66 



THE WARWICKSHIRE HOUNDS. 



Mr. Hay. 

 1825-1826. 



Resignation of 

 Mr. Shirley. 



Mr. Hay. 



A sharp run from 

 Bowshot. 



country, but he declinecl, and it was arranged that Mr. 

 Hay, of Dunse Castle, in Scotland, but who was then 

 residing at Wellesbourne, should be Mr. Shirley's 

 successor. He had already kept hounds in Berwick- 

 shire, and himself took the horn, hunting the 

 country with great energy and in excellent form. Jack 

 Wood was retained as kennel huntsman, and Bill 

 Boxall as first whip. Mr, Hay had a score of good 

 hunters, with not a low-bred one amongst them. He 

 tras popular in the hunting world, and brought 

 men from all parts, thereby adding much to the popu- 

 larity and reputation of Warwickshire. He may 

 almost be said to have established Leamington as a 

 hunting resort. He was a good sportsmen and rider 

 to hounds, and, although he did not present the same 

 abilities in making sport as his predecessors, that 

 which was provided was quite the average. 



The only bit of sport during Mr. Hay's very short 

 tenure of the country that I have for my readers is 

 what occurred from a meet at Walton Park, on the 17th 

 of December, 1825. There was a fine burning scent, and 

 in the first burst the hounds ran away from everyone, the 

 field having to go round to a bridge over the river 

 which was flooded. A second find took place at 

 Bowshot after two o'clock, and after three attempts 

 to go, Reynard put his head straight for Edgehill, 

 and took them over a fine '[bit of country in good 

 style. When the hounds got upon the hills they got 

 a fresh fox, and it being impossible to stop them, 

 they went off with him at a ripping pace. Mr. Hay 

 followed the line of the hounds until it was quite dark, 

 when, not knowing the country, he was obliged to 

 give in. Bill Boxall succeeded in getting hold of a 

 part of the pack, but some of the hounds were out all 

 night. Mr. F. Holland, Mr. Patrick on a famous 

 little mare, Mr. Cockbill, jun., Mr. Dewes, and 

 Mr. Meyrick had the best of the run. Mr. Meyrick 



