The idea of amalgamating the College and the Oppidan packs of Beagles was first mooted in 1864, but little came of it, probably owing to the reluctance of College to renounce the undoubted advantages which it possessed. A. J. Pound, the Master of the College Beagles in 1865 and 1866, was opposed to the scheme for reasons which he has shown in the Journal Book of the College Beagles (pp. 223, 224). Towards the end of the season of 1864, on March 16th to be exact, the Oppidan Beagles invited the Master and Whips of their neighbours to their annual drag at Salt Hill, where they partook of refreshments, liquid and solid. During these Mr. E. Royds arose and proposed “That the two packs be amalgamated.” These are the words which A. J. Pound has written in the Journal Book, and which adequately express his view of the proposal: “Mr. Pound seconded the motion, though much against the grain. It may be well to make a few remarks here showing the advantages and disadvantages. It may as well first be mentioned that it is almost a settled thing that the two packs be amalgamated next year. The advantage of this arrangement will be entirely on the side of the Oppidans, the increase of country enabling them to hunt every day of the week, and good kennels in lieu of their present ones. The disadvantages on the side of College, inasmuch as the subscription being so much heavier than the present one, none will care to join who do not try to ‘run to hounds,’ and in all probability none, Colleger or Oppidan, who cannot ‘run to hounds’ will be allowed to join. The great amusement of the Easter Half will be snatched away from College, and we fear loafing will increase in a double proportion. Still it is to be hoped that Collegers will try and hold their own against the Oppidans in the amalgamated field, and we think all must see that this step is a necessary one and cannot be prevented now that the amalgamation has proceeded so far and Collegers are admitted to all the races. College must go with the age, for the age will not go with College.” The College Beagles had only two more days hunting and then Pound closed the Journal for the season in the following way: “May the E.C.H. never amalgamate, may the E.C.H. never enjoy worse seasons than the two last, are the fervent prayers of Mr. Pound, who with deep regret resigns his post of Master to Mr. Armitstead.”