194 SPORTING REMINISCENCES [1825 to 



gestecl that, if lie intended following the 

 hounds, he had better take up his stirrups 

 a couple of holes. The Duke was a great 

 supporter of the Vine hounds, at one time 

 subscribing 400/. a year, although he had not 

 many coverts in that Hunt ; yet, to show his 

 good feeling towards it, with his own hand he 

 wrote on a lease to Mr. Chaplin of Ewhurst, 

 that foxes must be preserved. In 1845, Sir 

 John Cope's hounds drew the Strathfieldsaye 

 coverts blank, and the fact being reported to 

 his Grace on his arrival from London, the 

 next day a positive notice was given to each 

 keeper that, if Sir John Cope's hounds ever 

 again drew the coverts without finding, he 

 should be instantly discharged. 

 •■ m A meeting of the subscribers of 



He-formation ° 



of the Ham. the Hambledon hounds was held at 



bledon Hunt , ~ T -r» • i 5 ~ytt ^ i 



club. the Crown Inn, bishop s Vv altham, 



' pn ' when it was resolved that a club be 

 established, and be called the Hambledon Hunt 

 Club ; and that then subscribers of 10/. be 

 considered members, unless they specified to 

 the contrary. Mr. Delme was appointed trea- 

 surer; and Mr. Delme RadclifFe,* secretary. 



* Mr. Delme Radcliffe was at Eton and in the Grenadier Guards, 

 •was a neat flat race rider, frequently riding against Lord Wilton and 

 the Berkeleys. He was also a good pigeon shot, and competed in the 

 great Sweepstakes with Lords Kennedy and Anson, Captain Eoss, and 

 Mr. Osbaldeston. He fh*st kept harriers for three seasons at his seat in 

 Hertfordshire, and then the Sebright hounds for five seasons. 



