SIR THOMAS BOUGHEY 183 



which was on a sandstone rock. In the hope of effectmg 

 a remedy the floors were taken up to introduce a layer 

 of cinders, but as may be conjectured without pro- 

 ducing any good results. The hounds were then re- 

 moved to another place ; there the same cause existed, 

 and no benefit was derived from the change. 



Mr. Walter Gifford had kept harriers some years 

 previously, and as a sportsman was gifted with first- 

 rate qualifications. His style of riding over a country 

 was quiet and very workman-like. He had a little bay 

 horse remarkably clever at all kinds of intricate fences, 

 particularly at standing leaps; and the way in which 

 he crept over the country, appearing to be going no 

 pace and yet always in a good place, was quite re- 

 markable. After keeping the hounds five seasons, 

 during which time he showed a vast deal of sport for 

 the country, in 1837 his brother-in-law. Sir Thomas 

 Boughey, took the management without any subscrip- 

 tion. On removing the hounds to fresh kennels at 

 Aqualate the lameness, with a few exceptions of in- 

 veterate, old-established cases, disappeared — a con- 

 vincing proof of the cause. 



Sir Thomas performed the duties of huntsman him- 

 self, having a very clever man, William Wells, to pre- 

 side in the kennel. However zealous he was in the 

 cause, the baronet was not successful in the field. The 

 hounds were in good condition, the horses unexcep- 

 tionable, and Sir Thomas rode well over the country ; 

 but public opinion did not resound in his praise as a 

 huntsman ; he did not appear to be acquainted with 

 the run of the foxes, and when his hounds came to a 

 check with a bad scent, did not avail himself of the 

 most likely points to hit upon the line. 



The baronet only kept them three seasons, when Mr. 

 Thomas Holyoake was called upon to undertake the 

 responsible duties of master, with a committee, who 

 exonerated him from all liabilities in the expenditure. 

 The Summer-house, halfway between Wolverhampton 

 and Shiffnal, was selected as the site of the kennels, 



