252 CLEVELAND BAYS. 



years ago, but the trade with continental nations 

 is nothing compared to that which has sprung up 

 in recent years with America, North and South. 

 Amongst the pioneers of the American trade are 

 Mr. John Lett, Mr. John Kirby, and Messrs. 

 Stericker on this side the water, whilst on the 

 other Mr. G. E. Brown, Mr. Jesse Harris, and 

 Capt. Jordan have from time to time been 

 amongst the largest importers, and indeed Mr, 

 Brown was the first man who introduced Cleve- 

 land Bays into America on a large scale. 



Mr. Lett, who is a native of Worcestershire, 

 came to Scampston with his father in 1863. 

 Before he came into Yorkshire he used to run a 

 few greyhounds, and had a smartish performer or 

 two, but on changing his place of abode he gave 

 up coursing and took to hunting, and has been 

 for several years a prominent man over the wolds 

 and the low country of Lord Middleton's and the 

 neighbouring hunts. 



His first show horse was Life Guard, a big 

 good-looking horse, with plenty of pace and an 

 extraordinarily fine jumper. He bought this horse 

 at Beverley fair, together with Topthorn for .£34 

 each, and well they did both for him and their 

 subsequent owners. 



Life Guard won a few prizes and distinguished 

 himself in the hunting field, and was sold to Mr. 

 Harry Darley for £200, then considered a very 

 big price. Mr. Darley rode him until failing 



