64 THE CONDITION OF HUNTERS 



mense price he got for him. His frame was brought 

 to a pitch of perfection, by a continuation of high keep 

 and good grooming, that made him quite a different 

 animal to what nature had intended him to be. 



A curious and rather unfortunate circumstance at- 

 tended Hermit's dehut in Leicestershire with his new 

 master on his back. In a most severe burst, he stood 

 still in the middle of a field, and went into strong 

 convulsions. His rider bled him in the mouth for 

 instant relief, which being observed by Mr Loraine 

 Smith, a caricature soon made its appearance, repre- 

 senting the scene described, under which were written 

 the following words : " An Apostle administering 

 relief to a distressed Hermit." It is but justice to 

 observe that the horse was not well when he went out 

 in the morning ; and all who have witnessed Captain 

 St Paul's manner of " putting them along," can easily 

 conceive the possibility of his riding a better horse 

 than Hermit into convulsions. In the course of a 

 short time, however. Hermit came to the post again, 

 and was a great favourite of his master for many 

 years after he quitted Leicestershire. 



