SADDLE AGAIN. 399 



as the line was so straight, and there were few helping roads. 

 Though the country was almost all grass, it rode rather sticky 

 after rain and snow, and so gave hounds a better chance than 

 they might otherwise have enjoyed. A good many people saw 

 the run ; for, although there was constant jumping and no little 

 pace, hounds never really raced away from their field ; and the 

 obstacles were never more than a fair hunter could negotiate." 

 This is how a practised and excellent judge puts it — and his 

 words convey the idea of a delightful run that will be talked of 

 through the season and into the summer. The remarkable 

 straightness of the line taken by this fox is apparent from the 

 fact that it is difficult to make it more than ten miles as the 

 hounds ran. 



SADDLE AGAIK 



A FAR deeper hold on the minds of all who joined the 

 Grafton hounds on Monday, Feb. 18, than any thought of the 

 day's sport, had the news just bruited of Lord Penrhyn's 

 resignation. The step was totally unexpected — at least by the 

 bulk of his field — and sadly aghast were they when the blow 

 came home to them. Surely the withdrawal from office of no 

 Master of Hounds in England at the present time could excite 

 more heartfelt and widespread regret. It is not merely that 

 men have learned to be grateful for his liberality, and sensible 

 of the superb completeness with which he directs the Hunt, 

 but there has grown up among them a warm, almost tender, 

 appreciation of the courtesy dealt forth so thoughtfully, yet so 

 spontaneously, to all — an appreciation that it seems hard 

 indeed should be disturbed. More than that, the while their 

 feelings are considered (an indulgence none the less welcome 

 that all plead guilty to being sinners in turn) their sport is 

 cared for, and, as far as may be, ensured by a master hand. 

 The Grafton Hounds have never shown better sport than under 

 Lord Penrhyn ; and assuredly the Grafton field have never 

 looked up to a more popular Master. 



