HUNTING RECOLLECTIONS. 53 



This they skirted and then bore sHghtly to the 

 left, where the Queniborough brook had to be 

 jumped. Great numbers went at it, and most 

 got over, though I saw one luckless one taking 

 a cold bath, and several hind legs were too near 

 the edge to be satisfactory to themselves or 

 their riders. This crossed, hounds were a good 

 field in front of anyone, and a follow-my-leader 

 business was not conducive to getting on better 

 terms. Fortunately they came to a check at 

 the Queniborough Road, and followed again a 

 fair start for all. This road they crossed, and 

 when close to Gaddesby, pug was headed, and 

 running straight back, was run into and killed 

 by three of four couple. It was short but 

 brilliant, and lasted about seventeen minutes. 



It was then decided that Bleakmore should 

 be called on. It being out of the way, many 

 retired, but those who persevered were re- 

 warded. Two foxes were quickly away, and 

 the one on which the hounds settled ran along 

 the railway and up to the Melton Road. He, 

 however, dodged back, and ran towards 

 Brooksby, then down to the Wreake ; but the 

 recent rains had increased its proportions, and 

 Reynard refused to face it. He bore to the left 

 (after furnishing a most enjoyable gallop) and 

 got back to a small spinney on the line. Num- 

 bers now galloped down the Hne, and mean- 

 while a train was seen coming up. The field 

 were in all directions, but those on the rail line 

 (though in dangler from passing trains) were 

 better placed. It was much feared that the fox 

 must now be chopped ; but he broke, and 



