall nas. Upas
— Little's Apostate
rode by Lord Clanricarde.
Sir D. Baird.
The Owner.
— Horley.
— Crommelin.
— Powell.
— Patrick.
— The Owner.
— Ivens.
— Villers.
— W. Sadler.
— Solloway.
Capt. FendalL
Drawn.
Mr. Crommelin's Butterfly,
— Hogg's Cannon Ball.
— H. A. Thompson's Barrister.
A great number of the Sporting Characters in the
country were present, and the assemblage exceeded, by
far, any previous meeting of the kind in this county.
B B 3
378 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT.
STRATFORD-UPON-AVON STEEPLE RACES,
1836.
These races were contested on Thursday, the 17th of
March, over a fine country near to Bourdon Hill, about
half a mile from the town.
The umpires, Captains Lamb and Cunynghame, fixed
upon the ground, a circle of about four miles, which was so
judiciously chosen, that every spectator could see the race
from the beginning to the end.
SWEEPSTAKES, 3 Sovs. each, with 50 added.— 12 st.
Twenty-one horses were entered. Landscape led off
at a slapping pace, to the first brook, with Shakspeare,
Barrister, and a few others close upon her, which she cleared
in good style. All her opponents were not so fortunate j
and five or six of them fell in, but they soon got out without
injury, and were again seen dashing along at a spanking
rate. Mr. D'Oyley's Austerlitz jumped against the oppo-
site bank, and there stopped. At the next fence, a stiff"
hedge, Landscape fell, and by the time she recovered her-
self the other horses got up. Lady Teazle did not come
out until they got into the meadows, when she made play
and shook off" all but The Pilot and Paxford. She kept the
lead over the last brook, and was followed closely by
Harlequin, Paxford, Cheroot, Miss Hathaway, and
Shakspeare. Sir Harry and others fell into the brook All
the nags were got out safe, excepting Star, who met with a
bad accident, but his rider was only slightly injmred. The
Pilot fell lame as soon as he had leaped the brook, and the
race was won by Lady Teazle.
Mr. Clifford's Lady Teazle . . ( Owner ) 1
— T. More's b h Harlequin . . ( Mr. Ivens ) 2
— H. Roberts's b g Paxford . . ( Mr. Wadams ) 3
Capt. Poultney's gr g Cheroot . . ( Mr. Burton ) 4
Mr. Smith's ch h Shakspeare . . (Dennick ) 5
Mr. Robbins's b m Miss Hathaway ( Mr. Sabin ) 6
WARWICKSHIRE HUNT.
379
Not placed.
Mr. Thompson's b g Barrister
— Little's The Star
— Rochfort's Sir Richard
— G.T. Smith's Galen
— Vevers's Ada
— T. LoAve's Landscape
— W. Crowtlier's Chasseuse
— Greaves's The Pilot
— T. Smith's Fanny
— Brown's Paddy -from-Cork
— Ind's Cantab
— W. Brian's Standard
— D'Oyley's Austerlitz
— Bicknell's Sir Harry
— SoUoway's Gamecock
rode by Capt. Fendall.
. , Mr. Cooke.
The Owner.
. . — Cumines.
Hardy.
. . — T. Lowe, jun.
The Owner.
. . — Patrick.
Webb.
. . — Vyner.
. . — Norris.
. . — W. Smith.
The Owner.
The Omier.
The Owner.
Two fatal accidents, we regret to say, occurred in this
race. Austerlitz jumped against the opposite bank of the
first brook, and dislocated his spine ; and The Star fell vxpon
a wall, the abutments of an old bridge, in taking the second
.stream, and dreadfully injured his loins. They were both
slaughtered.
SECOND RACE.
SWEEPSTAKES, 2 Sovs. each, with 15 added.
Mr. Bicknell's Nat
— Vevers's b c Viator
— T. Smith's b h Warwick
Not placed.
Mr. Packwood's Mount Eagle
— E. W. ChattaAvay's Mistake
— Smith's F.anny
( Mr. Cumines ) 1
( — Solloway) 2
( Webb ) 3
rode by Mr. Wallace.
— T. Sabin.
. . The Owner.
Drawn.
Mr. D'Oyley's Fugleman.
Nat was sharply run in by Viator and Warwick, and
won by about two lengths.
380
WARWICKSHIRE HUNT.
ALCESTER STEEPLE RACES, 1836.
These races took place on Thursday, March 18th : the
distance was four miles, over ^a severe country with heavy
fences. Capt. Lamb officiated as umpire.
SWEEPSTAKES, 5 Sovs. each, vitli 50 added.
Mr. Greaves's c g Midnight
[ Mr. Patrick ] 1
— Vevers's c m Ada
[ Hardy] 2
— Marsliall's b g Forester
[ Troughton] 3
— Homfray's b li Harlequin
[ IVENS ] 4
Not placed.
Mr. Little's Mary Ann
rode by Den nick.
— Webb's Tipple Cider
. . Mr. C. Walker.
— Wadams's Red Rose
The Owner.'
— Solloway's Gamecock
The Owner.
— Ind's Cantab ..
. . — Norris.
— Richards's Pony
The Owner.
Red Rose struck off and made play at starting, but by
running on the wrong side the flag he lost his chance of the
stake. Midnight then took up the lead with spirit, Ada,
Foreigner, and Harlequin, keeping close in his rear ; and
after a severe and good race, he won by little more than a
length.
SWEEPSTAKES, 3 Sovs. each, with 25 added.
Mr. Vevers's Viator
— Holyoake's Wild Boy
— Walker's Piccanini
— Ashburn's Jack
The start was taken by Viator, who was waited upon
by Piccanini, until Wild Boy came up and took his place,
leaving the other two in the rear. On clearing the last
fence, Viator and Wildboy were so close together that the
winner was then doubtful. The former, however, laid to in
earnest, and won by several lengths.
[Mr. SOLLOWAY ]
1
[ — Patrick]
2
[ — Wallace]
3
[ — Ivens]
4
WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. 381
BIRMINGHAM STEEPLE RACES, 1836.
These races came off on the 14th of March. To start
near to the ckimp of trees, Barr Beacon, down to Queestlet
village, and taking a circuit of about four miles, back again.
Mr. Stovin officiated as umpire, in the absence of Lord
Ward and Sir E. D. Scott, Bart.
SWEEPSTAKES, 5 Sovs. each, with 50 added.
Mr. Fowler's IMount Eagle . . [ Mr. F. Wallis ] 1
— Goodwin's Pharold .. [ — Patrick] 2
— Parrock's Turpin .. [ — Parker] 3
SWEEPSTAKES, 3 Sovs. each, '25 added.
Mr. Wallis's Creeper . . [ Mr. Ball ] 1
Capt. Lamb's Manfred . . [ Capt. Beecher ] 2
HACK STAKES,— Two Miles.
Mr. Walker's Paganini .. [Mr. Patrick] 1
— Bindley's Gadfly .. [ Main] 2
— Stovlu's The Doe .. [ Reynolds] 3
STEEPLE RACE, 1831.
On the 17th of March, 1831, Sir E. Mostyn Bart, gave
a handsome Silver Tankard, to be run for by horses bona fide
the property of and rode by Warwickshire Farmers, and to
have been hunted, according to the conditions, with the
Warwickshire hounds before 1830.
Lord Anson and J. Russell, Esq. M. P. Stewards of
the Spring Races, at Warwick, fixed upon the ground. The
course chosen lay between Itchington Holt and High Down,
four miles all grass, with heavy fences.
The race was won by Mr. H. Horley's ch m, ( Owner )
beating Mr. Russell's bl h, ( Owner ) Mr. Kent's bl m,
( Mr. T, Cumines ) Mr. W. Umbers's ch h, Mr. T. Morris's
gr h, and Mr. Gibson's b m.
382 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT.
THE TURF, 1836.
WARWICK SPRING MEETING,
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16, 183G.
STEWARDS— Sir J. MORDAUNT, M. P., and Hon. J. VAUGHAN.
TRIAL STAKES, 10 Sovs. each, Avith 50 Sovs. added.
Mr. Lucas's g c Telltale .. .. (Pa vis) 1
Lord Warwick's be Pelops .. .. 2
Mr. E. Peel'sbrc Morrison . . . . 3
Not placed. — Lord Lichfield's b f by Memnon, Mr. West's Spmce,
Mr. Rawlinson's Reliance, Capt. Lamb's Count D'Orsay, Mr. Bristow's
Dr. Slop, Mr. Mott's b f Rosetta, Mr. E. V. Fox's Caliph, Mr. R. E.
King's b f Zora, Mr. Fowler's br c by Bustard.
Drawn. — Mr. C. Day's Zeno.
A MATCH for 200 Sovereigns.— Two Miles.
Mr. Fowler's b m Coquette . . . . ( G. Whitehousk ) 1
Capt. Lamb's b g Vivian .... 2
TRADESMEN'S CUP, 10 Sovs. each, with 50 Sovs. added.
Mr. E. Tomes's bl f by Belzoni , . . . ( Mr. Roots ) 1
Capt. Lamb's br c Jack . . . . 2
Capt. Lamb's br g Forrester . . . . 3
Declared forfeit, — Mr. H. Robbins's g g brother to The Asps,
Mr. H. Clarke's gm sister to The Flyer, Mr. J. Little's Apostate.
BELZONI STAKES, 10 Sovs. each, with 20gs. added by the Owner
of Belzoni. — Mile Course.
Mr. R. Arnold's f out of Lady Godiva, h. b. . . w. o.
Drawn. — Mr. Beechey's br f out of Dabchick, Mr. Geary's b f out
of Lark, Mr. G. Cowley's b c out of Livonia.
WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. 383
DEBDALE STAKES, 5 Sovs. ea., vvitli a Purse adiied by the Ladies.
Capt. Lamb's Vivian . . . . ( Owner ) 1
Sir J. Mordaunt's Freedom . . . . 2
Drawn. — Mr. J. Little's Apostate, Mr. J. P. Thornhill's Jack, Mr
B. King's br g by Filho.
Declared forfeit. — Hon. Mr. Vauglian's b g by Thornton.
HURDLE RACE, 2 Sovs. each, with a Silver Tanliard given by
Sir E. MOSTYN, for Fanners' Horses.— Six Leaps.
Mr. Wadams's ch g Red Rose , . . . ( Owner ) 1
Mr. H. Robbins's br g York . . . . 2
Mr. S. Tibbitts's ch g by Burgundy . . . . 3
Not Placed. — Mr. J. Hiorn's ch m The Duchess, Mr. York's b m
Frankton.
YEOMANRY PLATE, 50 Sovs., with 10 for the Second Horse.
Mr. Lucas's b g Asps .. .. (Mr. Sabin) 1
Mr. Newman's br g Smallhopes . . . . 2
Not placed. — Mr. W. Stanley's b g Stargazer, Mr. T. Bateman's
c m Kitty Moseley.
Drawn. — Mr. T. Sabin's b m Maria.
FARMERS' PLATE, 50 Sovs., with 10 for the Second Horse.
Mr. Reading's g g by Leviathan . . . . ( Mr. Roots ) 1 1
Mr. R. Bawcutt's br g by Dardenus . . . . 2
Mr. Cockbill's Little Bob . . . . . . 2
Not placed. — Mr. W. Hurlstone's bl g Cricket, Mr. J. Hiorn's br
h Cubbington.
FORCED HANDICAP, 10 Sovs. each.
Capt. Lamb's br c Jack . . . . ( Hardy ) 1
Mr. Jackson's Tristram Shandy . . . . 2
Mr. Collett's b h Claret . . . . 3
Mr. H. Robbins's g g brother to the Asps . . 4
Drawn. — Mr. S. Lucas's g c Telltale, Mr. E. Tomes's bl f by Belzoni,
Capt. Lamb's b g Vivian, Mr. R. Arnold's f out of Lady Godiva, h. b.
Mr. W. BROWN, Veterinary Surgeon, Warwick, C. C.
384 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT.
WARWICK RACES, 1836.
Stewards.— H. GRIMES, Jun., & M. WISE, Esqrs.
TUESDAY, SETT. 6.
The Guy Stakes of 50 Sovs. each.
Mr. I. Day's ch. c. by Velocipede (Pavis) 1
Lord Warwick's b. f. Pelopia 2
Mr. Giffard's br. c. by Fillio da Puta 3
Paid Forfeit. — Mr. Dilly's c. Freeholder, Mr. Dilly's f. Weasel,
Mr. C. Day's ch. f. by Velocipede, Mr. Dilly's c. Wilberforce, Mr.
Giifard's b. c. by Memnon, Mr. Cookes's ch. c. Express, and Mr. W.
Shepherd's f. Frances.
Leamington Stakes of 2b Sovs. each, 100 added. — Two-mile Course.
Capt. Bunney's b. m. Miss Newton. . (Wiiitehouse) 1
Mr. Collins's b. h. Theophilus 2
Mr. B. King's Lucy 3
Not Placed. — Capt. Berkeley's Pa,ris and Mr. WyatL's Fidelio.
Paid Forfeit. — Lord Warwick's Pelops, Mr. J. Day's b, m.
Diana, Mr. Flintoff names Independence, Mr. Herbert's Carnaby, Sir
G. Pigot's Altamont, Mr. H. Grimes's bl. c. Cyrus, Mr. Browning's
Rose, Mr. J. Hill names Weasel, and Mr. Mott's Rosetta.
Forfeit. — Twelve, to pay 5 Sovs. each.
A Sweepstakes of 5 Sovs. each, ivith 50 added.
Mr. Jno. Day's b. c. Venison (J.Day) 2 11
Gen. Yates's ch. c. Sylvan 1 2 2
Drawn. — Mr. Rawlinson's b. m. Reliance, Mr. Greville's b. h.
Taishteer, and Mr. Isaac Day's b. h. Bubastes.
The Warwick St. Leger did not fill.
Yeomanry Plate of 50 Sovs., with 10 to the Second Horse.
Mr. Newman's br. g. Smallhopes (Owner) 1
Mr. Holloway's b. g. St. Peter 2
Mr. T. Bateman's b. ni. Pandora 3
Drawn. — Mr. Lucas's b. g. Asps.
WEDNESDAY', SEPT. 7.
A Sweepstakes of 25 Sovs. each.
Mr. Bristow's b. c. Obadiah (Chaptle) 1
Mr. T. Walters's b. c. The Prime Warden 2
Mr. Rawlinson's b. c. by Fungus 3
Drawn. — Mr. Richardson's br. c. Protection, and Mr. E. Peel's
b. c. Canwell.
WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. 385
The Warwick Cup, in Specie. — Four-mile Course.
Mr. Peel's ch. h. Tanworlh (Spring) 1
Lord Aylesford's b. m. Languid 2
Drawn. — Sir J. Mordauut's b. m. Diana, Mr. West's gr. c. Tell-
tale, Lord Exeter's gr. c. Luck's All, Mr. H. Grimes's ch. g. Noodle,
and Mr. Sheldon's ch. h. Uncle Toby.
Borough Members' Plate of 50 Sons.
Gen. Yates's b. f. Mersey (Wiiitehouse) 1 1
Sir C. Greville's g. g. Rival 2 2
Capt. Lamb's b. c. Count D'Orsay 4 3
Mr. T. Walters's br. c. King Cole 3 4
THURSDAY, SEPT. 8.
The Stand Stakes of 15 Sovs. each, ivith 30 added, 10 ft.
Mr. Tomos's Random (Chapple) 1
Mr. Lucas's g. c. Telltale 2
Mr. B. King's b. m. Lucy 3
Drawn. — Sir C. Greville's g. g. Rival.
Forfeit. — Three, to pay 5 Sovs. each.
The King's Plate of 100 Guineas.
Mr. Jno. Day's b. c. Venison (J. Day) 1 1
Mr. Greville's b. h. Taishtecr 2 dr
Mr. Isaac Day's b. h. Bubastes 3 dr
Mr. Tomes's b. h. Thcophilus 4 dr
Drawn. — Mr. Peel's ch. h. Tanworth.
The Town Plate of £50.
Mr. Greville's b. h. Taishteer (Nat) 1 1
Mr. L Day's b. h. Bubastes 4 2
Mr. Jno. Day's b. c. Foozool 2 3
Mr. Tomes's b. h. Theophilus 3 dr
Hunters' Sweepstakes of 10 Sovs. each.
Mr. Newman's br. g. Smallhopes . . (Molyneux) 1 1
Ml-. Fowler names b. g. Saint Peter 2 dr
Drawn. — Mr. Shirley names b. m. Pandora, Mr. Leigh names b. g.
by Sir Gray, and Mr. M. Wise's b. g. Asps.
Mr. W. BROWN, Veterinary Surgeon, C. C.
386 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT.
COVENTRY RACES, 1836.
Wednesday, March 9.
Craven Trial StaA-es, 10 Sovs. each, with 50 Sovs. added.
Mr. Lucas's Telltale 1
Capt. Lamb's Count D'Orsay 2
Mr. King's Zora 3
Mr. Bunney's b. f. by Longwaist 4
Mr. Little names Miss Caroline â– >
Handicap, 10 Sovs. each, with .30 added.
Capt. Bunney's b. f. by Longwaist 1
Mr. Gladwcll's Whimsical 2
Mr. Little's Slang 3
Mr. Farmer's Timothy 4
Mr. Micklam's Music 5
City Stakes of 5 Sovs. each, with 20 yiven hy the Corporation.
flapt. Lamb's Jack 1
IMr. Baring's Lofty 2
Capt. Bunney's Donnington 3
Silver Cup, with 10 Sovs. to the Second Horse.
riRST CL\SS.
Mr. Collett's Claret 1 1
Mr. Cheadle's Chance 2
Mr. Barber's Antelope 3
Mr. Kemp's Truant 4
Mr. Carter's Bounce 5
SECOND CLASS.
Mr. Farmer's Nothing-at-all 1 2
Mr. Packwood's Little John 2
Mr. Burton's Moggy 3
Mr. Mantle's Miss Print 4
THIRD CLASS.
Mr. Griffin's Dimity 1
Mr. Gavins's Roiilette 2
Mr. Smith's Freedom 3
Hurdle Race, 5 Sovs. each, with '20 Sovs. added.
Mr. Little names Apostate 1
Mr. Williams's Wandering Boy 2
Mr. Wyatt names Shakspeare 3
Mr. J. Morris's Peeper 4
Handicap of 5 Sovs. each.
Mr. Farmer's Timothy 1 1
Mr. Little's Slang 4 '2
Mr. Fowler's Little John 3 3
Mr. Drcge's Wandering Boy 2 4
WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. 387
BIRMINGHAM AND SOLIHULL SPRING RACES,
Wednesday, April 20, 1836.
Birmingham Stakes of 5 Sovs. each, with 30 added.
Mr. Farmer's b. g. Bilbury 1 1
Mr. Godwin's b. g. Pliarold 2 b
Mr. Fowler's br. m. Coquette 5 2
Mr. Edwards's b. f. Maria 3 3
Mr. Richardson's br. g. Obadiah 4 4
Match for £50.
Mr. Taylor's b. m. Lady Jane 1
Mr. Mottram's cli. m 2
Hurdle Stakes of 5 Sovs. each, with 30 added.
Mr. Fowlei's br. m. Coquette 1
Mr. Brown's b. m. Pandora 2
Mr. Wadams's ch. g. Red Rose 3
Mr. Godwin's b. g. Pharold 4
Not Placed. — Mr. Walker's Paganini, Mr. F. Wallis's Tom Leed-
ham, Mr. Barber's Antelope, and Mr. Vyner's Risque.
Solihull Stakes of 3 Sovs. each, with a Purse added.
Mr. Stovin's b. g. Sir Peter 6 1 1
Mr. Newman's br. g. Smallhopes I 2 2
Mr. Brown's b. m. Harriet 3 3
Mr. Bindley's b. g. Fugleman 4
Mr. Friend's br. m. Jewess 2
Mr. Taylor's br. m. Lady Jane
BIRMINGHAM AND SOLIHULL AUTUMN RACES,
Monday, August 22, 1836.
Trial Slakes of 10 Sovs. each, with 30 Sovs. added.
Mr. Barton's ch. f. Sister to Presto 1
Mr. Leedham's b. f. Young Phantom 2
Whip Stakes of 5 Sovs. each, with 30 added.
Mr. Ongley's Donnington walked over.
Match of 25 Sovs. each.
Mr. Andrmi's g. m. Matilda 1
Mr. Taylor's br. m. Pet 2
The Publicans' Purse of 5 Sovs, each, with 20 added, was won by
Fearnhurst, beating Little John and Cyclops.
Tuesday, August 23.
The Solihull Stakes of 3 Sovs. each, with 10 added, was won by
Mr. Friend's Jewess, beating Tom Leedliam and Caliban.
Match for £50. — Deceiver agst. Blue Ruin — won by the former.
A Sweepstakes of 3 Sovs. each, with 10 added, was won by Mr.
Lea's Atalanta, beating Mr. Audrun's Matilda, Mr. Taylor's Pet, and
Mr. Reynolds's Deceiver.
388 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT.
SHOOTIJVG .4A^D TRALNLNG.
SHOOTING MAXIMS AND DIRECTIONS.
AN AGED sportsman's ADVICE TO HIS SON.
' Punctatorque canis volucres quo quaerere possis.' — vin.
As to the question — ' Which is better,
(My Son,) the Pointer or the Setter ?'
'Tis but a taste, both understood
As equal in ancestral blood ;
And these the virtues in the sire
I, an Old Sportsman, most admire.
Light be his form, his muscle strong,
Else shortest day may prove too long ;
Fleet, with an instinct that demands
The wind on entering stubble lands.
Lest Ponto, running down the wind,
Should leave un found the birds behind.
Or they too soon alarmed should spring
Far beyond gun shot reach on wing.
Blest too the man that can discern
How near the game by Ponto's stern.
With nose exact and keen to mark
The scent of partridge from the lark ;
Eager, not jealous in pursuit.
Cautious, and slow, when game's afoot.
Steady to stand when birds are found.
Willing to back o'er widest ground,
With courage that can bear correction.
When words have proved too weak objection.
Such sire and mother both should be
To give a worth to progeny.
WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. 389
From such a breed select the male,
Lest lady services should fail.
And the September season prove
How inconvenient female love.
Breed more than you may well require.
Lest the distemper, ravage dire.
With sad malignity destroy
The kennel treasures of my boy.
And leave him in September dress
Rich in his game but pointer-less.
Now learn when fii*st you should begin
And how to break your pointers in.
In March when marriage contracts Ijind
In annual links the feathered kind.
And partridge chaperon mothers stand
With daughters introduced on hand.
Just so you see the loveliest faces
Inviting marriage at the races,
Each hoping her's may soon be won
By some endowed and elder son ;
In March, on wedding schemes intent.
Birds may be neared, and strong the scent ;
In March then let your puppies know
The various myst'ries of ' To, Ho !'
Trained kindly, and (observe) by hand
To back — go on — lie down, or stand ;
To drop the instant gun is shot.
Nor move five inches from the spot
Till told, if honour' d with a call.
To fetch the stricken birds that fall.
Nor think your breaking duties o'er
Till you've observ'd one covmsel more.
Your's be in August to explain
These useful lessons once again,
c c
390 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT.
And harden Ponto's flesh and feet.
And make his power of wind compleat.
By ten-mile gallops on the road
Of turnpike nearest your abode.
Next choose your gun, each barrel stout.
With bore that will not spread about ;
A stock well turned, and poised to rise
On easy level with your eyes ;
Two ramrods, lest a fractured one
Should render vain the finest gun.
Of ivhalebone, lest employed to]|thwack
A dog, or poke a ditch, they crack.
Use Southweirs caps, they never fly
Or hurl destruction at your eye
If bought of Brasher or of Bix,
(Men true in trade and politics.)
Wadding of card or felt prepare.
With hole to free th' imprisoned air,
Yovs powder-flask in form should be
From possible explosion free.
Your shot-belt made at touch of spring
To pour a charge that's just the'thing.
Keep your gun clean from dirt or rust.
With inside scraped from leaden crust.
Lest shot be hindered in its flight.
And birds escape uninjur'd by't.
September come, don't rise too soon.
Nor linger to the hour of noon.
At dawn the game is wild, mid-day
The scent's completely scorch'd away.
And birds are basking in the sun.
In haunts where pointers seldom run.
Be call'd at six, then, start at seven,
Rest and eat luncheon at eleven —
WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. 391
Seated beneath some spreading oak.
With sandwich, wine, cold tea, and joke.
And Ponto (pat him as he lies,)
Reposing with uneasy eyes.
And lackies, envious till they share
The lux'ries of their master's fare.
At three you'll find your sport the best —
Dinner at si x — you know the rest.
In easy camlet jacket clad,
(The lightest and the best, my lad,)
Trowsers of fustian, gaiters ditt ;
Shoes not too strong nor tight in fit.
Methinks I see your early start,
Methinks I hear your throbbing heart.
As, whistling after breakfast meal
Ponto and Carlo to your heel,
You stalk away in youthful pride
To seek the manor's distant side.
' Tis reach'd — your cob with bridle thrown
Over his neck is left alone.
Or ridden by a boy that came
To mark and carry home the game.
Instructed when the birds are flying
To keep them in his constant eyeing.
Till outstretch'd wings to fluttering changing.
Prove they have reach'd their utmost ranging.
Ere ent'ring fields (up-wind) agree
Which your companion's side shall be.
And never shoot, (so honour cries,)
Bird that across his pathway flies.
Be tranquil now, your March employ
Suits not September's calm, my boy ;
This is no month for pointer breaking.
Or noise, or furious angry speaking ;
o c 2
392 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT.
A"whistle, if you choose, scarce heard.
Resemblance of a calling bird.
No whip, no rating, no halloo —
Ponto has nerves as well as you ;
Forgive small faults, lest temper cross'd.
His spirit, and yovir sport be lost.
But let not Ponto, I implore you.
Go through a gate or gap before you.
Lest birds too soon alarmed should fly.
And to some distant hedges hie.
Nor only fly unshot I ween.
But oftentimes, alas ! unseen.
Nor move too fast, give time to find.
Or coveys will be left behind.
Where's Ponto ? see him yonder stand
Like marble on the hedgerow land,
With'Carlow backing staunch and true !
How fine,'\how beautifurthe'viewj
Breathe a ' To-ho !' in_voice^ subdued.
Then mark their ^noble attitude.
The frame^with leg inslight^advance.
The stiffened stern, the'starting glance,
O ! pause^one"moment to" survey
This glory __of the"'sporting day ;
Then make a'circuit'to 'enclose
The game_.'twixt you and^Ponto's nose j
And cock not, ^or 'tis dang'rous' thing.
Your gun till game is on the wing.
And when a bird has dropp'd^ beware
Lest Pot not sport appear your care.
If Ponto, ere he hears the word.
To go and fetch the stricken bird
Sees you advance without recharging.
He's ruin'd — without more enlarging.
WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. 393
All ! no, reload while Ponto stands
Watching each motion of your hands.
Then seek your game, or, if preferr'd.
Bid happy Ponto bring the bird.
This rule neglected, Ponto soon
Will rush, as influenc'd by the moon,
When gun is fired and bird is shot.
Shewing that policy is not
So bad as that of present pot ;
Better lose birds, and hares, and rabbits.
Than teach your pointer vicious habits.
Now mark my prayer with my command.
When yon have got your gun in hand.
And first relieve me from alarm
By loading with extended arm.
Fixing the copper coverings last.
When the fourth wadding has been passed.
And guarding well with anxious sight
Lest casual blow the caps ignite.
Point your gun upwards to the sky.
Or to the earth when friends are by,
If only to relieve their fears
Of shot sent rattling rovmd their ears.
And never or in jest or quarrel
Point to your friend or self the barrel.
Oh ! no, not e'en th' unloaded gun,
Lest children in their thoughtless fun
Learn the sad lesson, and in play
Some belov'd friend or brother slay.
Ere struggling thro' the thorny gaps.