228 FOX-HUNTING TYPES 



all the jollier if it comes unexpectedly. Now, with 

 the 'goat' one conies out later, has a gallop, goes 

 home, and that's all about it." This was a military 

 steeplechase rider of great renown, who had steered 

 a Grand National winner. 



Verily the votaries of the chase differ in the 

 manner they enjoy its pleasures ! 



It may be thought by some when one looks round 

 at a large assemblage of horsemen gathered together 

 at a favourite trysting-place that it should be an 

 easy matter to classify the different types of fox- 

 hunters present ; but to my notion this is not the 

 case. Look for your " bruisers " or " thrusters." In 

 all shapes and sizes, of all classes, and, I am almost 

 tempted to write, of all ages, shall you find them 

 throughout the land. 



Appearances are deceptive in this, as in other 

 quests. Yon tall, lathy figure carrying that lean, 

 resolute head with its strongly marked line of eye- 

 brow and square, determined chin, surely that must 

 be your " thruster," if ever there was one ? Note, too, 

 the accurate fit of his superlative boots and breeches, 

 the beautiful cut of his double-breasted, swallow- 

 tailed scarlet, and the length of his terrible shining 

 spurs! "A rum 'un to follow, a bad 'un to beat, I'll 

 be bound ! " 



" Not worth a row of pins to ride, my dear sir ! " 

 replies Mr. Asmodeus, who knows all about every 

 one. " But see that pale, half-starved looking, cada- 

 verous youth, with the light hair and the hat on 

 the back of his head ; he's a holy terror to ride, if 

 you like ; turns from nothing, jumped two strands 



