250 FOX-HUNTING TYPES 



no very distant date I feel I may join that cheerful 

 host, never to desert it ; and, having had plenty 

 of fun in another way, look forward placidly 

 to a little more of a different sort, so it is 

 well to study the subject when one can. 



The " infinite variety " of pleasure that is derived 

 from fox-hunting is one of its greatest holds on the 

 community. Hard riders, soft riders, good riders, 

 bad riders — all enjoy the sport in their different 

 ways ; and, though one hates to see the gorgeously 

 apparelled youth who has been talking big at the 

 covert-side give a hurried glance round and make 

 straight for the road the moment the glad view- 

 holloa is heard, yet we recognise that it is fitting 

 and proper in every hunt that a certain body should 

 make for the road and stay there. Elderly men who 

 have had their day — men whose nerve is not what 

 it was, but who love the cry of a hound — cheery 

 individuals who let us all know they hate the fences 

 but love the fun, individuals in search of health, 

 girls who are forbidden to jump, but who, never- 

 theless, are keen as possible to come out and ride — 

 all these form component parts of a crowd that, as 

 I said before, is perhaps more excitable, and certainly 

 more good-humoured, than the rest of the field, 

 while there is no mistaking the heartiness of their 

 enjoyment. 



Their disappointments are even harder to bear than 

 those of the thrown-out division in the country, for 

 the days come very frequently when they absolutely 

 see nothing of a run. These are usually those won- 

 derful scenting days when hounds fairly fly over the 



