156 THE OLD BERKS HUNT 



Messrs. Atkins and Galley did not meet 

 with any success in their negotiations, and rela- 

 tions became very strained between the two 

 hunts, as will be seen from the following 

 letters : — 



Cirencester, Dec. 5th, 1844. 



Sir, — As I was getting on my horse yesterday 

 morning to go to cover I received a letter from Lord 

 Radnor, stating that your hounds had drawn Stains- 

 wick, which coverts, by an agreement that you were 

 party to, had been assigned to my division of the 

 country. 



I did not think, either as a sportsman or a gentle- 

 man, you would have infringed the rules of fox- 

 hunting, or the courtesy due from one Master of 

 hounds to another. 



I can only now look upon you as an insignificant 

 tool, under the control of Lord Radnor, not having 

 even the spirit to publish your intention. 



When next you presume to repeat such conduct, 

 by drawing any coverts belonging to my hunt, I 

 hope you will give me and the gentlemen of the 

 V.W.H. the usual notice, that we may have the 

 opportunity of witnessing the sport. 



I have the honour to be, 



Your obedient servant, 



Gifford. 



Sheepstead, Dec. 7th, 1844. 

 My Lord, — I have just received your Lordship's 

 letter of yesterday's date, which I will forward by 

 to-night's post to Mr, Pusey, the chairman of the 

 meeting at Faringdon, under whose directions I have 

 since acted. 



