124 CENTURY OF ENGLISH FOX-HUNTING 



the principle of " last, but not least." To the 

 majority of my readers he is known as the author 

 of "The Epwell Run," two quotations from which 

 I will give. The first refers to Sir Grey Skipwith : — 



" Sticking close to the hounds observe steady Sir Grey, 

 Riding equally hard in a quieter way, 

 Sufficiently forward, yet still keeping bounds, 

 His wish to ride after, not over the hounds." 



The last line has often been quoted as a warning 

 to thrusting scoundrels. The second quotation refers 

 to Mr. Stubbs:— 



" With hat in his hand, looking out for a gate. 

 Neither looking nor riding by any means straight ; 

 Mr. Stubbs, a crack rider no doubt in his time. 

 But who hunting on Sunday once deemed it no crime ; 

 Making desperate play through some fine muddy lanes. 

 And by nicking and skirting got in for his pains ; 

 High waving the brush, with pleasure half mad. 

 Roaring out, 'Yoicks! have at 'em! We've killed 'im, 

 my lad!'" 



Lord Middleton made an exception of Mr. Goul- 

 burn, for, as a rule, he detested sporting writers, 

 more especially hunting reporters, and owing to this 

 dislike he abolished the club at Stratford. It must 

 be remembered that during his Mastership the 

 modern system of hunting reporting was introduced 

 by Mr. Apperley (Nimrod), and at first the system 

 was unpopular with Masters of Hounds, who objected 

 to the details of their kennel and stable management 

 being made public property. Now the reason for 

 the objection does not exist, since the management 



