OPENING DAY, 1886-87. 143 



the able and energetic hon. secretary of the Hunt, was, on 

 Lord Stafford's nomination, appointed Master during Lord 

 Stafford's absence abroad. We have, through the kindness 

 of Mr. Fitzherbert-Brockholes, been allowed access to his 

 hunting diary during his season of Mastership, and shall 

 <jUote freely from it in dealing with the season of 1886-87. 

 But before proceeding to quote from the lion, secre- 

 tary's diary, we give the following account of the opening 

 day of the season (November 1st, 1886) from the pages of 

 the Staffordshire Advertiser : — 



NORTH STAFFORDSHIRE HOUNDS. ' 



On Monday the opening day of the North Staffordshire Hounds took place 

 at Woore, and certainly no more appropriate place could be chosen in the North 

 Staffordshire country. Woore has inherited a name in the annals of sporting 

 from time immemorial — hawking, archery, boxing, hare-hunting, and fox-hunting. 

 The ash tree on the hill, marking the place of the old shooting-butts, stands there 

 now, reminding us of days gone by, as well as being a landmark to the neighbour- 

 ing country for miles round. And there is another reason why the opening day 

 of the season should take place at Woore, for there is not a more staunch well- 

 wisher and supporter of fox-bunting than the lady residing at the Manor House, 

 the most hospitable house in the whole Hunt. Long may she live. The day 

 opened with a charming morning, so bright, however, as to give forebodings of 

 rain later on in the day. The wind was blowing from the south, and about nine 

 o'clock it looked very ominous, but the threatening clouds soon cleared away, 

 and at the time of the meet (11.15) the weather was all that could be wished, 

 and remained sr throughout the day. Dickins, the huntsman, seemed recovered 

 from his late i.idisposition, and prepared to manoeuvre the pack over any country. 

 Boxall, the first whip, seemed well, and master of the situation, as he always 

 does. I say it to his credit, he is always willing to give a kind hand to any one 

 in difficulties. The second whip, Beames, although he has been in the country 

 only a short time, this being his first season here, looks like knowing his business, 

 and desirous of doing it. All three looked smart and well in their new scarlet. 

 We all regretted the absence of our Master, Lord Stafford, and well we may, for 

 he has endeared himself to every one of us. We onlj"^ hope his trip round the 

 world may be a happy one, both for himself and Lady Stafford, and that we may 

 iiave him again with us next season. Still, all must have been pleased at the 

 way the acting Master, Mr. Brockholes, in Lord Stafford's absence, filled the 

 duties of M.F.H. The first draw was Canridden. The hounds soon convej'ed to 

 us there was a fox, and after a little bustling around in the covert he broke for 

 Bellaport ; but some people on the hill headed him, and he returned to the covert. 

 He soon, however, broke away again on the other side towards the Three Brooks, 

 then to the right, leaving Harrow's Wood to his left and Mill Hay to his right, 

 put his head for Woore Flash, and thence to Heathcote Gorse, and on towards 

 Onneley. The scent had become gradually weaker for some time, and he was 

 given up. Time, about thirty minutes. Admiral's Gorse was drawn blank, but 

 Harrow's Wood proved a find, and the fox went away towards Sandyford, turned 



