20 THE BADMINTON HUNT, 



Branches also run to Melksham, Calne, 

 and Devizes. Casting north-east, the Hne 

 running from Swindon to Gloucester ap- 

 proaches a corner at Tetbury road, and 

 again at Brimscomb. The centre and best 

 part of the country Is therefore quite free 

 from any railway Inconvenience. A circum- 

 stance occurred a few years since bespeak- 

 ing great care on the part of the Midland 

 officials. The hounds came to a check 

 near WIckwar, which w^as fortunately ob- 

 served by the engine driver, who with the 

 united efforts of his assistant, promptly 

 brought the train to a check ; and, with 

 most praiseworthy discretion, instead of 

 blowing off the steam aloft according to 

 common custom, caused the escape to take 

 place beneath the engine, thereby driving 

 the hounds away from, instead of attracting 

 them Into danger. The Duke was so well 

 pleased with the man's watchfulness and 

 alacrity, but especially for blowing off the 



