130 REMINISCENCES, ETC. 



scieuce. Along the ledge of the shelves in the library were 

 ranged, and there still remain, the models of some of ISIr. 

 Smith's favourite steam-yachts, Fire Queen, Glow-worm, 

 Jenny Lind, and Sea Serpent. Of the last, a beautiful 

 water-colour drawing hangs over the mantle-piece. 



Of his qualities as an amateur shipwright we have 

 already spoken, and the science he displayed in the various 

 vessels he built, both sailing and steam-yachts, evinces no 

 ordinary skill and aptitude for mechanics ; his acute obser- 

 vation frequently enabhng him to make suggestions of great 

 value in the construction and improvement of ships. He 

 used to say that his knowledge of building sailing-vessels 

 was derived from observing how low wild ducks swam in 

 the water. 



The quickness of eye and steadiness of hand, which made 

 him a good shot and a good cricketer, served him also at 

 billiards. He mentioned that in Paris he was backed to 

 play a celebrated marker, whom he beat, upon which he 

 was challenged by the same individual to play for a very 

 large stake. This he wisely declined, never having been 

 a gambler. Once at Tedworth, after a large party had 

 finished a game at pool, a constant evening's amusement at 

 the beautiful slate table there, he came into the billiard- 

 room, and challenged to play the winner. This happened 

 to be the present Duke of Wellington, then Marquis of 

 Douro, no common performer. The game went pretty 

 even, the one player in constant practice, the other quite 

 the reverse. At last the squire put his adversary's and his 

 own ball into the pocket. He had then to play at the red 

 ball, which was just below the middle pocket. "Who says 

 I cannot pocket the red ball in the middle pocket?" 

 observed the striker. A friend, who stood by, knowing 

 his man, made a bet to that eflfect ; and the way in which 

 Mr. Smith did it showed at once what a player he must 

 have been when in practice, and astonished every one 

 present. He hit the further end cushion with his ball, 



