310 



FOX-HOUND, FOREST, AND PRAIRIE. 



chance at the tiny spinney in the left corner ; and the old 

 black mare, landing safely in, lifted herself properly out. 

 Mr. Adamthwaite followed ; and these two had on the right a 

 first clean cut at the brook, where fox and hounds had swung 

 down to it from some object or individual unseen. The others, 

 meanwhile, retraced a hundred yards at a gallop, made use of a 

 gate they had just passed, and, catching sight almost imme- 

 diately of the descending pack, also thundered after them for 

 the brook below. Here they found it flowing muddily under a 



steep sloping hill; but the banks were good and the pack 

 tremendous — while men and horses were in the full glow of 

 spirit fairly roused. Charles accepted the water as a mere 

 matter of course, or as easy practice for the Staunton Brook of 

 his next — and, 'tis to be hoped, many a — season to come. A 

 cut in the bank caused General Clery to diverge a few yards 

 for his jump : but he too went on in safety, followed by Major 

 Duthy, and led into the next field, to join forces with the 

 leaders of the right wing (terras and principles will be found 

 duly explained in " Minor Tactics ").* The pastures grew 

 * Minor Tactics, by Maj.-Geu. Clery, War Office. 



