Master of the Hamhledon Hounds. 45 



what Lord Eosslyn had said. The stag was 

 taken to Swinley. 



When Mr. Shard gave up the Hambledon 

 hounds, Mr. Smith, at ihQ request of friends, 

 agreed to take the management. He there- 

 fore purchased Mr. Shard's pack, and kept 

 them at Mr. Goodlad's, at Hill Place, where 

 he also lived, until it was required by the 

 owner. Mr. Shard, it should be said, had 

 hunted that country, after Sir Bellingham Gra- 

 ham and Mr. Osbaldeston had each had it for 

 half a season only. [N'o time was lost in pro- 

 cui'ing huntsmen and whippers-in. Old Will 

 James was kept as kennel huntsman, and John 

 Major offered his services, which were ac- 

 cepted. John had formerly belonged to the 

 Hampshire hounds; but he had lately been 

 in France, where he had imbihed a taste for 

 brandy that made him almost useless. He 

 only killed one fox in the first six weeks ; 

 and on then being told at cover side that he 

 must kill one that day, he coolly handed the 



