240 ON THE GRAMPIAN HILLS. 



precincts of the park. In my time they abounded, 

 and we, less devout than King Edward, rather liked 

 them than otherwise. Next I see Mr. Collinson 

 Hall, another good sportsm an, well known throughout 

 Essex, who, accompanied by Mrs. Hall, had come to 

 see the last of the red-deer. Mr. Walker, the steward 

 of the estate, and several gentlemen with whom I 

 am unacquainted, also braved the inclement weather 

 Once more the covert resounds with the loud halloos 

 of the riders, the cracking of whips, the shouts of the 

 beaters; then three stags and four hinds dashed up 

 close to the nets, but, taking fright, they instantly 

 wheeled round and rushed back. Their relentless 

 pursuers were soon after them again, endeavouring to 

 drive them into the nets, and once more they dashed 

 up, halted suddenly, vainly endeavouring to find some 

 mode of escape ; then, terrified at the noise and the 

 close approach of their foes, they made for the nets, 

 and becoming speedily entangled in the meshes, in a 

 few minutes, after some sharp struggles with their 

 captors, they were bound in fetters, never again to 

 roam the woodlands wild and verdant glades of 

 Thorndon Hall. 



