MR. THORNHILL.— 1835. SV 



Amongst the few who were well up at the end, were 

 Mr. John Lucy, Mr. Sheldon, Mr. W. Hurlstone, Mr. 

 E. CocKBiLL, Mr. Sarjeants, and a few others. 1 



Notwithstanding the many famous runs with these 

 hounds this season, the above gave the greatest satisfaction 

 to every one whose good fortune it was to witness the whole 

 of it. The pace throughout was most severe, the country 

 by no means light, and the fences such as w^ould shy many 

 of those who were at the covert side in the morning, but 

 who were not to be seen when the fox was lost. The pack 

 hunted admirably, and though we lost our game we did not 

 complain. 



1 The Huntsman, Boxall, was obliged to lead his horse on this 

 severe day, at Barford ; and many Sportsmen were reluctantly com- 

 pelled to adopt the same plan. Although it is vexatious, in the 

 extreme, to an ardent fox-hunter in the midst of an excellent run, to 

 find his favourite hunter give way, unable longer to continue the 

 chase, — to view his friends pass him, cheering on the busy pack, — and 

 sorroAvfully perceive his own horse dull to the galling spur, or heavy 

 thong, still in this moment of disappointment and vexation, the true 

 Sportsman's patience and humanity form one of the brightest examples 

 to the abusers of that noble animal, the horse. If, from the distressed 

 state of the fox and the maddening cliorus of the hounds, he m.ay 

 expect instantly to hear the death-halloo, he quickly dismounts, and 

 on foot perhaps obtains the gratification he so ardently sought for, 

 leaving his hunter in a secure spot, where he can return and take him 

 home : but if his judgment tells him that the strength of the fox Avill 

 yet suffer him to hold out for some time, he takes a lingering look 

 after his more fortunate companions, pays every attention to his horse, 

 leads him to his stables, and with joyful pleasure recals to mind the 

 many days he was foremost at the deaths, and the many miles his 

 faithful animal had safely carried him in triumph before the rest of the 

 Field. On this capital day tlie situation of one good foxhunter was at 

 the same time calculated to excite laughter and compassion. By some 

 mishap horse and rider were soused into a deep ditch, and ivith 

 difficulty got out, but consequently lost all chance of enjoying the 

 most spirited part of the run. 



