20O RIDING RECOLLECTIONS. 



where you could be seen by the whole troop of your 

 enemies without a chance of shelter or repose. No ; 

 you would rather lie down in this deep, overgrown 

 ditch, sneak along the back of that strong, thick bull- 

 finch, turn short in the high, double hedgerow, and so 

 hiding yourself from the spiteful crows that would point 

 you out to the huntsman, try to baffle alike his ex- 

 perienced intelligence and the natural sagacity of his 

 hounds. Such are but the simplest of the wiles prac- 

 tised by this most cunning beast of chase. While 

 observing them, you need no further distress the 

 favourite who has carried you so well than is necessary 

 to render the assistance required for finishing satisfac- 

 torily with blood ; and here your eyes and ears will be 

 far more useful than the speed and stamina of your 

 horse. 



Who-whoop ! His labours are now over for the 

 day. Do not keep him standing half-an-hour in the 

 cold, while you smoke a cigar and enlarge to 

 sympathising ears on his doings, and yours, and theirs, 

 and those of everybody concerned. Rather jog gently 

 off as soon as a few compliments and congratulations 

 have been exchanged, and keep him moving at the 

 rate of about six miles an hour, so that his muscles 

 may not begin to stiffen after his violent exertions, till 



