328 THE ESSEX FOXHOUNDS. 



hounds, the kennels being at Oakhurst. In 1871, how- 

 ever, the master began hunting them himself, and moved 

 the kennels to Westlands. He had wonderful hands, 

 and a great control over his field. For secretary he 

 had Mr. Vickerman, who lived at that quaint old place, 

 Thoby Priory. He was a great man for horse-breeding, 

 and had several good ones. John Collar, who, during the 

 continuance of the Belhus sales, used to show the horses, 

 was whip. 



Phil Barker kept the hounds and some of the deer, 

 while Mr. James Christy kept the remainder. 



Amongst the followers were Mr. James Christy, whose 

 father always entertained the hunt several times during the 

 season ; Mr. Collison Hall, Mr. Usborne (now M.P. for 

 Chelmsford), who always had a good horse, though he 

 was particular enough about buying one ; Mr. Marriage, 

 Mr. Page Wood (from the East Essex) ; his brother. 

 Colonel Wood (now Sir Evelyn Wood) ; Mr. John Tabor, 

 .Sir Charles Cunliffe Smith, General Mark Wood, and 

 Mr. Edmund Courage, of Shenfield. Sir Thomas Len- 

 nard came out sometimes ; but he had a pack of drag- 

 hounds of his own, and lived right away at Belhus. 



Amongst those who hunted with the Petres were two 

 men whose literary tastes drew them together. These were 



