236 THE ESSEX FOXHOUNDS. 



" From every point an excellent view could be 

 obtained of the races throughout, and the scene from 

 the stewards' tent was a most exhilarating- one. Owing-, 

 however, to the fall of rain on Monday night, the 

 going was terribly heavy, the meadows being in such a 

 spongy state that the horses sank at each stride almost 

 up to their fetlocks. Especially was this the case up 

 the ascent to the height on the Harlow side, the awk- 

 ward fence on the brow being an obstacle which sorely 

 tested the stamina of the animals after the strain to 

 breast the rise. 



" Although several mishaps took place, no injury 

 occurred to either riders or horses to mar the pleasure of 

 this most successful inaugural meeting. The stewards 

 were Mr. L. Arkwright, Major-General Wood, Lieutenant- 

 Colonel Howard, Mr. Hervey Foster, and Mr. P. Nickalls, 

 who were all upon the ground and exerting themselves to 

 the utmost to secure a successful issue, the General espe- 

 cially distinguishing himself as the Admiral Rous of 

 the meeting, whose decision was accepted as readily as 

 his advice was sought upon any moot point. Mr. R. 

 Wood efficiently discharged the duties of hon. secretary ; 

 Mr. J. Scruby gave general satisfaction as judge ; and 

 Lieutenant-Colonel Howard was all that could be desired 

 as starter. 



