1835] TOM LEEDHAM'S LAST SEASON. 127 



country, but the gallant pack forced him through these stately plantations, and he 

 again took the open and bore away for the town of Cheadle, and was finally 

 killed, after a run of an hour and thirtj^-five minutes, in a garden close to the 

 town, the distance from point to point being not less than ten miles, and making 

 angles from four to five miles. It was certainly as fine a day's sport as ever was 

 seen, and, considering the heavy state of the country, and that in many parts of 

 this superb run the hounds had great difficulties to contend with (having very 

 strong coverts to run through), it proves that this most excellent pack are not to 

 be surpassed even by the Old Meynell's of Quom. The field at last only con- 

 sisted of twelve real good ones ; amongst them Capt. Meynell, on his brother's 

 horse Clasher, who went well all through the run. 



These hounds have not had altogether what may be termed a good season ; 

 but this day's sport, and a former day from Sudbmy equally good, make a season 

 of themselves. 



A True Fox-Hunter. 



Uttoxeter, April lOth, 1835. 



Another account of this capital run also appears in the 

 Derby Mercury and in BelVs Life, probably by the same 

 pen. 



The run on the following Friday was equally brilliant, but differing in the 

 character of the country over which it was coursed. The meeting was at 

 Wolsely Bridge, and at the usual hour the hounds commenced trying the gi'ounds 

 about Shugborough, from whence they went to Cannock Chace, and a scent was 

 hit upon which, although the fox appeared to have been disturbed some long 

 time before, yet afforded considerable sport, but eventually was lost in the 

 direction of Teddesley. The hour being early it was determined to try for a 

 fresh fox, and after ranging over the wild heath of Cannock Chace, with all 

 descriptions of game rising up from under the horses' feet, which served as a 

 pleasing contrast to the enclosed country we passed over on Monday, we were 

 suddenly delighted by the eager appearance of the hounds, which evidently were 

 near to their game, and in a few seconds they darted forward with a burning 

 scent, on a part of the Chace called Brindsley Heath, as if for the grounds about 

 Teddesley Park. The chace was continued without a check for fifty minutes at 

 a most rapid pace ; many miles were run over the Heath to Hednesford, but at 

 length the enclosures were approached, and passed in the same straight line, at 

 the same rapid pace as before. Passing by Norton, and proceeding onwards 

 towards Walsall, the fox crossed the Canal, and was killed in gallant style, in 

 full view of the sportsmen, after an hour and twenty minutes ; thus closing a 

 most brilliant day's sport. The distance ran is supposed to be from thirteen to 

 fourteen miles. 



From BelVs Life. The same account also appears in 

 the Derby Mercury. 



So ended old Tom Leedham's last season as huntsman. 

 That he understood his business and showed sport can be 

 readily gathered from the accounts of it, meagre though 

 they be, which have appeared in the previous pages. 



