XX IT\^TRODUCTION 



combine with this exceptional sporting training ; but, thanks to the 

 paternal instructions, he also acquired a wealth of classical luggage 

 which came forth in his subsequent writings to such a conspicuous 

 extent that another sporting genius, of a livelier vein than even the 

 sportive " Nimrod," was impelled to turn these antique proclivities 

 on his part to playful satire, and irreverently christened his somewhat 

 overloaded but practical rival — "the great Pomponius Ego!" 

 There is, an exacting critic might object, a lavish redundancy of 

 classic quotations over-weighing Nimrod's lucubrations, otherwise 

 completely lively, workmanlike, and apposite, with the sporting 

 zest amounting to genius in the felicity of its practical application. 

 This is a characteristically favourite quotation of Apperley's : — ■ 



" Without a genius, learning soars in vain, 

 And, without learning, genius sinks again ; 

 Their force united crowns the sprightly reigu." 



It was in " the Shires " that Nimrod enjoyed the grand advantage 

 of graduating. About the beginning of the last century he followed 

 the paternal example in espousing Miss Wynn, of Wern, a lady of 

 ancient family in Merionethshire ; previous to his marriage he had 

 been further in touch with the great family, having held a commission 

 in Sir Watkin Williams Wynn's regiment of " Ancient British 

 Fencibles." He was paymaster to the regiment at the time it was 

 disbanded. On his marriage Apperley resided for a short time in 

 Merionethshire, thence removing to Belton Hall, near Eugby, in 

 Warwickshire. This was his training and happy hunting ground 5 

 and the adjoining counties, with his own, afforded him unexampled 

 opportunities for studying " the noble science " of the Chase, under 

 the historical luminaries of Fox-Hunting records — Warwickshire 

 being at that time hunted by the great Mr. Corbet, Leicestershire 

 by Hugo Meynell, and Northamptonshire by John Warde. What 

 better professional training could "Nimrod" acquire for his future 

 discourses beyond the twenty years he enjoyed of these unique 

 experiences ? He dealt largely in horses at this time, from whence, 

 indeed, the principal source of his income must have been derived. 

 The next stage introduces Apperley as the tenant of Beaurepaire 

 House, near Whitchurch, in Hampshire, everything being upon an 

 ambitious scale at this establishment, including a superior mansion, 



