Htmting the Wild Stag, 75 



beautiful ferns of many kinds; from the midst of 

 which peep forth innumerable foxgloves, while the 

 wild honeysuckle hangs in graceful festoons; and 

 here and there a mountain ash, with its crimson 

 berries, adds to the beauty of the picture. 



Then I cross the river Exe at Exford, and, riding 

 up a steep hill, come to a large tract of heather-clad 

 land, over which I ride until Cloutsham Ball is 

 reached. A lovely spot, the try sting place of the 

 Devon and Somerset Hounds, on the opening day 

 of the season, when persons from all parts of the 

 two counties assemble after the fashion of those 

 attending race meetings, and dispense their large 

 hospitahty to all comers. Owing to the dismal 

 state of the weather, this festival was greatly inter- 

 fered with, and the pleasure of the numbers visiting 

 the lovely spot spoiled by the heavy and almost 

 unceasing downpour that prevailed. 



In a sloping meadow, beneath which is a lovely 

 combe, we assemble on the present occasion to 

 watch, whilst Arthur the Huntsman, and Miles the 

 Harbourer, with three couples of tried hounds — 

 tufters, to speak properly — are drawing the cover 

 for a " stag of ten," which is known to be harboured 

 there. This is a work of time, and gives an oppor- 

 tunity for a glimpse at the gorgeous scenery. Over 

 yon densely wooded valley is Porlock Bay, in the 

 Bristol Channel, on the other side of which the 

 Welsh coast is plainly visible. Far away in the dis- 

 tance the Quantock Hills trend down to the sea-shore, 

 whilst to the right, and close at hand, is the steep, 

 densely heather-clad hill of Dunkerry, 800 feet above 

 the level of the sea — as glorious and glowing a 



