I end by quoting the description of Mr. Budd in old age from the pen of his friend Mr. Wheeler in 1867:—'When, in 1829, I first took up my abode at Swindon, I found Mr. Budd the cricket-king, and right happy seemed those subjected to his dominion. When he had reached fourscore years, I have often known him play the game in good style, on his own ground at Elcombe, though for some ten years before he had declined playing in matches. I have heard him say he could never recollect having lain awake half an hour from any vexation, having made up his mind that "what can't be cured must be endured"; and after he had seen eighty summers, he has stated to me that he has never lain a-bed a day in his life through positive illness. Much of his exemption from disturbance may be attributed to his great love for, and indulgence in, athletic out-door amusements, in most of which his iron frame, muscular power, steady nerve, and quick eye, made him an fait. Though fond of hunting, he never liked coursing. In shooting, as well as cricket, I shall have something to say hereafter; but it may be as well here to state, that though he never actually published a challenge, it was well known among his sporting friends that he was prepared to back himself against any man in England (and it may, therefore, be said the world) for five manly sports—cricket, shooting, running, jumping, and sparring. Though his celebrity was more especially for the first of the five, I have heard him say, "If there is one thing I can do better than another, it is the last-named." And I have good reason to believe that, rather than have missed a chance, he would have accommodated any gentleman by adding tennis and billiards, and thus make it seven events. In fact, he seemed to so excel in all he took in hand, that he was not averse to "go in" for almost anything in the "ring ".
'When not engaged in any of the amusements referred to, he might for many years past, and still may, be found superintending his pets canine, ovine, bovine, or por-
