238 FOX-HOUND, FOREST, AND PRAIRIE. 



first few minutes of drawing. One of these went away un- 

 pursued — in bis course taking a turn over the railway, and 

 running the gauntlet down the platform of one of the stations 

 on the line. The other was a heavy old stag with a single 

 antler. From where the field stood he could be viewed making 

 bis way over the enclosures below ; and soon the pack were 

 moving after him, while following sportsmen made their way by 

 means of gates and roads. A point of some half a dozen miles 

 was run in an hour and forty minutes ; a fallow deer chopped on 

 the way, and the bigger animal killed five minutes afterwards — 

 on the plain within a few miles of Bridgewater. The pace was 

 not great, but the result was satisfactory, and the long sought 

 object of blooding the new comers was at length attained. 

 That a stag should from the Quantocks descend into the 

 inclosures of the lower country is looked upon as a somewhat 

 singular occurrence. 



September and early October are by no means less favourable 

 for a venture with the staghounds than August. On the 

 contrary, I am led to believe that, especially this year, better 

 sport is likely to happen in the second than in the first month 

 of hunting. Both deer and hounds will be more capable of 

 putting forth their full powers. The former will no longer 

 have their horns in velvet ; but will have recovered all their 

 natural vigour, and be more ready to run than when first 

 disturbed in the heat of August. The latter will have gained 

 not only improved condition, but, in the case of the young- 

 pack, experience of what they are called upon to perform. 

 Moreover, there will be more for the visitor to do during the 

 coming weeks than hitherto. The staghounds meet, as a rule, 

 but twice a week. Now, two days' occupation, as against five 

 of thorough idleness, is a proportion not all suited to the 

 taste of a man of vigorous habit. And I defy the author of 

 all mischief himself to suggest employ for so many surplus 

 hours, if his ground be limited to any one of these quiet 

 watering places. 



In my opinion he has long ago been completely ennuyed 



