LORD HOWTH 181 



mentioning the matter to me in any way. I was lucky 

 enough to win the Chesterfield Cup at Goodwood with 

 her, after which she soon changed hands, which was even 

 more fortunate, as it was, I believe, her sole victory. 



Lord Howth was not one of those who want to see 

 their horses run every day ; nor did he wish to see their 

 names amongst the list of winners unless he had backed 

 them. He would abide his opportunities, even if he had 

 to wait years for them ; and when they did come, he 

 seldom made a mistake. In short, he was a model of 

 sagacity in turf matters. He usually stood in ' a pony ' 

 with me on anything I backed of my own for a handicap ; 

 but as a rule he preferred it should be on one of the long 

 races at Newmarket or Goodwood. 



His son-in-law, Sir Charles Domville, lived at Boveridge 

 House, near Cranbourne, Dorset, which he rented, with 

 the shooting, from Mr. Brounker. Sir Charles was fond 

 of hawking, and often would make use of my downs at 

 Woodyates for the enjoyment of the sport. It is a sport 

 that always, at least, looked dangerous work, because to 

 follow it you have to ride fast whilst intently watching 

 the hawk and his quarry in the air. Yet I never heard 

 of any serious accident from it. On one occasion Lord 

 Howth came to Woodyates on his way to visit Sir Charles 

 and Lady Domville, his daughter. After looking at the 

 horses, and having a long chat, he invited me to shoot 

 with him next day, which I did. I must confess that I 

 was at first struck with his lordship's 'get-up.' He was 

 dressed in a light suit of clothes, and trousers that came 

 no lower than his knees, leaving his legs bare to his 

 boots, into which his socks, if he had any on, must have 

 disappeared. I never saw the like of the dress before or 

 after ; yet I am not sure that it is not a good one for its 

 special purpose. For in walking after rain or heavy dew 



