CHAPTER XX. 



CUB-HUNTING. 



IN all hunting centres the note of preparation is being 

 sounded for the coming season, which commences on 

 the first day of November. Already the Royal Buck- 

 hounds have been out in the forest, with the view of 

 blooding the pack. The first meet was at Ascot, the 

 deer being uncarted at Swinley, whence he gave the 

 field, which was larger than usual at this period of the 

 year, a preparatory gallop, as a foretaste of the greater 

 pleasures to come when the time arrives for the open- 

 ing meet, which will be inaugurated at Salthill, near 

 Slough Station. I was very glad to see the Royal 

 Huntsman in improved health, looking, in fact, as fit 

 to go as he has ever been for many a long day. It is 

 pleasant also to hear a good account of the hounds. 

 An outbreak of hydrophobia occurred in the royal 

 kennels at Ascot, during last season, which stopped 

 their hunting for awhile. Much discussion took place 

 as to the course to be pursued under such disastrous 

 circumstances, many being of opinion that the entire 

 pack should be destroyed, in order that the disease 

 might be stamped out. Better counsels prevailed, 



