Running Red Deer, 257 



the waters of the wells, so that I might be able to 

 speak of their cheraical properties. Being to an 

 extent infirm of purpose, and consequently easily 

 led, I was induced by my sjoecious friend to try a 

 tumbler of ''brut" champagne instead, being assured 

 that if I intended to ride to hounds throughout the 

 runs, it was necessary that my nerves should be 

 well strung, as the going over the park would be 

 found to be exceedingly rough, the ground full of 

 rabbit burrows, grips, and ant-hills, and the pace 

 terrific, should we succeed in driving out some good 

 stags from the herd. I yielded to the voice of the 

 tempter. 



Thus easily are oar good resolves scattered to the 

 winds, and yet one more good intention was added 

 to the already large heap of materials with which 

 another place, to use a Parliamentary expression, is 

 said to be paved. The opportunity was lost, and I 

 left the town a second time without quafiing the 

 flowing bowl in the commodious and newly-erected 

 Pump Room. Nevertheless, the advice given me 

 was sound, for the time came during the afternoon's 

 amusement when I found that running red deer was 

 no child's play, and wholly unsuited for those of a 

 timid temperament. 



Time being up, we mount and ride by way of 

 Broadwater Down, noting the handsome houses 

 and well-planted gardens on either side of the 

 road, which command a splendid view of this 

 beautiful portion of the county of Kent, justly de- 

 nominated the Garden of England. After a short 

 ride we pass through the lodge gates and enter the 

 well-timbered approaches which lead to the castle ; 



