HUNTING RECOLLECTIONS. 97 



beyond. The first flight with red faces and 

 sobbing horses — for the ground is deeper than it 

 is possible to reaUse that grass can be — swoop 

 down to an overflowed brook. Well, when all 

 Melton and all " Tailbyshire " turn away from a 

 place it may be considered objectionable. Is it 

 wise then for a lady, however brave, to charge 

 an obstacle which has been avoided by good 

 men and true ? " But then these charming 

 women will do just as they please," says the 

 songster. A few moments of anxiety, a very 

 drenched habit and etceteras, and no harm done, 

 luckily! Meanwhile, the hounds have shot 

 ahead, Launde Abbey being left to the right ; 

 the deer goes into but immediately emerges 

 from Launde Wood. Here a few hounds 

 slipped their companions, so a check is caused 

 some way beyond the wood and opposite 

 Belton. Who is there with the hounds? It is 

 invidious to name names no doubt! Still, for 

 the information of future ages, we will look 

 round and count noses. Fifty minutes up to 

 now, and over eight miles from point, let alone 

 the angle formed by running up to Langham 

 and turning thence to the left. Well, who is 

 here? Mrs. Dilke and Miss Dixie, the noble 

 Master, Goodall, one whip. Lords Averdone 

 and Carrington, Messrs. Samuda, Fludyer, 

 Creyke, Powell and Parker, Captains Boyce, 

 Coventry, Candy, Kings, Atkinson and Ashton, 

 and indeed the Hst is swelling each moment, for 

 the hounds are really in a difficulty now. A 

 holloa is heard in the distance, but the huntsman 

 ignoring it, casts to the left and back, then down 



