THE AMALGAMATION. 31 



and did not belong to the hunt, but to individuals. Undoubtedly 

 they had some wonderful runs, but there were still terrible 

 disadvantages, especially as regards time. Moreover, the 

 conditions under which the pack was kept were very unsatis- 

 factory, and Ward made much too much money out of them. 

 There was a subscription of one pound for every one, but there 

 were no facilities such as a hound van." 



Perhaps it would be interesting to some to give the accounts 

 of a few of the best runs from the Beagle Books. 



'^Saturday, Jan. 23rd, 1868. Upton Church. A hare was 

 viewed away at the further corner of Mr. Nixey's Plough, which 

 as usual made straight for Ditton, but failing to find an open 

 smeuse went away to Riding Court, where she turned homewards. 

 The hounds hunting well followed her with a burning scent, 

 though many doubled some way past Datchet plantation ; here 

 a fresh hare being started in her line enabled her to escape dead 

 beat, while the second hare carried the hounds across the 

 L. & S.W.R. to Black Pots and was next seen swimming under 

 Victoria Bridge, whereupon Mr. Calvert amidst great applause 

 swam in and picked her up, and she was given up to the pack. 

 Time, 40 minutes, second hare 20 minutes." 



'' Wednesday, March 25th, 1868. Saw a run which was, 

 alas! the last to many members of the E.C.H., but which was 

 in every way worthy of that renowned hunt. The meet was at 

 the Three Tuns, and a hare was found almost immediately on the 

 left side of the Farnham Road. She gave us a merry spin 

 without a check up to Farnham, where the hounds were brought 

 to their noses, and it was with the greatest difficulty that they 

 regained the line owing to the very dry state of the ground. At 

 last, however, they worked it slowly down to Baylis House across 

 the Farnham Road, where the scent began to improve. The 

 hare then crossed the G.W.R. and ran a ring in front of Mr. 

 Aldridge's farm, and, just as the pack were going to return 

 home, she jumped up a few yards before them ; the hounds dashed 

 off full cry past Baylis House across some grass fields up to 

 Stoke palings. Here they turned sharp to the right and at 

 rather a slower pace crossed the Farnham Road and made as if for 

 Britwell. Again they turned for Farnham, near which they 

 were whipped off, as not only time but daylight had failed. 

 Time, 2 hours 26 minutes." 



A very good hunting run, as every one who knows the 

 country will agree. 



In Johnstone's season the best run was that already described 

 by Mr. Rawnsley ; and the incident of presenting the hare to the 



