io6 GOOD SPORT 



On 1 2th March the joint-masters were both out 

 at Nocton, when sharp frost over-night was succeeded 

 by thick fog. The afternoon hunt was started from 

 Stockdove Holt, and going away at once into the 

 Fens, they ran for an hour and a half, making a 

 good finish by rolling their fox over in the open. The 

 big drains caused lots of grief, for more than one 

 wet jacket was in evidence, hounds having only a 

 select field in attendance, the majority preferring 

 to view the run from the hillside. 



One of the last days of the season was in Staple- 

 ford forest, where Shepherd had thirty-two couple 

 of hounds in the field. Those out included Lord 

 and Lady Londesborough, Mr. N. C. Cockburn, and 

 the master-elect, Mr. Edgar Lubbock. Scent lay 

 well, and after a tremendous rattling in covert, 

 every hound throwing his tongue, a brace of masks 

 adorned the whipper's-in saddle before two o'clock. 



Mr. Edgar Lubbock's accession to the master- 

 ship of the Blankney, with George Shepherd retained 

 as huntsman, was immensely popular with the 

 country-side, for there was no one better known or 

 so beloved in the Bel voir hunt. Hunting more 

 frequently on the Sleaford side of the country, Mr. 

 Lubbock was privileged to hold fixtures about once 

 a fortnight in Belvoir domains, much to the delight 

 of his many friends. Always keen for a ride, the 

 new master infused his following with the same 

 ardour to be with the flying pack ! The average 

 of sport was good as ever, and amongst the new 

 hunt horses were many bang-tailed thoroughbreds 

 that looked like winning a chase. Bachelor's Pride, 

 own brother to Bachelor's Button, was one of these, 

 carrying the first whipper-in. Will Weston, after- 

 wards passing into the possession of Captain George 

 Paynter, for whom he won chases. Amongst others 



