GALLOP FROM SANDON. 123 



Dickins says of this run — 



" Drew Darlaston Wood ; did not find. Went on to Shallowford Gorse ; 

 found. Ran a ring by Yariet; back to the gorse, and on by Dadaston to 

 Tittensor Common, on to Beech Cliff and Harley Thorn, through one corner of 

 the Old Park, and into Hanchurch Hills, and killed at Knowl Wall." 



From the Staffordshire Advertiser, February 17th, 

 1883: 



"On Monday, February 12th, Jupiter Pluvius and ^olus were in the 

 ascendant, and the few hardy sportsmen who put in an appeai-ance at Sandon 

 did not venture to don the pink, but covert coats and overalls were the order of 

 the day, A fine dog fox was soon found in Sandon big wood, and away as if for 

 Milwich, then with a turn along the brook-side for Shaw's Wood, leaving which 

 on his right, Re3aiard pointed for Smallrise, where a long check occurred. But 

 Dickins, by a judicious forward cast, picked up his line at Hardiwick Heath, and 

 rattled him through that covert and on almost into Hilderstone village ; then 

 through Hilderstone Hall covert, and across the Garshall Green road for Bromley 

 Wood, through which hounds stuck to their game in fine style, never dwelling a 

 moment, but forcing him out as if for Hose Wood ; then, swinging to the left, 

 they crossed the Cresswell and Hilderstone road, and, after a few sharp turns and 

 twists, showing how beaten was this game fox, the pack rolled him over in the 

 open, near Saverley Green, after a real good hunting run of upwards of an hour 

 and a half. Some of the most constant followers were conspicuous by their 

 absence on this rough morning, but amongst the few at the meet and finish we 

 recognized Mr. J. W. Philips and his son, Mr. Hall, Mr. Peake, Mr. C. J. Blagg, 

 Mr. Morris, Messrs. Bland, and a few others of the right sort. We ought not to omit 

 to mention that a young lady well known as an ardent follower of these hounds on 

 saddle, was on this occasion following on wheels, and, by good management and 

 knowledge of the country, contrived to turn up within three minutes of the fox 

 being rolled over, and was very properly presented by Dickins with the brush. 

 The run was, perhaps, scarcely sufficient in pace and straightness to satisfy a 

 Leicestershire flyer, but for those who can appreciate good, steady, meritorious 

 hunting on the part of hounds and huntsman, and who have some little regard 

 for their horses in deep ground, it was a thoroughly enjoyable gallop. These 

 hounds have had uncommonly good sport this season, and have already brought 

 to hand thirty brace of foxes. Every one hopes that the noble Master will soon 

 be in his place again, none the worse for his recent accident. 



" Redcoat." 



Dickins's account of this run is, as usual, " short, sharp 

 and decisive." Here it is : 



" Found in Sandon Wood. Ran over to Milwich, and to the left back to 

 Sandon and away to Hardiwick Heath, and on to Hilderstone and Draycot 

 Woods, through Hose Wood as if for Stallington, and killed him one field from 

 the Bear Hole. Time, one hour and thirty-five minutes. Did not draw again. 



" March 2^th, 1883. Woore. — Found at Canridden. Ran by Dorrington 

 over the brook to Cow Leasows, past Loggerheads, through Burnt Wood and Park 

 Springs to Chipnall Mill, to the left up to Bishop's Woods, and killed him in the 

 middle of the Big Wood. Time, one hour and twenty-five minutes. Then drew 

 Bromley ; found. Ran a ring by Charnes and Broughton to Bromley, and lost." 



