532 
THE FIELD 
nipKETS FRANK ERWOOD’S FAREWELL AT 
THE BELVIDERE. 
Francis— or as lie is popularly called Frank— Erwood, 
the subject of the accompanying sketch, is the brother of 
George Erwood, whose portrait appeared 
among the illustrations of No. 73 of “ Th a 
Field.” Frank has attained as high a 
degree of skill for his right-hand playing 
as P George has for his left. It is seldom 
that two brothers achieve the highest de- 
gree of excellence in one pursuit; but 
what is more singular is, that the amount 
of superiority of the one over tho other is 
so infiuitesimal as to puzzle tho best 
judges to decide which of the two is en- 
titled to the belt. They are tho Castor 
and Pollux of the racket world, sharing 
the divinity between them. A similar 
remarkable instance of talent running in 
the same family occurred in the case of 
tho three brothers Pitman, but in that 
case the relative degrees of excellence 
were more discernible. 
Frank Erwood was born in London, 
in tho year 1824. IIo wus early initiated 
into the mystery of rackets, under the 
tutorship of his elder brother, George. 
His first professional appearance was at 
Woolwich, in the year 1839, ho being 
then but 15 years of age. Lord Bloom- 
field, the then commandant of the garri- 
son — an enthusiastic admirer of the game 
— had engaged George ns racket master 
to the court belonging to tho officer* of 
the Royal Artillery and Engineers, and 
while in that situation he obtained for 
Frank his first professional engagement 
as assistant to himself. In that capacity 
he remained nearly seven years, constantly 
practising, and, as regards skill, daily 
treading upon the heels of his master. 
The idea at length occurred to Frank that 
he might more widely extend his own 
fame, and better promote his pecuniary 
interests, by setting-up on what the Ame- 
ricans call “his own hook,” instead of 
remaining in the comfortable, but still 
subordinate, position of assistant to his 
“ great little” brother, whom he neither 
hoped nor wished to displace from his 
dignity of Racket Major Domo of the 
Woolwich garrison. Two such stars, 
Frank thought, could not advantageously 
shine in the same hemisphere ; and there- 
fore, without abating one jot of his frater- 
nal affection for George, he determined 
to shine himself in another horizon. From 
that time the brothers ceased to be getnini. Frank packed 
up his traps and started for the provinces. Ho played with 
great success in many towns, taking “ the shine” out of all 
the provincial champions, greatly to the surprise of them- 
selves and their local admirers. Having gained for himself 
a high reputation in England, he crossed the Tweed, and 
PORTRAIT OF FRANK ERWOOD, THE RACKET PLAYER. 
starred it in the principal courts in Scotland, beating all 
competitors. This course of itinerancy he continued for 
about three years, being frequently engaged privately 
as tutor to noblemen and gentlemen of distinction 
Shortly after his return to the Metro- 
polis, lie obtained the appointment of 
racket master at Lord’s court. This 
post ho filled for 6ix years, obtaining 
the universal respect and approbation 
of the aristocratic patrons of that esta- 
blishment. During the period of his 
itinerancy he played at Birmingham 
where his skill and amenity of man- 
ners (for which both brothers are 
distinguished) rendered him a great fa- 
vourite; and he has subsequently, f roni 
time to time, accepted invitations from 
the racket players of that great metropolis 
of Vulcan’s kingdom to visit their town. 
In the fall of last year, they presented 
him with a handsome piece of plate, as 
a testimonial of the appreciation of the 
players of Warwickshire, not only of his 
talent as a player, but, as they expressed 
it, of his uniform courtesy, integrity, and 
rectitude of conduct. 
Frank Erwood’s engagement at Lord’s 
court terminated on Saturday last. An 
opportunity recently presented itself of 
obtaining an eligible court of his owu. 
Mr. Brozenor, of the Welch Harper 
Court, Bath-street, Birmingham, resolved 
to emigrate to Australia, and it became 
necessary to find a new proprietor capable 
of efficiently conducting that well-known 
court. The eyes of tho Birmingham 
players were immediately turned upon 
their favourite, Frank Erwood. Nego- 
tiations were opened, which terminated in 
arrangements being made for his becoming 
the proprietor of the establishment. On 
parting from his patrician friends at 
Lord’s, on Saturday last, Frank carried 
away with him their unanimous wishes 
for his future welfare, as well as some 
substantial proofs of their admiration of 
him us a racket master, and their re- 
spect for him as a man. On Tuesday 
se’nnight, he took his farewell of the 
metropolis, appropriately choosing for 
liis valedictory match the scene of some 
of his greatest triumphs, the Belvidere 
Court, Pentonville, where lie had been 
for so many years in the habit of playing 
with the best professionals and amateurs 
in London. The result of the match was 
given in the last number of “The Field.” 
On Tuesday last, Mr. Brazenortook his farewell benefit at 
Birmingham, and Frank Erwood is now his successor. 
Stourbridge Meeting is altered from the 17th to the 24th 
and 25th July, and bids fair to be successful. A new 
stake has been instituted by the Earl of Stamford, to 
which £50 is added by his lordship, whose liberality, 
both in this and many other ways, is much appreciated 
by the neighbourhood. The inn-keepers have followed 
his lordship's example, and a £30 plate is the result. 
Ascot Scratohinqs. — Charlemont and Uncle Tom on 
the 3rd inst., at 2 p.m. Ortolano, Acrobat, and De Clare 
on the 5th inst., at 5.30 p.m. Golden Branch, Sambo, 
Paros, Habena, Blake, Whistle, c. by Bay Middleton, dam 
by Discount ; c. by Touchstone, out of Breastgirth ; Ox- 
onia, Bay Maresfield, Spinner, Student, Ariosto, and Na- 
than, on the 7th inst., at 1 p m. 
IRISH TURFIANA. 
The Derby, 1855. — The following amongst 198 nomi- 
nations (of which three are dead, and two disqualified by 
the death of their nominator) are either Irish-bred, or 
the produce of Irish sires : — Mr. M. Cane’s b c Toby 
Fillpot, by Burgundy, out of Betty Swipes ; Lord Down- 
shires hr e The Bison, by Crozier, out of The Buffalo 
Gal ; Mr. Hill’s gr c Jackdaw, by Magpie (dead), out of 
Dahlia; Mr. Hill’s hr c Kingstown, by Tearaway, out of 
Foinnualla ; Mr. C. Liley’s ch c The Huntsman (late Old 
Carter), by Harkaway, out of Forest Flower ; Lord 
Orford s ch" c Affghan, by Birdcatcher, out of Adelguud; 
Mr G. Painter’s b c. Tom Burke, by Foig-a-Ballagh, out 
of Julia ; Mr. H. Smyth's ch c Astronomer, by Crozier, 
out of lair Stair; Mr. II. S. Thompson's b c by Harkaway, 
out of Walfruna ; Lord Waterford’s b c by Seahorse, out 
of Red Rose; Lord Waterford’s b c by Seahorse, out of 
Puss; Mr. C. Wintringliam’s b c Given Away, by Hark- 
away, out of Vert Vert; Mr. R. Langhan’s be The Tat- 
terer, by Tearaway, out of Osprey; Air. Nicholas Balfe’s 
b c Kinsman, by Colwick or Oxonian, out of Zea; Mr. E. 
R. Clarke's hr c (h b) by I'oig-a-Ballagh, out of Caw- 
rouch’s dam ; Air. Bowes’s gr c The Bonnie Morn, by 
Chanticleer, out of Forget-me-not; Air. J. Merry’s ch c 
Cock* of the North, by Chanticleer, out of Sunflower; 
Air. J. Merry’s b c Cockspur, by Chanticleer, out of 
Emeute ; Air. Milner’s b c Airlie, "by Chanticleer, out of 
Azalea; Air. J. Osborne’s gr c Lord Alfred, by Chanti- 
cleer, out of Agnes; Air. J. S. Spence’s gr c Yorkshire 
Grey, by Chanticleer, out of Miss Lydia; Air. C. Liley’s 
ch e The Morn, by Chanticleer, out of Egeria. 
The Oaks, 1855 — Irish fillies, or the produce of Irish 
stallions, engaged in next year’s Oaks Air. N. Balfe’s 
br f Dewdrop, by Colwick, out of White Rose ; Air. Bat- 
son’s bk f by Birdcatcher, out of Barbara ; Lord Down- 
shire's b f Inver, by Crozier, out of Colleen Ogue ; Air. 
w. Knapton’s gr f Margaret, by Chanticleer, out of Sul- 
tana ; Air. J. Lea's bk f by Foig-a-ballagh, out of Fantastic ; 
Air. J. Merry's br f Nelly Armstrong, by Foig-a-ballagh, 
out of First Fruit’s dam ; Air. T. Taylor's b f by Chanti- 
cleer, darn by Don John ; Air. II. S. Thompson’s eh f 
Florida, by Chanticleer, out of Ohio ; Mr. H. S. Thomp- 
son's eh f Aladam Valentine, by Harkaway, out of Pergama ; 
Air. H. S. Thompson’s b f by Chanticleer, dam by Bay 
Aliddleton ; Lord Waterford’s ch f by Tearaway, out of 
Gramachree ; Duke of Bedford’s eh f Habena, by Bird- 
catcher, out of Bridle. 
Irish Metropolitan Races, July 19th This meeting 
will take place over Confy Castle course, on the 19th of 
next month, when the following events will be decided : — 
Irish Aletropolitan Handicap of 5' sovs each, 3 ft, 100 sovs 
added by the Licensed Victuallers of Dublin. Two miles. 
Confy Handicap of 5 sovs each, 3 ft, 40 sovs added. One 
mile and a quarter. Railway Hurdle Handicap of 2 sovs 
each, 30 sovs added by the Midland Great Western Rail- 
way Company. Once round and a distance, six flights of 
hurdles. Selling Stakes of 5 sovs each, 25 sovs added. 
Weight for age, &c. Heats, one mile. 
The Ballyeigh (Co. Kerry) Races, are announced t° 
come off on Wednesday and Thursday, the 19th and 20th of 
July Three events each day form the bill of fare. The 
conditions of the second race, first day, provide that all 
riders (who are to be gentlemen) shall wear bonnets in- 
stead of caps. 
The following mares arrived at Carrickman cross last 
week to be put to Polish — Mr. T. AI‘Evoy Gartlan’s b m 
the Limerick Lass; Air. 1\ APEvoy Gartlan’s b m by 
Damien De Lacey (with a colt to Gwalior); Air. J. Alars- 
don’s ch m by Eagle (with a colt to Polish); Mr. Lane's 
gr m by Mercury (with a filly to Polish); Mr. Martin’s 
br in, by the Minstrel Boy; Mr. Kelly’s ch m Treach- 
erous; Captain Stafford’s gr m by Drone. 
A preliminary meeting has been held at Cahirciveen, for 
the purpose of making arrangements for the Iveragh 
races of 1854, which, from the funds already in hand 
and likely to be contributed, promises to be a “great 
event.” James O’Connell, Esq., of Lakeview, is to be one 
of the stewards, which is a sufficient guarantee that the 
business of the week will be conducted as it should be. 
The articles of the meeting w ill be published in a few days. 
Sale or Horses. — The following horses were sold at 
Air. Ash’s, Old George’s-street, Cork, on Saturday last, 
and realized the following prices; — The property of R. 
Donovan, jun., Esq. — Bay Alare, rising 5, by Arthur, out 
of Violet, by Sligo; bought by Charles Stuart Hawkins 
Devonshire for 78 guineas. Chesnut Gelding, rising 4, 
by Retriever, out of Violet; the same purchaser — 59 gs. 
Bay filly, rising 2, by Arthur, out of Violet; bought by 
Mountiford Longfield, Esq. for 20 gs. Bay filly by Da- 
mask, out of Violet, bought by Air. Treacy for 17 gs. 
The brood mare Violet, with a horse foal at foot by Ar- 
thur, and stinted to Arthur, bought by Air. Cave for 30 
gs. The Property of Air. Haines, Greenfield— Brown 
Horse, rising 4, by Arthur, dam by Old Alonarch, &c ; 
bought by C. Baldwin, Esq., Rye Court, for 75 guineas. 
Chesnut Gelding, G years, bought by Air. Treacy for 
30 gs.. Brown Gelding, aged; bought by Thomas Mar- 
mion, _ Esq., for 25 gs. Bay Gelding, 7 years, by 
Superior, 22 gs. Black Gelding, 0 years, do., 24. Bay 
Alare, 4 years do. 12 gs. 
Pedestrian Feat. — Air. Stephens, an officer in the 21st 
Fusiliers, stationed in Dublin, undertook last week for a 
wager of £100, to walk 100 miles in 48 hours. The gallant 
gentleman started at 3 A a. m. on Thursday morning, going 
40 miles by 2 p.m., without stopping; started again at 4.J 
p.m., and finished 60 miles by 11 p.m ; went to bed, and 
started Friday morning at 8 a.m., and finished 80 miles by 
2 p.m. ; started at 4J again, and finished 90 miles by 7J ; 
rested till 8, and finished his 100 miles by 11 p.m., having 
4A hours to spare. The last four miles the drums and 
fifes played him in, and on passing the post he was hoisted 
on the sergeants’ of the regiment shoulders. 
RACKETS.— GRAND MATCH AT THE BELVIDERE. 
The Champion op England, with The London 
Amateur, against George Erwood with Mr. 
Morris. — On Saturday se’nnight one of the finest matches 
which has been witnessed for a long time within the threo 
kingdoms, took place at the Belvidere Court, Pentonville, 
between John Mitchel (who for many years was racket 
master at that court, and gained there the honour, which 
he still retains, of the Championship of England) with the 
London Amateur on one side, and George Erwood with the 
veteran Alorris on the other. The match, although got up 
within two days, and without public advertisement, attracted 
a large attendance of amateurs and admirers of the game, 
who manifested a deep interest in the result of the matches; 
partly arising from the fact of Mitchell having left London, and 
not having played at the Belvidere Court for above two years. 
The first game was won so easily by Erwood and Morris that 
the spectators began to fear that Mitchell had forgotten his 
craft; but tho second, and third games showed them they 
were wrong in their conjectures; those games being won in 
gallant style by him and his partner, although the latter 
gentleman had the misfortune early in the play to sprain his 
foot. The fourth game brought out the metal of all the 
players, and was confessedly the finest game of the evening. 
The players stood ten and ten, and after a fierce struggle, 
eliciting some prolonged volleys, the eleventh ace was won 
by Mitchell and his partner. This decided the first match 
in favour of the latter gentleman. The next match, which 
was, like the first, threo games out of five, was won off in fine 
stylo, in three consecutive games, by Erwood and Morris. 
The play of the evening was terminated by a single gamo, 
which was won by Mitchell and Tho London Amateur by 
a majority of two accs. The following is the result of the 
scoring of the day’s play, os kept by Frank Erwood : — 
Gama. Aca. Gama. Accs. 
1st E. and M. 11 6tli E. and M. 11 
M. and L. A. 7 M. and L. A. 1 
2nd M. and L. A. 11 Gtli E. and M. 11 
E. and M. 2 M. and L. A. 5 
3rd M. and L. A. 11 7tli E. and M. 11 
E. and M. 2 M. and L. A. G 
4th M.andL. A. 11 8th M. and L. A. 11 
E. and M. 10 E. and M. 1) 
It will be seen from the above statement, that of the 8 
games played 4 were won by each side. Erwood and Alor- 
ris made 72 aces, Mitchell and the London Amateur 59. 
This numerical superiority may, however, have been partly 
owing to the fact that Mitchell's own court, to which 
his practice is mainly confined, is not an open but a closed 
court. Alitchell has the advantage over Erwood of 
youth by eleven years ; but lie has also the disadvantage 
of a tendency to obesity, which, unless be went into training 
(and upon this occasion he did not), would interfere ma- 
terially with his running power. Air. Morris, again, is 
greatly the senior of the London Amateur, hut tho disad- 
vuntugo of years is somewhat counterbalanced by nn occa- 
sional weakness in one of bis legs, which was broken by an 
accident some time since. The play of these celebrated 
umati urs was, ns it always is, exceedingly fine, and they 
were by no means inferior to their professional colleagues in 
the mutter of scoring. The betting, which was very exten- 
sive, was throughout very even, an equality which the result 
of the playing fully justified. At the conclusion of the game, 
a large number of gentlemen, professionals, amateurs, and 
admirers of rackets, sat down to an elegant dinner prepared 
by Mr. Rouse, and pre.-ided over by The London AmateuTi 
with Mr. Mitchell as vice-chairman. 
