MELTON MOWBRAY. 141 



and remembering the well-worn old proverb, that 

 " Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, 

 wealthy, and wise," I determined to give it a trial, 

 arising in the morning decidedly healthy and fit to go, 

 finding, as respected the wealth, and the wisdom, that 

 things remained much as they were. On the breakfast- 

 table I found the elaborate cards of the meets of the 

 different packs, forwarded by Mr. Loxley and Mr. 

 Mills, from which I learned that I had well timed my 

 visit, as I should be able to see each of the renowned 

 packs at their best fixtures during the week, and that, 

 filling up my time on off-days by looking over the 

 different studs, visiting the kennels, generally survey- 

 ing the town, and partaking of the abundant hospitality 

 of the inhabitants, of which I have had ample ex- 

 perience on former occasions, I should, as usual, have 

 an exceedingly good time during my stay. 



The meet on this occasion was Kirby Gate, and, 

 the morning being fine, I mounted a good-looking 

 gray horse, which I was told had formerly carried 

 Sir Watkin Wynn, feeling satisfied that I should have 

 a ' ' safe conveyance," to use a phrase much in vogue 

 amongst sporting people at the present time. As I 

 rode along to cover I overtook Mr. Burbidge, driving 

 quietly along, advancing years having compelled this 

 fine old sportsman to relinquish the saddle and trust 

 to wheels, though his trust proved fallacious, I am 

 sorry to say, as, a short time since, when accompanying 

 the hounds, his horse,, doubtless an old hunter unable 

 to withstand the temptation to join in the chase 

 bolted and charged one or two gates, but fortunately 

 without seriously injuring his master. 



Arriving at Kirby Grate, I found a strong muster of 



