HUNTING RECOLLECTIONS. 67 



foxes in the country over which he presides, and 

 all are pleased to see him and to render him 

 every assistance they possibly can. Finally, so 

 long as the country is regularly hunted by a 

 good man like our worthy Master, Captain 

 White, so long will foxes be plentiful ; and the 

 foxes will also be proud to yield up their 

 brushes, says a near neighbour of The Old 

 Customer. 



LAYS OF THE ESSEX UNION HUNT. 



1878. 



If my Muse will permit me, I'll sing of a Hunt, 

 Which, though *' swells " may abuse, can well bear the 



brunt ; 

 It lies between Thames and the Great Eastern Line, 

 Though sporting, 'tis heavy, and shows sport divine. 



Rides up to the Meet, the Master, Bill White, 

 He's dapper and courteous — his weight very light — 

 'Tis a picture to see him sail along on his grey, 

 When the pack press their fox on a good scenting day. 



" Who's his Whip?" says a stranger, who has run 



down from Town ; 

 Why the '' Veteran Joe," of South Essex renown — 

 Full thirty-four seasons he has seen with the pack, 

 Though this is the last we shall hear his whip crack. 



And now of the Field, let us see who is here ; 

 We know a good many, but not all I fear. 

 First the ladies I'll mention, their number is small, 

 But rare ones to go, and care nought for a fall. 



There's a wee one from Rochford, her weight must be 



nil, 

 But she rides her good chestnut with courage and skill. 

 The fences are nothing to her when hounds run ; 

 I'll back her to see all the best of the fun. 



