224 COURSING 



may also mention the names of Mr. G. H. W. Hervey, agent 

 to the Marquis of Bristol, and the Messrs. Sumner, as gentle- 

 men who have lent able and willing hands, and who, with 

 Mr. Charles Smith, landlord of the Bristol Arms Hotel at 

 Sleaford and secretary of the club, are possibly the leading 

 spirits in the movement. 



The meetings, two in number, are held about the end of 

 October and in the middle of January, and the programme 

 generally consists of four thirty-twos, two of which are for all 

 ages one at 61. los. and the other at 2 1. IDS. and two for 

 dog and bitch puppies respectively, both these latter being at 

 4/, ios., non-members in every case paying 5^. per nomina- 

 tion more than those who have joined the club. As may be 

 imagined, with such valuable stakes on the programme the 

 class of greyhounds competing is very good all round, and now 

 the meetings, like Lichfield, are attended by coursers from all 

 parts of the kingdom. On the evening of the draw a large 

 public dinner is held in the Corn Exchange, and some two 

 years ago, when I was last present, the company numbered 

 over one hundred, tenant farmers turning up in great force, 

 and by their presence entirely disproving the idea that they 

 wish the hare to be exterminated. 



The show of game is first-rate everywhere, and each time 

 I have visited the meeting the question of a close time for 

 hares has been vigorously discussed, the farmers hereabouts 

 being particularly keen on the Bill, and most desirous that a 

 restriction should be placed upon the wholesale slaughter 

 which occurs elsewhere. 



A peculiar feature of Sleaford coursing lies in the fact that 

 there is no long walk or drive to the scene of action, for the 

 meet on two days is just outside the little town, and a five 

 minutes' stroll from the Bristol Arms down the old-fashioned 

 street brings one to the first stand. The land coursed over is 

 a mixture of grass and arable, but at the earlier meeting hares 

 are nearly all driven out of turnips on to grass and slipped at 

 in large enclosures where a good view can be obtained and 



