34 



and heaped on the sides to prevent the straying of cattle, 

 leaving an aperture of some eight or ten feet. The dogs 

 were evidently nearing us by the distinctness of their 

 deep toned music, harmonious to the huntsman's listening 

 ear. 



The horses were eager and mettlesome from competi- 

 tion, and their riders elate and reckless of consequences. 

 They were instantly reined in, the obstacle momentarily 

 reconnoitered, when they were wheeled, whipped and 

 sprang handsomely over, not without some hazard to both 

 horse and rider, as will appear in the sequel. 



It was a moment of high expectation and intense ambi- 

 tion, when, 



" In vain the stream in foaming eddies whirls; 

 In vain the ditch, wide-gaping, threatens death." 



In the sober period of passed excitement, the mind re- 

 alized the temerity of the adventurous leap, especially in 

 observing that the hind shoes of our friend's Kentuckian, 

 second in the feat, had obtained a very precarious footing 

 on the edge of the opposite plank. A five or six barred 

 worm fence to the left of the wood, was afterwards clear- 

 ed, when the panting fox issued full in view, coursing 

 the fields hard pressed by the clamorous pack, and the 

 mounted pursuers to the halloo of Tally ho! It was a 

 fine prospect for a painter's pencil, and a most enliven- 

 ing one to a sportsman. He sought refuge in the swamp, 



