210 RIDING RECOLLECTIONS. 



play follow my leader. Only give him room enough 

 to fall! 



As, although a full-grown or warrantable stag is 

 quickly found, the process of separating it from its 

 companions, called " tufting," is a long business, lasting 

 for hours, you will be wise to take with you a feed of 

 corn and a rope halter, the latter of which greatly assists 

 in serving your horse with the former. You will find it 

 also a good plan to have your saddles previously well 

 stuffed and repaired, lined with smooth linen. The 

 weather in August is very hot, and your horse will be 

 many hours under your weight, therefore it is well to 

 guard against a sore back. Jump off, too, whenever 

 you have the chance ; a hunter cannot but find it a 

 delightful relief to get rid of twelve or thirteen stone 

 bumping all day against his spine for a minute or two 

 at a time. I have remarked, however, with some 

 astonishment that the heavier the rider the more averse 

 he seems to granting this indulgence, and am forced to 

 suppose his unwillingness to get down proceeds, as my 

 friend Mr. Grimston says, from a difficulty in getting up 

 again ! This gentleman, however, who, notwithstanding 

 his great weight, has always ridden perfectly straight to 

 hounds, over the stiffest of grass countries, obstinately 

 declines to leave the saddle at any time under less 



