1845.] OF HAMPSHIRE. 153 



"Without in the least attempting to detract 

 from the merit of my friend Mr. Smith and 

 his hounds, it is my duty, as the historian of 

 his country, to account for the many very 

 long runs he has had this season. In the 

 first place, from the way in which his country 

 has been hunted, his foxes have not been 

 ' killed down,' as we term it, as they are in 

 those countries which have been more regu- 

 larly hunted. In the next, he is rather short 

 of assistance in the field, and not so strong in 

 young hounds as some other kennels. 



" One thing, however, I will venture to 

 pronounce, that Mr. Smith will make a good 

 huntsman, with a little more experience ; and 

 if zeal and perseverance will serve him, he has 

 rather more than his share of each. I do not 

 presume to dictate to any one ; but from the 

 sport he has this year shown, I may go so far 

 as to say, he has proved himself worthy of the 

 support of the country. 



" There are several good sports- „ 



° x Eiders in the 



men and hard riders in the Hamble- Hambiedon 

 don Hunt ; and amongst the sub- 

 scribers are three naval officers, Admiral 

 Colpoys, Sir William Hoste, and Captain Col- 

 lier, all very fond of the sport. I do not 

 recollect ever meeting a sportsman belonging 

 to this noble profession who did not ride hard. 



