RIDING AT STAG-HOUNDS. 215 



mere purpose of putting it in again when the fun is 

 over! 



Follow every turn then, religiously, and with good 

 intent. You came out expressly to enjoy a gallop, 

 do not allow yourself to be disappointed. If nerve 

 and horse are good enough, go into every field with 

 them, but, I intreat you, ride like a sportsman, and 

 give the hounds plenty of room. 



This last injunction more especially applies to that 

 handsome pack of black-and-tans with which Lord 

 Wolverton, during the last five or six seasons, has shown 

 extraordinary sport for the amusement of his neighbours 

 on the uplands of Dorset and in the green pastures 

 that enrich the valley of the Stour. These blood- 

 hounds, for such they are, and of the purest breed, 

 stand seven or eight-and-twenty inches, with limbs and 

 frames proportioned to so gigantic a stature. Their 

 heads are magnificent, solemn sagacious eyes, pendent 

 jowls, and flapping ears that brush away the dew. 

 Thanks to his Lordship's care in breeding, and the 

 freedom with which he has drafted, their feet are round 

 and their powerful legs symmetrically straight. A 

 spirited and truly artistic picture of these hounds 

 in chase, sweeping like a whirlwind over the downs, by 

 Mr. Goddard, the well-known painter, hangs on Lord 



