2l6 RIDING RECOLLECTIONS. 



Wolverton's staircase in London, and conveys to his 

 guests, particularly after dinner, so vivid an idea ot 

 their picturesque and even sporting qualities as I cannot 

 hope to represent with humble pen and ink. 



One could almost fancy, standing opposite this 

 masterpiece, that one heard the cry. Full, sonorous, 

 and musical, it is not extravagant to compare these 

 deep-mouthed notes with the peal of an organ in 

 a cathedral. 



Yet they run a tremendous pace. Stride, courage, 

 and condition (the last essential requiring constant care) 

 enable them to sustain $uch speed over the open as 

 can make a good horse look foolish ! While, amongst 

 enclosures, they charge the fences in line, like a 

 squadron of heavy dragoons. 



Yet for all this fire and mettle in chase, they are sad 

 cowards under pressure from a crowd. A whip cracked 

 hurriedly, a horse galloping in their track, even an 

 injudicious rate, will make the best of them shy and 

 sulky for half the day. Only by thorough knowledge 

 of his favourites, and patient deference to their preju- 

 dices, has Lord Wolverton obtained their confidence, 

 and it is wonderful to mark how his perseverance is 

 rewarded. While he hunts them they are perfectly 

 handy, and turn like a pack of harriers ; but if an out- 



