156 SPORTING REMINISCENCES [1825 to 



supped up in his own house. I have been 

 in the habit of looking upon Mr. Nunez as 

 the best-mounted man in Hampshire, for his 

 weight, and, until this season, considered him 

 a good groom ; but whether it was too early 

 in the year for the bloom, or from some other 

 cause, I know not, but when I last saw his 

 horses the polish was wanting. 



" The Hambledon Hunt are not quite un- 

 mindful of the ladies, as there are races in 

 April on Soberton Down, and a ball and 

 supper at Hambledon in the evening. A cup 

 is given for the farmers' horses, and a sweep- 

 stakes for those belonging to gentlemen who 

 hunt in Hampshire or Sussex, carrying twelve 

 stone each ; two-mile heats ; the winner of 

 which I had the pleasure to ride the year 

 before last. Every one south of London, who 

 moves in the sporting world, has heard of 

 Captain Captain Bridges, who has long been 

 Bridges. conspicuous for daring feats of horse- 

 manship and coachmanship.* The Captain is 

 a gentleman born and bred, being the son of 

 the late General Bridges, and resides at the 

 Hermitage, situated in a beautiful part of the 

 county of Hants. 



* Captain Bridges once rode down the Devil's Dyke at Brighton 

 for a bet, -with a half-crown between each knee and the saddle. — 

 Author. 



