BILSDALE AND SINNINGTOX. 129 



years, and we greatly question if there are half-a- 

 dozen written copies of it in existence. In all 

 probability two runs have got mixed up together, 

 and one bard after another has added a line here 

 and there, no uncommon occurrence with old 

 hunting songs. That some such run or runs did 

 take place there can be no doubt. Leonard 

 Heseltine was the Hambleton trainer, and was a 

 leading man with the Bilsdale, 



BILSDALE FOXHOUNDS' STAG-HUNT, 1821. 



In the year eighteen hundred and twenty-one, 



Bilsdale foxhounds to Boltby a fox-hunting did come ; 



For having set down more sportsmen to meet 



On the 10th day of April, it was a fine seet.''' 



Our sportsmen having met from both far and near. 



The day of our chase you quickly shall hear ; 



Uncoupling the hounds, into cover they went 



To try for bold Renny, but couldn't find his scent. 



The huntsman he tried right over Stirk Hill, 



Through Birkbank cover he tried all his skill ; 



Then through the Shut plantings to Gutta Wood did tak, f 



Unto the Sand Earths where they were called back ; 



Then to Cowesby Wood next and tried for him there, 



But finding no scent, they shirk'd ofl' a hare ; 



Then down Yackley Bank away they did ride, 



And Butcher Mill Intake for Pienny they tried. 



Next unto Upsall whins they then took their way. 



And tried for to find some old Reuny there. 



Now through the New Building Woods they did range, 



And finding no scent they thought it very strange ; 



So most of our sportsmen did then give it o'er, 



For they thought it was no use to try any more. 



To the Mount of St. John then the rest took their way, 



Bound for the White Mare, thinking Renny must be there ; 



^ Sight. f Take. 



K 



