parcel of his highly liberal establishment.-Pluck is an old campaigner; and his vigilance, fidelity, and activity shew that he is of the genuine old English stock-always in his place, the day never too long, nor the earths too strong. Such a man deserves record in our sporting annals, and we are happy to offer to our readers so finished a specimen of the talent of the two artists, who thus hand down to posterity the perfect presentment of a truly honest man.

EXTRAORDINARY LEAP.

OBSERVING in the papers that much notice has been taken of a very gallant feat certainly, recently performed by D. Callaghan, Huntsman to Mr. Drought's (the Bannagher) Fox-hounds, in a run in the King's County, by clearing the Brusna River, eight yards, on Lady Jane, a little mare, and which it is said was never done before; as the oldest sporting intelligencer, I send you this, merely to say that some 30 years ago the same feat was done, and not far off the same place, by the Rev. G. Holmes, brother to P. Holmes, Esq., of Petersfield, near Nenagh. Mr. Holmes was on a black horse, whose pedigree I now forget, and rode near fourteen stone.-Mr. Drought has a fine country, and if his Fox-hounds only be what the old Drought, the Whigsborough Harriers, were, no man will be well able to pick a hole in his jacket. Dublin, November 17, 1837.

AN OULD DRAGOON.

THE OMNIPARITY STAKES

AT THE LATE ROYAL CALEDONIAN HUNT MEETING.

IN our account of the late Royal Caledonian Races, it was stated by our Correspondent VAGUS-O, that there was a rumour abroad that Oswald was not the bond fide property of the Gentleman in whose name he ran, contrary to the "imperative conditions of that Stake." In our last Number we gave VAGUS's contradiction of the unfounded report; but the gentleman alluded to, conceiving that the refutation is not sufficiently conspicuous-inasmuch as he felt the charge to be a decided fraud-at his request we repeat the contradiction in the most unequivocal terms. We thought we had placed the refutation in the most conspicuous part of the Magazine, as the "Notices to Correspondents" are invariably looked at by general readers. We are at all times most tenacious of throwing reflection on any gentleman, and equally desirous to correct errors and do away any unfavorable impression which might attach to a man of honor; but the owner of Oswald must do us the justice to admit, that as he now knows the writer of the article, we could not question so eminent an authority. We trust this repetition of VAGUS's contradiction will be deemed amply sufficient to vindicate the character of the complainant, and satisfy him of our willingness and anxiety to do away with any the slighest imputation that might attach to him from an erroneous statement.

SPORTING INTELLIGENCE.

RACING INTELLIGENCE EXTRA.

Newmarket Craven Meeting.-The following are the Nominations for the Oatlands Stakes of 50 sovs. cach, h. ft., and only 10 if declared, &c.—D. I. (Tuesday):-Lord Exeter's ch. c. Adrian, by Sultan, 4 yrs, 6st. 12fb.; Lord Exeter's b. c. Corban, by Sultan, 4 yrs, 6st. 12fb.; Lord Exeter's b. c. Dardanelles, by Sultan, 4 yrs, 8st.; Lord Suffield's br. c. Caravan, by Camel, 4 yrs, 8st. 121b.; Lord Suffield's b. c. Cowboy, by Voltaire, 4 yrs, 8st.; Lord Suffield's ch. h. Turban, by Sultan, 6 yrs, 7st. 71b.; Mr. Wilson's ch. c. Quicksilver, by Velocipede, 4 yrs, 7st. 111b.; Mr. Osbaldeston's br. c. Micmac, by Tramp, 4 yrs, 7st. 5lb.; and Mr. Osbaldeston's b. c. Mahometan, by Muley, 4 yrs, 7st. 91b.

Doncaster Races.-The Great St. Leger for 1838 and 1839, the Champagne, the Gascoigne, the Two-Year-Old, the Filly, and the Scarbrough Stakes, close on this day (January 1). In consequence, however, of the informality in the election of the Town Council, the various Plates, Stakes, &c. to which the customary additions are made will remain open till the Ist of March. It is hoped that so far from injuring the entries, the contrary effect will result from this extension of time. As far as the Corporation are concerned, there can be no doubt that the public will have no cause to complain of any want of liberality.

Royal Caledonian Hunt.—At the great annual Meeting of the Members at Edinburgh, on the second Tuesday in December, the following Officers were appointed for the ensuing year :-Preses, The Earl of Eglinton.Councillors, Sir D. Kinlock, Bart; Sir J. A. Cathcart, Bart.; and John Kinlock, Esq.-Treasurer, W. R. Ramsay, Esq.-Secretary, W. Sharpe, Esq.-The Hunt Meeting was fixed to take place at Ayr next year, and the sum of £510 voted to be given in Plates, &c. The Queen has graciously consented to become Patroness to the Royal Caledonian Hunt.

Mr. Orton, of York, the Judge at York, Heaton Park, Catterick Bridge, Beverley, Ayr, Paisley, Caledonian Hunt, Northallerton, and other Race Meetings, has been appointed to the same office at the Eglinton Park Meetings over Bogside Course, Irvine, Scotland.

The Earl of Eglinton has purchased of H. Vansittart, Esq. his threeyear-old colt by Catton out of Darioletta, for 250 gs.

Mr. Carey, of York, the breeder of The Carpenter, has sold to Mr. Dawson, trainer, of Middleham, a two-year-old filly by Brutandorf, dam (The Carpenter's grandam) by Blucher out of Olivia by Justice. Mr. D. made the purchase for C. Álexander, Esq., of Ballochmyle, Scotland.

During the last month, as two fillies (the property of W. Allen, Esq., of the Lodge, Malton, owner of Belshazzar) were exercising in the Orchard Field in that Gentleman's estate, one of them, a yearling by Clinker, dam by Capsicum, broke away with the boy who was riding her, and ran with such violence against a tree with her shoulder point, that the bone was broken to splinters, one of which with the collision ruptured an artery and caused instantaneous death. The boy was no worse.- -The other filly, by Mulatto out of Alice, threw her rider, but fortunately escaped injury.

Racing in Siberia.-" OURALSK, October 15.-On the first day of this month some horse-races were held in the vicinity of this city, which deserve to occupy the attention of amateurs of this description of sport. The racecourse was three versts round (about two English miles), and to gain the prize it was necessary to gallop six times round the course. Each horse was to be saddled and bridled according to the fashion of Cossack horses, and to

be mounted by his owner, weight ad libitum. Thirteen horsemen of the Oural and Kirgiss Cossacks were the first to dash into the course, uttering savage cries, and waving their enormous knotted whips over their heads. The famous black horse of the Cossack Burcze Czugrumiew, that carried away all the prizes last year, did the 18 versts (12 English miles) in 273 minutes. He took the lead at starting, and at every successive round he distanced his competitors more and more. None of the beaten horses, however, gave in to the last. The prize for this race was 5000 rubles (£200). The second race was between the Kirgiss Kaisak riders of Ouralsk, and the Kirgiss Kaisaks of Bekezezewsk. Eight of them dashed into the arena, and the prize was carried off by Sultan Kudan Urmanow, who galloped over the 18 versts in 323 minutes. The prize for this race was the same as the preceding.—Several Russian Noblemen had travelled a considerable distance to be present at these races, for the horses of the steppes of the Oural are looked upon, here at least, as the most vigorous of the whole universe, surpassing even those of Persia and Arabia. General Perowski, the Commandant of Oremburg, and Prince Kutusow, were both desirous of buying the horse of Burcze Czugrumiew, and offered him as much as 20,000 rubles (£800), but the Cossack's reply was, that death alone should separate him from his friend and faithful companion, and that he would not exchange him for all the riches in the world.

On Tuesday last (19th December) the Duke of Orleans examined in the court of the Tuileries the magnificent horses bought at the sale of the Royal Stud in England, by M. Guastalla, Director of the Dépôt de Remontes, in the Bois de Boulogne. Several distinguished amateurs, among others the Duke de Larochefoucauld, were present at the inspection. Everybody felicitated M. Guastella on the value of his acquisition. We had never before seen in France horses uniting such power and beauty of form.— Journal des Débats.

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The Turf Ready Reckoner.-As long as horses run there will be speculation, and it is admitted on all hands that the calculation of chances is a mystery it is therefore no small merit to give the novice some insight into their arcana, or rather, by pointing out a method of calculation, enable him to form some criterion by which he may dabble a little in the excitement without singeing his wings too seriously. We have occasionally given some very curious calculations of chances; and Mr. Green, the author of a work under the above title, elucidates his views by " Tables of Odds on horseracing, consisting of many thousand calculations of the odds between one horse, or several, and others-between several and the Field-also about being first and second with two horses-and other chances-with a demonstration of the principles upon which they are constructed."-Mr. Green is already known as the Author of the " Backgammon Teacher," and an Essay on Chances ;" and these calculations appear to have been drawn on conclusions similar to those which have gained him repute as an accurate demonstrator of the science of betting safely. Every betting man may do worse than carry this little Vade Mecum in his side-pocket.

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THE CHASE.

Since the communication from our friend in the present Number (p. 229), we are given to understand that Mr. H. Clive, of Styche, takes Sir Rowland Hill's hounds.

Surrey and Kent Stag-Hounds." The sporting spirit of Lord Derby's day is reviving in Surrey; and I should think myself in error if I omitted an account of two splendid runs with these hounds. They met on Friday, the 15th inst., at Lock's Bottom, where there was a good field, including several influential landowners and other gentlemen of the county.

At half-past eleven a fine young stag was uncarted on the farm of J. Brooker, Esq., whose love of the sport and whose liberality need no comment: it bounded away in gallant style, and crossed the Seven Oaks road at GrinsteadGreen, and through Sir J. Lubbock's Park to Norstead, at a slapping pace. The hills told tales, and the hounds had it to themselves, with very few exceptions, taking a line of country to Knockholt Beeches, headed to the right to Cudam and Brastead, where the deer was found dead, having broken his neck by falling into a chalk-pit. The pace was tremendous, and continued for one hour and ten minutes without a check.-Tuesday, the 19th, the Nelson, at Cheam, a very favorite meet with those gentlemen who have hearts and horses well placed. At the usual time the celebrated deer (Ben) was uncarted at the farm of Mr. Overton, and although he was observed to be a little lame behind, he went away with his usual courage, crossing the inclosures to Cheam, leaving Sutton on the left, to Banstead Downs, over the Downs to the estate of Lord Derby, to Woodmanston, where there was a slight check. Despite of lameness, he crossed the country from Woodmanston to Banstead Park Downs and Chipstead Bottom, through Beecham Coppice, leaving Gatton on the left, to Reigate Hill, where he was taken after a run of two hours and a quarter-the distance from point to point, fifteen miles, and only one check.”—S. S. S.

STEEPLE CHASE AT ST. ALBAN'S.

The Steeple-chase which was some years ago established at St. Alban's, and which is now regarded as an annual event, came off on its recent anniversary much before the usual period at which it has been holden. Instead of March, as heretofore, December was fixed upon; and as it affected individual interests, so was the change spoken of favorably or the reverse. The late event too was not only chronologically experimental, but the principle was also new, or rather a return to the original plan adopted when the "Wild Goose Chase" became numbered among our rural sports. It was, in fact, a race across country, having no restraint as to the line to be taken, its only ascertained points being those for the start and finish. In this case the start was in a field at Hammond's End Farm, close to the town of Redbourn, the run home being about three miles. The country was of the usual variation of turf, plough, and lay, and rode heavy enough to please the most fastidious of bottom. At three o'clock the party subjoined got together, and without loss of time, for it was late enough" away" was said and done.

Sweepstakes of 10 sovs. each.-Three miles across country.—12st. each. Mr. Anderson's The Performer, by Spectre, Liston's dam (Mr. Oliver).. Mr. Villebois's br. g. Lottery (Mr. J. Mason)

............ 1 2

The following also started but were not placed:-Mr. Jenkins's bl. m. Midnight, by Grafton, dam by Grimaldi (Mr. Barker); Mr. J. Elmore's The Fox of Bally-Botherem (Mr. H. Elmore); Mr. Thomas's Shylock, by Waterloo out of Moses's dam (Capt. Becher); Mr. Lambden na. Laura (Mr. Bean); Mr. Jackson's Cinderella (Mr. Martin); and Mr. Walker's Grasshopper (Mr. Seffert). The betting being infrà dig, we decline quoting. As soon as they were under weigh Bean made running with Laura, and led at a good bat, till, charging a gate, his mare came down, and his chance was out. It is to be supposed that the squadron kept anything but "close order," the bounds being ad libitum. Becher early cut the company, taking a line of his ownbut his Shylock was a shy cock and a dunghill, and the Captain knocked but little out of the Jew-he never shewed in the race. At about half the distance the lot got more unanimous as to the line, but the tale of most was even then told-Lottery, The Performer, and Midnight, looking much the best, the former with the lead at severe running. About a quarter of a mile from home, however, the pace and ground were too many for him, and he could not live with his former companions. For the "who shall" Midnight

and The Performer made a pretty set-to; in the few last strides the mare, however, shook him off, and went in first some lengths. But after the feast comes the reckoning: at scale poor Barker could not turn Coleman's beam, so the scales were turned in favor of The Professor, and then a protest was entered, and " adhuc sub judice lis est." It is a pity that these things do so often beget a shindy, because they really are quite conformable to our Sporting Constitution, and serve to keep alive a proper spirit in the Provinces. We trust that it will all end amicably; but really it is almost too bad for Mr. Jenkins to be minus eighty sterling pounds because Mr. Barker wanted the moiety of one avoirdupois!

was.

SHOOTING IN FRANCE.

La Chasse in France is no longer the expensive pursuit that it once Like many other amusements, it has ceased to be exclusive - -it has become almost universal. To "do the thing in style" a man formerly sacrificed his whole fortune: he may now break his neck, or his arm, but the expenses seldom cause him to break up his establishment. La Chasse is the mania of the day: the public conveyances are loaded with dogs, guns, and Chasseurs; there is no getting a place by any coach. Vehicles of every description have now become fortresses; as soon as the railroads are completed, we shall have on all sides moving citadels. La Chasse is the "madness of the hour," of which all classes partake. Those who are not accustomed to shoot at least assume the appearance of sportsmen by adopting the costume and paraphernalia. Thus, whilst the Exquisite of the Chaussée D'Antin is dressed in short plaid pantaloons, thick gaiters, and coarse waistcoat, with a belt and powder-horn of the last "patent,' the more humble clerk of the public office begs a holiday-increases the magnifying power of his green spectacles-bargains for the loan of an old fusee-pays his half-crown for a shooting frock-and possesses himself of a fat pointer : the haberdasher's shopman and the young apprentice linen-draper are frequently to be found absent from their counters, practising with a pair of worn-out pistols at the Moulin de la Galette in the Chaussée de Belleville, hoping from such beginning to be able to destroy snipes, and larks, and partridges.-Chasseur.

FISHING.

On Tuesday, the 1st November, rod-fishing closed in the river Tweed, The season on the whole, had not been a successful one; until just before the close, the water continued so very low, that none but a novice could expect anything like the usual sport; when it changed, by the falling weather, so much snow fell on the hills as to prevent the fish rising freely at the fly. On the last day, in Sprouston Dub, Mr. Thorndike killed five fish, weighing 1061b.: two of them, about 25fb. each, were fine clean run fish.

NATURAL HISTORY.

The Third Part of "Yarrell's History of British Birds" comprises more Birds of Prey, including the harrier, the eagle, scops-eared, long-eared, shorteared, white or barn, tawny, snowy, and hawk owls.-No commendation on our part can do justice either to the description given by this eminent naturalist, or the embellishments with which the various species are illustrated.

The Capercailzie.-Sir: Since I wrote an epistle which you did me the honor of inserting in your Magazine some months back, intitled "A Month in the Alps," I have been in the Vosges Mountains in Alsatia, where I saw several of the Capercailzie or Cock of the Wood (also called Cock-deBruyère), and remarkably fine they were, as large as some I have seen stuffed, natives of Scotland and Norway. I mention this, as my impression was that this species of the grouse was not to be found in France. afterwards saw some in Paris that had been killed in the Vosges, and for which