BARWICK AND THE TURNIPS. I 29 



had on my track, two furlongs of hounds, three horns, a 

 whistle, besides the clatter of horses, and chatter of men. 

 With nothing to fear but a change — for I had two cousins 

 on foot — I bided their cominsf, and then breaking, so that 

 fair ladies mifjht see and admire, I crossed over the road 

 for Stondon Massey, having Myless in view, and so would 

 the huntsman. I thought, but, alas ! I had committed a fatal 

 error. I had in my retreat threaded a field of white turnips 

 — Barwick is fond of turnips — and tor ten whole minutes 

 he stood transfixed with admiration ! What were his 

 boiled mutton thoughts, I know not ; I could not wait to 

 enquire ; but. quietly betaking myself to a snug corner, 

 about a mile distant, I waited till the motley crew had 

 moved off towards the Harlow kennels I am told by a 

 brother Charlie that he met them on the road, and just 

 gave them five minutes into a drain, and then all returned 

 to their fireside to discuss the day's sport and the price of 

 oats. 



" Now, sir, this is only a type of the usual sport given 

 by these hounds, and there are two serious considerations 

 with our class — first, whether we can without proper 

 exercise, keep up our health and appetites, and secondly, 

 if we do, whether, under the circumstances, our royal race 

 will be properly maintained in the country. I feel 1 am 



9 



