THE CHACE. 
first-rate figure even in fox-hunting ; and, in truth, this 
father of the modern chace was anything but a fool. He 
was a man of strong and vigorous mind, joined with 
much perseverance, as well as ardour in his favourite 
pursuit, and bringing faculties to bear upon sport, as a 
science, which would have distinguished themselves in 
any walk of life to which he might have applied them. 
As a breeder of hounds he displayed a perfect judgment : 
the first qualities he looked for were fine noses and stout 
running ; a combination of strength with beauty, and 
steadiness with high mettle. His idea of perfection of 
shape was summed up in " short backs, open bosoms, 
straight legs, and compact feet." Although he did not 
hunt his hounds himself, yet he was one of the boldest, 
as well as most judicious horsemen of his time ; but this 
was only a minor qualification. His knowledge of 
hunting was supreme, and several of his maxims are in 
force to the present hour. He was a great advocate for 
not hurrying hounds in their work ; and having, perhaps, 
unparalleled influence over his field, he was enabled to 
prevent his brother sportsmen from pressing on the 
hounds when in difficulties himself being the first to 
keep aloof : in chace, no man rode harder. 
It was in his day that the hard riding, or, we should 
rather say, quick riding, to hounds, which has ever since 
been practised, was first brought into vogue. The late 
Mr. Childe, of Kinlet Hall, Shropshire a sportsman of 
the highest order, and a great personal friend of Mr. 
Meynell is said to have first set the example, and it 
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