THE GOLDEN AGE 



Sebright's kennel maxim, " The dam is the secret." The 

 result of his observations of the FitzwilHam on this occasion, 

 led him to use Harbinger and Singer the next year, for three 

 hounds were put on of this parentage, though I cannot find 

 that these young hounds found especial favour in Will's eye. 



At the close of the season he remarks, " This has been 

 one of the most remarkable seasons." He also calls it the 

 "most excellent on record. Out of the whole hundred and 

 thirteen times out I have never had occasion to change my 

 linen from getting wet through." 



In 1855 the staff was unchanged, but in the middle of 

 the season died one of the first sportsmen of his day, Sir 

 Richard Sutton, who was a constant visitor at Belvoir Castle. 

 This was a remarkable event in the history of the Quorn 

 Hunt, as it was the last season of the undivided country. 

 It was also a year to be recollected since it brought Mr. 

 W. W. Tailby into the ranks of masters who have won fame, 

 and gave an opportunity of distinction to another member 

 of the Goodall family. Frank Goodall, Mr. Tailby writes, 

 was much respected as a huntsman, and that he showed 

 excellent sport the columns of the Field are a lasting 

 witness. 



The Belvoir Hunt had lost in Sir Richard a friend and 

 sportsman, one who was eager and interested in kennel lore 

 as in that of the field. With less striking qualities than 

 Mr. Assheton Smith, he came near to him as a horseman, 

 and was a far better judge of a hound and a superior 

 huntsman. 



Sir Richard loved nothing better than to take out ten 

 couples of hounds and join with Will Goodall. " You shall 

 be huntsman, Will, and I will whip-in to you," he would 

 say. Goodall watched the sale of Sir Richard's pack with 

 interest, for they were practically the same blood as the 

 Belvoir. The pack brought ;^ 1,800, says the diary, and the 

 horses went for enormous prices, Lord Euston buying Shang- 

 ton for three hundred and sixty guineas, and Freeny and 

 Freemason going to Mr. Richard Sutton for three hundred 

 and forty guineas each. There was an interregnum in the 



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