1870-71] Frank Beers' Diaries. 121 



'' We found another fox in Knightley Wood, and ran 

 to Seawell, leaving Lichborough on the right, and to 

 Grimscote Village, and from Foxley away to Lichborough, 

 pointing for Stowe ; stopped the hounds ; a very hard 

 day. I rode Cheerful and Ensign. 18 couples of bitches 

 and three couples of dogs. 



" March 3rd.— Bradden. His Royal Highness the 

 Prince of Wales out. Found a fox in Kingthorn Wood. 

 Hounds ran sharply across Bradden Fields, over the 

 brook to Blakesley, where w^e lost him. Drew Plumpton, 

 Gomeral's Holt, Allithorn, Weedon Bushes, Bradden 

 Spinneys, blank. Found in Grub's Coppice, ran fast 

 to Cold Higham, Seawell Wood to Blakesley ; lost him. 

 One of the hottest days I ever remember for the time of 

 year. I rode Cheerful and Brocklesby. 18 couples bitches. 



"March 17th. — Wappenham. Found at Brackley 

 Gorse. ran fast to Cold Ready and back. Foxes were 

 vixens, and would not leave the covert. Found again at 

 Whitfield, away at a rattling pace, leaving Westbury on 

 the left, and on to Newton Purcell, through Tingewick 

 Woods, to Lenborough, nearly to Padbury ; then back 

 to the right pointing for Claydon, leaving Hillesden on 

 the left, and w^e stopped the hounds with great difficulty, 

 running hard towards Gawcott, at 7.30. This was a 

 fine run, and hounds ran remarkably stout. I rode Cheer- 

 ful and Brocklesby. 16 couples of dogs. Did not get 

 home until 9.30. 



'' April 5th. Sootfield Green. Found in Leckhamp- 

 stead Wood. Ran a ring very fast by Wicken, round 

 Foxcote Village and Wood, and killed the fox on Mr. 

 Shadrach Tompkins's farm at Leckhampstead. Found 

 again at Maidsmoreton ; ran fast to Wicken, down the 

 meadow, and killed. I rode Brocklesby and the Quinton 

 horse. 



