To carry out this idea practically it was shown that as many men as could be mounted were to act individually and collectively, having the dismounted portion of the corps to retire upon for support if such should be necessary. The mounted men were to be armed with the then new Westley-Richards repeating carbine or Colt's revolver combination of carbine and pistol; but this was never done. However, a start had to be made, and a parade of the corps was held at Maiden Bradley, the men falling in in Brice's Field to the amount of some seventy or seventy-two in number. There was deep snow upon the ground, and all were on foot. On the roll call being replied to, it was found that about thirty members could ride horses of their own, such as they frequently used for the purpose of hunting. The ages were between thirty-five and forty, indeed only two men being over forty, and one a lad of eighteen. Three were married men, and the average height somewhat exceeded five feet nine inches--tall and big men all. The corps was formed almost entirely of tenants or sons of tenants on the Duke of Somerset's estate at Maiden Bradley, Witham Friary, Silton, a solitary individual from Hill Deveril, and a few young gentlemen pupils of the Rev. Geo. Brown at Maiden Bradley. The corps was started in October, 1859, but was not legally enrolled until the spring of 1860, its composition, character, and other matters creating delays and difficulties; but was eventually sanctioned under the title of the 1st Wilts Mounted Rifles and 6th Wilts Rifle Volunteers. It will be seen that this corps, with its imposing start and quality for immediate usefulness, contained in its formation the germs of early decay. It was very expensive, and it was doubtful whether, as the present men moved away to other farms or occupations, others would take their place, and certainly the pupils of Mr. Brown would be constantly leaving. The officers first appointed were: Earl St. Maur, Captain; the Hon. J. Ogilvy, Lieutenant; and H.B. Festing, Esq., Ensign; Sergeant Stickler, late of the Guards, Drill Instructor; T.K. Harding and S.E. Jefferys, Sergeants, with Sergt.-Major Latham, of the Somerset Yeomanry, Instructor in Mounted Drill. The head quarters were fixed at Maiden Bradley; but the corps was divided into three squads or divisions; the first being at Maiden Bradley; the second at Witham Friary, Somersetshire, five miles distant from head quarters; and the third at Silton in Dorsetshire, seven miles away from the head quarters. Squad drills were arranged to be held as often as convenient at the three places, but to be fixed for a general muster assembling once a month alternately at Bradley, The Friary, and Silton. The rifle range was at Long Knoll, Maiden Bradley--a good range, extending 1100 yards, and very safe. The uniform was a blue-grey serge blouse, sleeves buttoning tightly to the wrist, with scarlet collar; the trousers