210 COURSING 



the South of England. A year or two ago over a hundred 

 greyhounds competed, the number being about the third largest 

 seen out at any open gathering in that particular season. "I 

 omitted to mention that a third very valuable cup (the Essex 

 Cup) is given to be run for by the winners of the Derby and 

 Oaks, and as this is subscribed for by a deduction of lox. each 

 from the stake, the amount is generally over 20/. 



Carried over a dyke after a course 



Before the railway was opened to Southminster, the reports 

 of the coursing had to be sent by road to Maldon, whence 

 they were telegraphed to town, and on one occasion I recollect 

 that when the London papers reached the village next morning 

 not a word was to be found about the meeting, except a foot- 

 note in each to the effect, 'our correspondent's message had not 

 reached the office in time for publication.' 



Great was the consternation amongst the scribes, for sport 

 had finished early, and the man entrusted with the messages 

 had had ample time at his disposal. Enquiries were at once 



