The Merry Past 



mansion discovered that the ham — the pride of every 

 Virginian housewife's table — was missing from its 

 accustomed post of honour. Upon questioning 

 Frank the butler, the latter portly personage observed 

 that a ham, yes, a very fine ham, had been prepared, 

 nay dished, agreeably to the madam's order ; but, 

 lo and behold, who should come into the kitchen 

 while the savoury ham was smoking in its dish, but old 

 Vulcan the hound, who, without more ado, fastened 

 his fangs into it ; and although they of the kitchen 

 had stood bravely to such arms as they could get, and 

 made a gallant fight, yet Vulcan had finally triumphed, 

 and borne off the prize right under the keeper's nose. 

 The lady by no means relished the loss of a dish which 

 formed the pride of her table, and uttered some 

 remarks by no means favourable to old Vulcan, 

 or indeed to dogs in general ; Washington, however, 

 having heard the story, communicated it to his guests, 

 and with them laughed heartily at the exploit of the 

 old hound. 



During the hunting season, Mount Vernon con- 

 tained many sporting guests, whose visits lasted for 

 weeks, at which tlm_e they were entertained in the 

 good old style of Virginia's ancient hospitality. 



Washington used to hunt about three days a week 

 when the weather would allow him to do so. On 

 hunting mornings breakfast was served by candlelight, 

 the General always breaking his fast with an Indian 

 corn-cake and a bowl of milk ; and before cock-crow 

 the whole cavalcade would often have left the house. 

 Those who saw Washington on horseback declared that 



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