3l8 THE ESSEX FOXHOUNDS. 



in drawings, in verses and on the stage, and gained the 

 distinction of furnishing the subject of a poem to Tom 

 Hood, when he lived at Wanstead (1832-35). He de- 

 scribes the deer cart as — 



" In shape like half a hearse, though not 

 For corpses in the least, 

 For this contains the deer alive, 

 And not the dear deceased." 



Returning to the last century, w.e find sporting poets 

 singing the praises of the staghounds. The following 

 extract from verses quoted by Mr. Harting in the " Essex 

 Naturalist," out of a scarce little book entided " The 

 Sportsman's Vocal Cabinet," will serve as a specimen : — 



" Squire Laughton' was there, with his excellent pack, 

 Tilney Long,^ too, that baronet bold ; 

 The Marquis of Lome, with his suite at his back. 

 In green livery, bedizened with gold. 



" And these were well furnished with horns of the best, 

 That the skilful ere took into hand ; 

 So kind was my lord that, to pleasure each guest. 

 He provided this musical band. 



" Will Dean was our huntsman, at Epping well known 

 For riding his hunter with grace, 

 For having a voice of stentorian tone. 



And for breeding good hounds for the chase." 



' He was associated with Admiral Sir Eliab Harvey, of Chigwell, and others 

 in the support of the pack, 

 ' He died in 1794. 



