ON HUNTING. 175 



The fox takes precedence of all from the cover ; 



The horse is the animal purposely bred, 

 After the pack to be ridden, not over 



Good hounds are not reared to be knocked on the head. 



Buckskin 's the only wear fit for the saddle ; 



Hats for Hyde Park, but a cap for the chase ; 

 In tops of black leather let fishermen paddle, 



The calves of a fox-hunter white ones encase. 



' If your horse be well bred and in blooming condition, 



Both up to the country and up to your weight, 

 Oh ! then give the reins to your youthful ambition, 

 Sit down in the saddle and keep his head straight. 



Eager and emulous only, not spiteful, 



Grudging no friend, though ourselves he may beat ; 

 Just enough danger to make sport delightful, 



Toil just sufiicient to make slumbers sweet !" 



