158 WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. 



BY HARK-FORWARD. 



MEET EDGE HILL, PECEMBEU 22nd, 1823. 



Although this was one of the dullest mornings in dull 

 December, we found at the covert side a splendid Field. 

 The hounds had scarcely began to try, when we found a 

 good fox near to the Round House. He first made for 

 Warmington earths, but being stopped out at that place, he 

 passed Wroxton Abbey a short distance to the left, and went 

 over Shutford Hills. When he had almost reached Bloxam, 

 he turned, and left that village about a mile to the right ; 

 then bore to the left direct for Banbury, and afterwards 

 took off for Middleton Cheney. We killed our fox, after a 

 noble day's sport, near to that place. 



THE SAME, BY VENATOR. 



' O'er hill and plain, thro' brake and dell he scours, 

 Scents the fresh dawn, and like a Sportsman flies.' 



A much better Field we scarce can remember, 

 Tlian we met to-day for equipment and splendour. 

 December's wet month doth not often agree 

 With the dame in thin shoes, or the nags weak and free j 

 That rear, prance, and pull, ere notice of starting, 

 And fall into a ditch with their riders ere parting ; 

 Trim nags, one might think, did we not better know. 

 Had been taught to dance by the matchless Ducrow. 

 The horse we require, when meeting at cover. 

 Can streamlets and yawners in safety fly over ; 

 Pop over a gate, jump a terrible stile. 

 And leave all competitors minus a mile. 

 Such nags, we allow, are not very common. 

 But prime ones, if ridden by Member or Yeoman. 



