APPENDIX 291 



but on taking the hounds to Porlock Weir, in the hope 

 of giving them blood, it was, to the no small regret of 

 the field, found that was only a two-year-old, which was 

 ordered to be taken care of and turned out at night ; 

 thus ended what might have been a good day's sport. 

 I know not that blame attaches to any one for this ; 

 all I know is that the pack should never be laid on 

 until the stag has fairly left covert: an old stag has 

 always at hand a young deer to assist him in eluding 

 pursuit; and no doubt on this occasion he turned out 

 the two-year-old and lay down in his bed until the 

 hounds ran him to sea, and then took his departure. 

 He was seen (whilst the pack were at Porlock Weir) to 

 pass over Lucott Hill for Horner. 



Septeinber ^th. — Two-gates on Brendon Common was 

 fixed on for this day's sport. A few showers had fallen 

 during the previous forty-eight hours, and considerably 

 cooled the atmosphere. A barren hind was roused by 

 the pack from Tumshill Combe, and went away in 

 gallant style, crossing Pinford Bog for Prayway, then 

 by Blackpits for Trouthill ; but leaving the Chains on 

 her right made for the river Barle, and broke from it 

 for Mole's Chamber ; now kept the hill for several miles, 

 leaving Challacombe to the left as if making for the 

 sea at Heddon's-mouth, but descended Leeball and 

 soiled at Buscombe pit in the river Bray ; she here 

 waited for the pack, broke away, and made for Bratton 

 Down, and through the enclosures to Nightacott, after 

 running the Bratton coverts for half an hour, to the no 

 small delight of the inhabitants (who in years long since 

 gone enjoyed the tuneful notes of the old stag-hound 

 pack). She crossed for Chilfham Wood, and then away 



