SS A Blank Cheque." 91 



fox terriers in 1893, Hunton Justice was knocked down to 

 Mr. Stephens for 84.7. He made himself a limit of 2ooo/. to 

 set up this high-class kennel, and when he now totted down 

 the cost of his purchases they came to a few pounds under 

 i8oo/. He told us himself that the first week he adver- 

 tised his stud dogs he received 4O/. in fees." This amount 

 is not to be doubted when it is stated that the fee for Vice 

 Regal is 10 guineas, and that for Stipendiary 5 guineas! 

 With regard to the purchase of Vice Regal, it may be 

 interesting to note that it was made under very unusual 

 circumstances. Mr. Vicary did not care to part with his 

 dog, but Mr. Stephens meant business, and ultimately 

 forwarded a blank cheque, with a request that Mr. Vicary 

 would fill in the sum he thought the dog was worth, 

 which amount would be duly met, and no questions asked. 

 Mr. Vicary made the cheque 5OO/., which was to include 

 payment for a bitch already purchased for 3O/. Thus 

 4yo/. was the sum given for Vice Regal, and this is the 

 largest amount ever paid for a terrier of any description, 

 and not a bad sum either. 



Since that time Mr. Stephens says he has had no reason 

 to regret, even from the purely pecuniary point of view, 

 the big investment he made in fox terriers. It has brought 

 him a reputation as an exhibitor, has introduced him as a 

 judge, and generally provided him with a popularity which 

 can scarcely be called dear at the money. So far as the 

 product of these good terriers is concerned, the success 

 has not proved so great as it might have been, though per- 

 haps another year or so ought to be allowed to elapse before 

 a decision, adverse or otherwise, can be reached. But it is 

 not given to any man to breed a Derby winner at will, or 

 a fox terrier champion whenever he wishes to do so. 



