THE BADMINTON HUNT. 15 



in like a well-drilled regiment of cavalry, 

 following at a respectful distance, ready to 

 charge again when the hounds have re- 

 covered the scent and are sufficiently settled 

 down to it. This system has excellent 

 effects. Every man has a fair chance of 

 distinguishing himself by riding to hounds 

 when running; skirting is discouraged, and 

 many of the difficulties which a huntsman 

 has so often to encounter are avoided. 



For rather more than two seasons prior to 

 engaging Tom Clark, his Grace hunted his 

 own hounds with the greatest skill and suc- 

 cess; although a welter weight, he was so 

 well mounted, and knew so well the run of 

 the foxes, that he w^as always in readiness to 

 render assistance when required. On pur- 

 chasing some hounds at Mr Morrell's sale 

 in 1858, Tom Clark was engaged to come 

 with them, and he continued to hold that 

 ostensible post ten seasons, when the 

 Marquis of Worcester took the command 



