MELTON MOWSRAY. 149 



of the River Eye, for no sooner were the hounds 

 halloed in than several foxes were on foot, one breaking 

 away and going in the direction of a good line of 

 country; but, his heart failing him, he doubled back, 

 and regained the shelter of the gorse. The hounds 

 in the meanwhile were not idle, and four brace of 

 foxes were on foot at the same time, one, I believe, 

 being chopped by the hounds, and the others rattled 

 about the covert. Then " Tally ho, tally ho ! " is heard, 

 for a fox has gone away, crossing the Eye, and is seen 

 racing at a rattling pace in the direction of Brent- 

 ingby. The crossing of the river is the first difficulty 

 to be encountered, the banks are very steep, and the 

 ford, though not deep, is stony, and is not altogether 

 a place I should cross for choice on a fresh, young, 

 eager horse. Getting over this obstacle without diffi- 

 culty, I found the grass rode beautifully. Having 

 seen the fox when he broke covert, I thought it was 

 probable he would lead us a lively dance, as he seemed 

 a varmint sort of animal, and I pushed the little horse 

 upon which I had elected to ride along the green 

 pastures at a rattling pace. A slight check then 

 occurred, but Gillard making a rapid cast, the hounds 

 quickly picked up the scent, and went away again at 

 a merry pace, making for Sapcote Lodge. Then I see 

 a fine line of country before me, the hounds stooping 

 well to the scent in eager pursuit of a stout fox, and 

 it looks as if we are in for a good run. There is no 

 time for craning, an ugly-looking fence has to be 

 got over; two or three hard-riding men charge it, and 

 land safely. Knowing full well if I shirked it I 

 should be out of the hunt altogether, I sent the nag 

 at it with a will; but not being up to my weight, he 



