WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. 373 



SUPPLEMENTARY PIECES, 



THE CHASE. 



A FINE RUN WITH MR. DRAKE S HOUNDS. 

 BY A DRAKESMAN. 



On Saturday last, we had nearly all the Warwickshire 

 men out with us at Priors Hardwick, when we drew Shuck- 

 burgh, and after hanging about the hill for some time, went 

 away with a gallant fox in glorious style, and at the best 

 pace, as if for Priors Marston, which however he left on 

 the right, turning round Catesby, through the park — then 

 being headed as he was attempting to take a line to the 

 right, he pointed back as if for Shuckburgh. But the 

 hounds would not have it, and he then made a bend to the 

 right, crossing the Southam road below Staverton Hill, 

 away with his head for Flecknoe, which he passed on his 

 left, twice (alas ! for some,) across the brook to Braunston 

 village, where he fell, nobly for his fame, after an excellent 

 run of 55 minutes. The accidents, * by flood and field,' on 

 this day were numerous, and not much to be wondered at, 

 for in the experience of the oldest sportsmen, there has 

 seldom been stiiFer fencing, and seldom men more athirst 

 for glory. Of seven that took one part of the brook, near to 

 Flecknoe, I saw six floundei'ing in the water at once. Sir 

 Henry only clearing it, the bank giving way to every horse 

 that jumped at all short. In Shuckburgh Park, I saw Mr. 

 Thornhill do what I confess perfectly astonished me — 

 ' Catch my horse,' said he, as if certain of a fall — then 

 dash he went at a very high paling, about the height of the 

 room I am writing in, and to my astonishment got over it 

 without being imhorsed, though with a marvellous crash of 



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