A Ro2tgh Time at R^tgby. 157 



designated bv " Nimrod " the metropolis of hunting, 

 a visit to which always results in an increased admira- 

 tion of the sport as seen in the shires. 



During this enforced vacation I propose to visit 

 the Royal kennels at Ascot, and to make inquiries of 

 Mr. Goodall as to the condition of the Buckhounds, 

 and ascertaining the prospect of their resuming hunt- 

 ing. I have heard considerable interest expressed in 

 respect to this outbreak amongst the Queen's hounds 

 of the little understood disease, and it is hoped by 

 many that much information may be obtained of the 

 symptoms and progress of the malady, as it is sup- 

 posed that every opportunity will be taken of noting 

 the features of so destructive a complaint. 



I see in the columns of a contemjDorary some re- 

 marks as to the way in which the late Major Whj^te- 

 Melville was in the habit of riding to hounds, which 

 makes me exclaim, " Save me from my friends ! " as 

 my observation of the style of that excellent and 

 much-lamented, I may say universally regretted 

 sportsman, is entirely at variance with the state- 

 ments therein made, my recollection of him being 

 that, so far from " lashing " about, which I presume 

 is a misprint for " larking," he was as quiet and un- 

 demonstrative a horseman as ever I rode alongside 

 of. Quick to get away to hounds, with a good eye 

 for the country over which he was going, and show^- 

 ing remarkable consideration for the animal he was 

 bestriding, thus he was always in a good place, — 

 riding with nerve, judgment, and discretion. It is a 

 matter of little moment now, but still I think it well 

 to give my version of the matter, otherwise the fatal 

 occurrence may be set down to imprudence instead 

 of an unlucky accident. 



