106 SPORTING REMINISCENCES [1800 to 



the first dav of the thaw, the morning was far 

 from favourable, as the ground carried much, 

 but the low hunting of the hounds overcame 

 all difficulties, and the farther they went, the 

 better terms they were on with their fox. 

 sir Lucius I n ^ n i s y ear Captain Curtis, now 



harriers Rear -Admiral Sir Lucius Curtis, 

 1822. Bart., C.B., lived at Ramsbridge 



Cottage, near Weyhill, and kept a pack of 

 harriers. He hunted the country round 

 Andover, and came as far south as Chilbolton. 

 Mr. Assheton Smith was greatly annoyed with 

 these hounds, and I have heard that he once 

 said to Sir Lucius, " If you will give up your 

 harriers, I will make you a present of the best 

 hunter that money can procure." 



1822-23. Mr. Shard resided at Little Som- 

 Mr. shard, borne, and hunted the country round 

 Danebury, Speery Well, Clatford, and Wher- 

 well. John Sharp, a son of old Sharp, one of 

 the yeoman prickers to George III., was his 

 huntsman. John Major, many years huntsman 

 to Mr. Villebois, and John Xeal were whippers- 

 in. Xeal was afterwards stud-oroom to Mr. 

 Pultney of Northerwood ; at his death he was 

 pensioned, and died at Lyndhurst. 



During the summer months the hounds 

 were removed to Mr. Shard's kennels in Buck- 



