102 IkinQS of tbe 1buntina*3Fiel6 



From that time he gradually grew worse, but the 

 ruling passion was still strong in him, and there is 

 something to me singularly pathetic in this picture of 

 the great sportsman's last ride, as given by Sir John 

 Eardley Wilmot. 



' During this autumn, 1857, his neighbour and friend, 

 Colonel Douglas Pennant, two or three times sent his 

 pack of beagles for Mr Smith's amusement. Even the 

 sight of them turning into the gate appeared to give him 

 new life. On one occasion he had been very ill all the 

 morning, and was threatened with one of his fainting 

 attacks ; nevertheless brandy, ether, and other stimulants 

 revived him. About an hour afterwards the hounds 

 arrived, and much to the astonishment and dismay of 

 all about him, he crawled with the help of his valet and 

 butler to the hall-door, and was soon in the saddle. 

 Once there, he immediately looked ten years younger. 

 Observing a horse belonging to Colonel Pennant which 

 he fancied, he dismounted from his own, and, though 

 told the other was rather restive, he determined to 

 mount it and follow the hounds. His groom had strict 

 orders to keep very close to him, with a vial of brandy 

 in his pocket. Some anxious friends followed on foot, 

 and from a piece of high ground watched his movements. 

 They were soon terrified by seeing him thrown off. He 

 was not hurt, and wished to continue the chase, saying 

 " it was curious how he had lost his gripe on a horse," 

 which he always said was the secret of his riding ; but at 

 last was persuaded to return home in the carriage.' 



His life was prolonged for some months after this, 

 mainly by the lavish administration of stimulants, but 

 his sufferings were great, and his dearest friends felt 

 that it was a merciful release when at last death took 



