298 SPORTING REMINISCENCES [1845 to 



W. Beach, who made great alterations and 



additions both to the kennels and stables. 



h. h. c. At -fch e Hambledon Hunt races on 



races, 



1849. Soberton Down, the Farmers' Cup was 



won by Mr. Aylward's " Little Thoaght-of," 

 beating four others, and the Military Stakes by 

 Captain Roebuck's Fusilier. There was con- 

 siderable excitement at this meeting. A Ham- 

 bledon man named Edwards offered for sale to 

 the huntsman of a neighbouring Hunt a litter 

 of cubs, which he said were in a covert close 

 by. This was told to the master (Mr. Smith). 

 Instant search was made for the man, and a 

 reward of 10/. was publicly offered to any men 

 who would duck him in a horse-pond which 

 was near. On hearing this, he made very good 

 use of the time required for explanation to the 

 mob, and stole away, and was seen going over 

 the hill as fast as his legs could carry him. 



1850. Lord Gifford now gave up the 

 Indefa 11 ' H. H., and went back to his old 

 committee, country in Herefordshire. Mr. George 

 Wall made an offer to take the hounds, and 

 negotiations for that purpose were commenced, 

 but were not carried into effect, and the Hunt 

 was now managed by a committee, consisting 

 of Mr. Edward Knight of Chawton House 

 (who was the master or manager), Mr. James 

 Winter Scott of Rotherfield Park, and Mr. 



