1061 
THE FIELD. 
NEASDON HARRIERS. 
The first full meet of these harriers was on Saturday last, 
and a splendid day’s sport there was. Some of our country 
friends will be surprised to learn that within five miles of 
the Marble Arch, in the beautiful suburb of London, which 
lies between the Edgwarc-road and the Harrow-road, a 
pack of harriers is kept by two gentleman, whose character 
as sportsmen is widely and well known. 
On the brow of one of those charming slopes which encir- 
cle, in gradually increasing and undulating lines, the northern 
and western environs of London, stands a white-looking 
mansion, occupied by Mr. Henry Hall and Mr. Cheslyn Hall, 
two bonny bachelors. 
The first named is usually called “ The ’Squire." Each 
can, however, lay true and rightful claim to that time- 
honoured title, for not in England can be found men who in 
their conduct, character, sentiments, and tastes, more wor- 
thily represent the sport-loving, hospitable, kind-hearted race 
of English ’Squires, now alas ! growing scarce. However, in 
this charming locality these gentleman live, and they farm 
their broad acres in a manner which ranks them amongst the 
best agriculturists of tho day. They have cattle of the best 
breed ; they have a separate establishment for breeding 
racers and hunters of the purest blood ; they hunt like 
gentlemen, and live like little princes — -jolly and jovial, 
gentle and generous. 
And well selected was the spot for the meet — namely, 
Brandesbury Park, Willesden, the residence of Henry 
Vallance, Esq. Brandesbury Park is on the rising ground 
on the left of the lane leading from Kilbura to Willesden, 
and though only three miles from the Marble Arch, it is as 
secluded and country-like as if a hundred miles away. The 
mansion is in the midst of Brandesbury manor : it has no 
pretensions to external beauty ; but it has a most “ comfort- 
able iuside.” It was formerly the property of Lady Salis- 
bury, and the residence of Sir Coutts Trotter, afterwards 
of Baron Hambro’, but for four years past has been unoc- 
cupied. 
Tho mansion is surrounded by about fifty acres of park, 
beautifully timbered. The pleasure grounds are most beau- 
tiful. The gardens, vineries, &c., are of first-rate order, aud 
the coppices, ponds, walks, shrubberies, &c., are so artistically 
arranged that the visitor may walk in this little paradise for 
hours without being fatigued with the same scene. Every 
turn discloses some fresh beauty, and the stately trees and 
beautiful flowing shrubs add a charm and value to this place 
which good taste in the original arrangements and time alone 
can produce. 
At this spot was the first “ lawn meet" of the Neasdon 
Harriers. The ’Squire and his brother and some friends were 
invited to breakfast, aud the genius of true English hos- 
pitality might well be proud of such a reception. 
At nine the harriers were brought in front of the mansion, 
bo that the ladies might see the pack and field, and a charm- 
ing aud beautiful picture it was. 
The ’ Squire hunts his own hounds. There he was behind 
his pack on a steady, wiry-looking horse. A few yards from 
him were the two whips, and about two dozen gentlemen 
formed a semicircle round the Messrs. Hall, whilst here and 
there in different parts of the park were seen some curbing 
in their steeds, others pacing up and down, with cockaded 
servants in dark liveries in tho rear, and in the carriage- 
drive might be seen a brougham “uncarting its dear" (for a 
hat and feathers graced the meet), and a dog-cart turning out 
its “fast" contents. 
After this parade the 'Squire went to work : a few fences 
in the adjoining fields were carefully looked over, and then 
the hounds were put into one of the Brandesbury copses. 
In a few minutes a forward but cautious one of the pack 
mumbled something : again he spoke significantly, and im- 
mediately the music — sweet melody for the gladsome hearts 
of men and horses — burst forth from the whole pack, and 
they were in full cry. 
Again stillness reigns — the scent is bad : still the hunts- 
men “lifted" them on with a cheer and brought them up 
before the scent was entirely cold. 
A beautiful scene was presented. The hare doubled back 
into the shrubberies, ran into the lawn — out again — across 
the park, with hounds and horses in full view ; took them 
for a gallop towards Keusal-greeu, then back again — across 
the park and towards the shrubberies — then stole away into 
the open country; but was killed at last within one hundred 
yards of the start. During all this time, the ladies of the 
family and their visitors were on the lawn (separated from 
the park by a sunk fence), and appeared to enjoy the sport to 
a degree, for the hares, when hunted from the covers in the 
park, would, after a run into the copses, and thence into the 
open country, return to the shrubberies again, so that for 
hours together there was one scene of excitement. 
Thoroughly did every one enjoy the sport We cannot 
Bpare room for the details of the day, but must content 
ourselves with saying that the 'Squire’s harriers killed five 
bares. 
Never was better sport, or a more delightful day, known. 
All enjoyed themselves to the utmost. In the evening, we 
understaud, the Messrs. Hall and a few friends dined at 
Brandesbury ; and we have heard a whisper that a curious 
match was made, which is to come off on Monday. What it 
is we know not, but we advise our sporting friends to keep 
an oar open for anything that may transpire ; and, we may 
add, that whatever the sport is, we will chance a trifle, and 
back the ’Squire. 
Fortunate are they who are in the confidence of Messrs. 
Hall, and have their name on the privileged list for a card of 
the meet of the Neasdon Harriers — still more fortunate if 
they find the meet to be “ Brandcsbury-park, Willesden." 
NOTES FROM MELTON MOWBRAY. 
To the Editor of The Field. 
" Your face U vallanced since we met, old friend." 
Sir, — I n consequence of the din of war's alarms, the ex- 
citement of racing and the fact that we do not hunt in 
Leicestershire in the summer, you and I have had but 
little to do with each other lately ; but I suppose our turn 
will come now, for our men are as anxious to have their 
gallant deeds in the field chi'onicled as ever Admiral Dundas, 
Charley Napier, or General Canrobert may be. But Sir, this 
season has been one in a thousand. We have never expe- 
rienced such a succession of dry weather ; and scarcely in the 
memory of man has such a time occurred forgetting horses in 
condition ; for, whether it is believed or not, I assure you that 
we have scarcely had a shower of rain since last March, and 
scores of farmers for miles around this neighbourhood are 
even now driving their beasts, sheep, and horses long dis- 
tances to drink. The ground is consequently in such a state 
that fox-huuting is as much out of the question as to expect 
to see hay -making on Christmas -day. I do not like to hazard 
must do as we do here when we want to hear of any great 
event — wait till it happens. There are lots of foxes, plenty 
of men and horses, and we only want rain. I shall not fail 
to tell you the events as they arise, and remain, Sir, your 
most obedient servant, Nellasilis. 
COURSING FIXTURES. 
( Weather permuting.) 
NOVEMBER, 1854. 
an opinion in contradiction to older heads than mine, but tiful and confoundedly strong, giving a good test to the quali- 
for once I will say what I think ; and that is, that there is I ties of the long-tails. Bomarsuud's running deserved notice ; 
scarcely a single stud of horses either in the town or neigh- he is a capital dog, and will play smoko with many before tho 
bourhood fit to go for half-an-hour at anything like a pace. I season’s out. Tho dinner after each day’s coursing, at tho 
They are all short of those pipe-openers which are absolutely Red Lion Inn, did great credit to Mr. S. Garrett and his 
necessary when you want tho colt by Dare' cm out of charming sisters; every thing was firat-nite. Upwards of 
Catch’em to win a Derby. The meet on Monday last, with forty gentlemen sat down, and most of them remained “ at it " 
the Quom, was as usual at Kirby Gate, and, singular to “ uutil morning,"— a proof of tho excellence aud good quali- 
relate, not one gentleman left tho town of Melton in scarlet, ties of his wines and spirits. Chairman, Mr. Wright; Vice, 
It would be a burlesque to attempt to give you an idea of Mr. Lepage. Tho following is a return of the running : — 
the first week’s sport; therefore I can only add that you | The Chadshcnt Stakes. For sixteen all-aged dogs, at 
£3. 15s. each. Total, £60. First dog to receive £35; 
second, £12 ; third and fourth, £3. 3s. each. Expenses, 
»£6. 14s. Tho winner to jxay half-a-dozen champagne. 
Mr. W. Delglxton's bk b Bustle beat Mr. II. Sodgloy's bk and w d Slasher 
Mr. Arnold's bk d Heron beat Mr. Davis ns bd and w b llird-ou-thv- 
\\ Hlg 
Mr. S. Clarke's bd b Bess beat Mr. Hammond's f d Vortex 
Mr. Lines ns Lamioe beat Mr. J Hunt's r d Nimrod 
Mr. Hughes's f d Benedict bent Mr. Hammond aril Don Juan 
Mr. Archer's r and w d Y. Topper beat Mr. BmUm\ r b Whiskey 
Mr. Peakes ns Victress beat Mr. Arnold's f d p Albion 
Mr. Lines ns bd b Gipscy beat Mr. Davis ns be and w b Lizzlo 
Second Tits. 
Heron beat Bustle, dr 1 Benedict beat Y. Topper, dr 
Bess beat Lamice | Gipscy beat Victress 
Thud Ties. 
Bess beat Heron | Gipsey beat Benedict 
Deciding Course. 
Bess beat Gipscy, and won the stake. 
Bess is by Webb' 9 Wrestler, out of Mr. Harriss’s Fly. Bess 
hml only appeared four times in public — wiuuiug three times 
and miming up oxico. 
The Kineton Stakes. For eight puppies (pupped nfter 
January, 1853), at £2. 2s. each. Total, £16. 16s. First 
dog to receive £10 ; second, £3. Expenses, £3. 16s. 
Mr. J. Hunt's f b Nora (by Pilot, out of Brenda) beat Mr. T. ltcadlng ns 
bo p Topsey (by Y, Topper, out id' Duchess) 
Mr. Brighton ns bd d Bomarsund (by Weston, out of Weston) beat Mr. 
Hammond's bk d Hope (by Sailor, out of Catch) 
Mr. Davis ns Brigand (by Brigand, out of Brent) beat Mr. AmoId'N bk 
d p Racket 
Mr. Lines ns w and f d Cobb (by Esquire, out of bk t b Michaelmas) beat 
Mr. H. Ivina’s r d Tyrant (by Y. Topper, out of Duchess) 
Second Ties. 
Bomarsund bent Nora | Brigand beat Cobb 
Deciding Course. 
Bomarsund beat Brigand, aud won the stake 
| The Convivial Stakes. For eight all-aged dogs, at £1. Is. 
each. Total, £8. 8s. First dog to receive £5 ; second, 
£1. 10s. each. Expenses, £1. 18s. 
Mr. Bartlett's bd b Bird-on-tlie-Wing beat Mr. Hunt's bk b Myrtle 
1 Mr. Hammond's r d Don Juan bent Mr. W. SholswcU’s bk tb Nimble 
Mr. Hunt’s rd Nimrod beat Mr. Hughes's f d Raleigh 
Mr. Bartlect's be and w b Lizzie beat Mr. Deighton's bk and w d Slasher 
Second Ties. 
Don Juan beat Bird-on-the-Wing I Nimrod, dr 
Lizzie ran a byo | 
Deciding Course. 
Don Juan and Lizzie divided tho stakes 
COURSING AT FRAMPTON.— The Opening Day. 
On Wednesday last the lovers of coursing met at Framp- 
ton, on the estate of Sir Theophilua Biddolph, to try tho 
speed and stamina of their long-tails. Tho weather was 
propitious, the game plentiful, aud tho dogs, generally 
speaking, in good condition. The field also, considering it 
was to have been a great day, was “pretty numerous." This 
being what may lie termed a trial day, hope and fear was 
depicted on many a countenance, since many of tho owners 
had vied with each otlior, and Hpared neither expense or 
trouble, in improving tho breed of their favourites. The 
performance of most of tho dogs did credit to their trainers, 
and was a proof wlmt breed any good management was 
capable of doing. There was but ouo set-off against tho 
dogs, and that was the hardness of the ground, which cer- 
tainly told against them. There were fifteen brace of grey- 
hounds sent, aud we are sorry to relato that one, a very 
promising white dog, belonging to Mr. Hands, returned no 
more, as lie fell dead when near tho finish of a very severe 
struggle, and became stiff in a very few minutes. Amongst 
those who owned the dogs were T. Heytou, Esq., Kilsby, 
Mr. Russel, Mr. J. Marton, Mr. T. Laurence of Thurleston, 
Mr. R. Cowley, of Kilsby, Mr. J. Parnell, of Rugby, Mr. 
Hicken Bourton, Mr. Blundell, Mr. Boddiugtou, Rugby, 
— Black, Esq., of Toft, Mr. Hands, Mr. Blick, of Rugby, 
&c. Judging from the performances of tho day, the follow- 
ing gentlemen were entitled to the palm : — Mi\ Hicken, Mr. 
Heyton, and Mr. Boddington. The game appeared to spring 
in all directions in a field of not more than six acres]; upwards 
of twelve hares gave leg boil for their appearance. Tho hill 
country afforded a most excellent view to the company ; 
more than a dozen hares hml their gallop Btopped ; but how 
many lived to run another day it would puzzle the wits of a 
Philadelphia lawyer to say. The sport throughout was 
exceedingly good ; but to say all were pleased with the 
result of the day would be stating too much, as seuteuco of 
death was passed upon some which last season wore the 
prido of tho neighbourhood ; but such is life, ns we see in 
our daily walks, that the petted of one hour become tho 
despised of the next ; and it would appear that greyhounds 
are not au exception to tho rule. 
T. W. UrroN Wrigiit. 
PLACE. 
DATE. 
JODOE. 1 
Newmarket Open 
Caledonian St. Leger( Lanark) 
Ashdown l’ark Champion 
(Berkshire) 
Chatsworth Open(Derbyshire) 
Sundorne (Salop) 
Newcastle. Northumberland, 
13 
16 
20 
••2 and 23 
23 and 24 
28, 29, and 30 
Not ilxcd 
Mr. Nightingale 
Mr. A. Bennett 
Mr. Nightingale 
Mr. A. Bennett 
Mr. Warwjck 
Coquetdule(Northumberlund i 
DECEMBER. 
Riggar Club (Lanark) 
Kenilworth 
Itidgway (Lancashire) 
Spelthorne (Middlesex) 
Caledonian (Lanark) 
5 
5 and G 
7 and 8 
7 and s 
14 
Mr. Tibbctt 
Mr. Lawrence 
JANUARY, 1855. 
Biggar Club (Lanark) 
The renewed trial between 
North-Western and South- 
Western Coursers, at Ly- 
23 
29 and fol. days 
FEBRUARY. 
Spelthorne (Wilts) 
Newmarket Open 
Biggar Champion (Lanark) . 
Baron Hill, Beaumaris( Angle- 
7, 8, and 9 
12 
13 
Mr. Lawrence 
MARCII. 
Caledonian Open (Lannrk) .. 
Biggar Open (Lanark) 
Itidgway (Lancashire) 
15 
27 
NITHSDALE AND GALLOWAY COURSING MEETING, 
DUMFRIES, SCOTLAND. 
Thursday and Friday, November 2 and 3. 
Judge— Mr. Bbnnbt. Slipper— Mr. Nodlbt. 
The St. Legf.r Puppy Stake. 
Mr. Birnic’s f d Spitfire beat Mr. Hellon ns b and w d Turk 
Mr. Kennedy’s bdb Lizzy beat Mr. Crosbie's r d Sir Roger 
Mr. Radcliff’s b d and w d Mountaineer beat Mr. Birnie's f d North Star 
Mr. Forster's bk and w d Cigar beat Mr. Forster's f and w d Pop-goes- 
the-Weasel 
Mr. Dalzell's bk d St. Clare beat Mr. Dinwoodie ns bd d Autocrat 
Mr. Jcfl's r b Yes. Dear, beat Mr. Dinwoodie ns r and f d Dryburgh 
Mr. Crosbie's r b Red Jacket beat Mr. Dimie's r and w b Spito 
Mr. Crosbie’s r b Sabrina beat Mr. R. Graham's bd d Emperor 
Mr. Bell's f d Sultan beat Mr. Forster’s f d Gilnockie 
Mr. Pearson’s r and w b Eva beat Mr. Watson's bd b Fanny 
Mr. Radcliff's bk and w d Omar Pasba beat Mr. Jackson's bk and w d 
Liddle Lad 
Mr. Birnie's w and f d Sambo ran a bye 
Second Ties. 
Spitfire beat Lizzy | Sultan beat Red Jacket 
Mountaineer beat Cigar 1 Eva beat Sabrina 
St. Clare beat Yes, Dear | Omar Pasba beat Sambo 
Third Ties. 
Spitfire beat Mountaineer I Eva beat Omar Paslia 
St. Clare beat Sultan 
Fourth Ties. 
Spitfire ran a bye | Eva beat St. Claro 
Deciding Course. 
Mr. Birnie’s Spitfire and Mr. Pearson's Eva divided the stake, each 
receiving thirty guineas 
The Dormont All-age Stake. 
Mr. Grant’s r d Bonnie Mom beat Mr. Beudle’s r d Tam Barry 
Mr. Kllwood’s.w and f d Ravcnbill beat Mr. Dimie's bk b Willing Mold 
Mr. Radcliff’s r d Buck of Ihe Border beat Mr. Steel's 16th of December 
Mr. Grant's bk and w d Liverpool beat Mr. Mark's bk b Miss Slcddlu 
Mr. Blamire's f d British Lion beat Mr. Ellwood’s f d Optimus 
Mr. Dalzell's fb Bartilozzi beat Mr. Jackson's w and b b Meg 
Mr. Irving's bk d Dreadnought beat Mr. Carruthers's r d Orphan Boy 
Second Ties. 
Bonnie Mom beat Ravenhill I Bartilozzi beat British Lion 
Buck of the Border beat Liverpool | Dreadnought rau a byo 
Third Ties. 
Bonnie Mom beat Buck of the Border 
Dreadnought beat Bartilozzi 
Deciding Course. 
Dreadnought beat Bonnie Mom, and won the stako 
Consolation Stake. 
Mr. Ellwood’s f d Optimus beat Mr. Jeff's r b Yes, Dear 
Mr. Birnie's bk b Willing Maid beat Mr. Lindsay's r d Wallace 
Mr. Crosbie's r d Sir Roger beat Mr. Forster's f and w d Pop-goes-the- 
Weasel . 
Mr. Mark's bk b Miss Sleddle beat Mr. Dinwoodie ns r or f d Drybnrgh 
Second Ties. 
Optimus beat Willing Maid | Miss Sleddle beat Sir Roger 
Deciding Course. 
Miss Slcddlo beat Optimus, and won the stako 
KINETON COURSING MEETING. 
Judiro— Mr. Warwick. 
SPORTING MISCELLANEOUS. 
Bison Hunting at Taymouth Castle.— A hunt of a most 
unusual and extraordinary character took place at Taymouth 
Castle on the 25th ult. Ou tho previous day the Duke of 
Leeds arrived at tho Castle ; tho next morning his grace, 
accompanied by the Marquis of Breadalbane, Lord Ponmuro, 
Hon. C. B. Phipps, Keeper of the Privy Purse ; Sir John 
Pringle, Bart., Sir Alexander Campbell, Bart., Major Baillie, 
Mr. Menzies, of Clieathill, ami Mr. H. Aitken, procedeed to 
enjoy the sport of hunting bisons, of which wild natives of 
tho North American prairies there are several fine specimens 
at the castle. The sport wont ou with great spirit and ex- 
citement, and a bison was brought down at the first shot, 
promptly secured, and carried off the ground. — Edinburgh. 
Cowant. ,. 
Captain Albert Evelyn Rowley, of the Grenadier 
Guards, whose death at Sebastopol has been announced, was 
the second son of Sir Charles Rowley, of Hill-house, I ci k- 
shiro, whose family have filled a distinguished^ position m 
the naval annals of England. Captain Rowley had been uxuo 
not have been afforded for the gratification of tho numerous 
spectators. The course between Bess (the winner) and Vortex, 
in the first ties, was 
run — indeed she won, 
opponent ; and, to use 
hare could live long ' 
kindliest nature ; and in the meetings i . 
we were wont to see him perform, all were attracted to Inin 
