114 THE WARWICKSHIEE HUNT. [1884 



Vale of Warwickshire, only four ploughed fields having 

 been crossed, and only two small coverts run through. 

 The pack did theii* work throughout almost without 

 assistance, thus showing to the utmost advantage their 

 speed and hunting powers and splendid condition. Only 

 two couples, of hounds were absent at the finish, and the 

 pace throughout was so sustained that, not including the 

 check of a quarter of an hour, the entire distance was 

 traversed at the rate of nearly twelve and a half miles an 

 hour. Taking these facts into consideration, it is not too 

 much to say that this was the finest run ever seen in 

 Warwickshire, if not in any otlier country. 



THE RUN FROM POOL FIELDS OSIERS. 

 February 4th, 1884 



Farms unlet, and prices low 



Proclaim a doleful story 

 Of the laud unfairly rated, 



And of its waning glory. 

 This year the flocks diseased, 



No wool nor price shall yield ; 

 On Knightcote farm thrice iifty beasts 



Lie 'neath a single field. 



From Wolford Wood to Rugby, 



All through that splendid vale. 

 No shepherd's seen to head the fox. 



Nor cow to send for sale. 

 And when for seven seasons 



The constant rains were sent. 

 There came a time of golden prime 



For sjjort, to heart's content. 



Best of these seven seasons 



Was eighteen-eighty-four ; 

 And better the run from Pool Fields, 



Than any seen of yore. 

 This year, you may remember, 



All others doth outshine ; 

 When at dinner,* after hunting, 



Yo\i drink its splendid wine. 



* The superstition of thirteen at dinner. Dr. Kitchener said he could never see 

 anything unhicky in it, except there happened to be only dinner enough for twelve. — 

 H. C. X. 



