Some Ancient " Surrey " Masters 1 3 



One of the earliest Masters was, as already stated, 

 Mr. Snow, a banker in the Strand, and a pretty hard- 

 riding man. He sought relief from the cares of business 

 in the saddle — a good judge too — and was never so happy, 

 it is easily understood, as when galloping across country 

 after his beloved pack. Another well-known Master 

 was Mr. Maberly of Shirley, and in " Baily's Magazine " 

 of March, 1876, we find this note concerning him : — 



"He was a great army contractor and general speculator, 

 and, although said to be worth a million of money, failed 

 at last. He took the hounds in 1812, and kept them 

 entirely at his own expense for three seasons ; then a 

 subscription was made and given to him. He rode first- 

 class horses, which he bought of Weston, a dealer, and 

 always had three out, the second and third being 

 ridden by his groom and little boy. He went tremen- 

 dously when hounds ran, and fairly got through his three 

 hunters in the course of the day, with one spur in and the 

 other out. He was a great promoter of sport, an active 

 steward at Epsom, and the Shirley Stakes were called after 

 his place of residence. On giving up the Old Surrey he 

 became Master of the Surrey Staghounds with Mr. 

 Tattersall of Danley Hall. As a Master of Foxhounds he 

 was violent and irritable, and in consequence was warned 

 off by many of the farmers." 



It is clear, however, that, despite his faults of tempera- 

 ment, Mr. Maberly was a good sportsman and passionately 

 devoted to hunting, money being no object to him so 

 far as that branch of sport was concerned. 



