1837] THE FIRST WILL SMITH. 65 



that " there was a young lady out to-day with Doctor 

 Trout, of Louth, who appeared an excellent horsewoman." 



In February a fox-hound puppy, walked by Mr. Empson 

 of Bonby, was shot by a keeper belonging to either Mr. 

 Barton or Mr. Key, showing that even in those days 

 " velveteens " was apt to be troublesome. 



The Hunt Steeple Race came off on February 28th, 

 there being twelve starters, and the course was from near 

 Grainsby House, past Fenby Farm, and between Brigsley 

 and Ashby to near Hatcliffe mill. Mr. George Skipworth 

 was first, Mr. Whitworth second, Mr. Richard Nainby 

 third, and Mr. Richardson fourth. Mr. Whitworth, on his 

 horse Bumpkin, won the Louth Steeple Race on March 10th. 



" Sir R. Sheffield and his son were out on March 29th 

 at Melton High Wood. The young one frames well," 

 says the Brocklesby huntsman. Sir Richard Sutton and 

 his huntsman Shirley were also out two days later at 

 Redbourne House ; and on the following day Smith went 

 for a day with Sir Richard's hounds which met at Staple- 

 ford Moor. They had a poor day, and drew the famous 

 Eagle Wood blank. Sir Richard considered this the finest 

 covert in the Burton country, but Smith thought that 

 Mr. Dennison's Ossington Wood in Nottinghamshire was 

 even a better covert. The Master of the Burton and his 

 visitor then went to see Mr. Collet's rabbit beagles. They 

 found a hare, and had some sport. " Funny little fellows," 

 says Will, " not so big as cats." 



The first day of any note in 1837 was April 5th, when 

 hounds began with a fast half-hour from Bradley Wood to 

 Irby ; and this was followed by a most excellent run of an 

 hour and thirty-three minutes from Irby Holme. There 

 were several foxes afoot in the covert, and, after a ring or 

 two round, they went away with one nearly to Beelsby, 

 turning left by Beelsby Covert, and, crossing the road by 

 Mr. Isles' house, went nearly to Brigsley. Then they turned 

 right-handed back over the brook, and went up the hill to 

 Ravendale Field, past Bacon Holt with a point for Hatcliffe, 

 and then away, with Thorganby and Swinhope on the right. 



