140 " MY KINGDOM FOR A HORSE ! " 



Loud were the execrations against Mr A. when I received your 

 letter. I really could not select anyone, as there is not one that 

 is more my friend than another. Hence you will see I cannot 

 make a distinction. 



The athletics begin to-morrow. I have very little chance, being 

 too slow. I won a trial with Stuart Wortley on Friday. I 

 ran once round the Close (1000 yards) and then he began and I 

 raced him round my second time and won easily ; so I am thankful 

 I can beat someone. I go this 1000 yards in 3 min. 5 sec., with 

 all clothes on, which is not first-class time, still I can make it 

 faster when necessary. 



What are the pups like ? How are their ears ? Have you seen 

 the Setters lately ? 



Do you think Cobweb has capped his hock permanently ? 

 Sabinus was shod with the Goodenough shoes. I expect they 

 really are much better than the old ones. 



Has the badger been drawn lately ? Have there been any 

 fights or anything of interest ? 



About this time I could sell heaps of dogs if I had them ; about 

 like old Vic. I have, however, made about sure to sell two puppies 

 at good prices. 



There is no sign in the above of any strenuous work 

 for the Exhibitions. The terriers referred to were famous 

 prize-winners, of whom Fernie was supposed to be a 

 champion. Nil Desperandum and Ptarmigan, the horses 

 mentioned as likely to win, were both by Blair Athol, 

 of course, and Ptarmigan did win at Thirsk. 



Woodcraft's Blair Athol foal was Andred. As to the 

 athletics, I had an abiding fear of Bulpett over the longer 

 distances, for he was really first class, and here, in a letter 

 to my sister, is what happened ; 



RUGBY, loth April 1870. 



We have had the best athletics that there have ever been here. 

 The mile was done in 4 min. 39! sec. which is extraordinary time 

 for a school. The half-mile was also very good, 2 min. 6 sec. I 

 only went in for two things, the half-mile and putting the stone. 

 In the half-mile race I was fourth out of sixteen. It was, as I 

 expected ; the pace was too great for me, as from the beginning 

 I was obliged to run as hard as ever I could to keep up. This was 

 all very well for a time, and the first time past the Pavilion I 

 was about 5th, and the second time past, and, and not the least 



