296 CHASE OF THE WILD RED DEER 



was run into and killed before reaching the wood, whilst 

 the other went on as before described. It was a very 

 hot, sultry day, and this may account for so many horses 

 knocking up during the chase. The run first described, 

 from rouse to finish, was over twenty-two miles as the 

 crow flies. 



August 2dfth. — Simonsbath was the fixture for com- 

 mencing the stag-hunting season, and a numerous field 

 of sportsmen of the right stamp welcomed the master 

 of the hounds, and congratulated him on the appearance 

 of his pack. The harbourer reported a stag on Badg- 

 worthy Common ; the hounds had all but a view, the 

 stag going off just before them, in consequence of some 

 of the field getting too near him ; a very good run to 

 Oare Common, then back over Larkborough for the 

 Warren, and then towards Brendon, but the hounds lost 

 their deer : the weather was very hot. 



2'jth. — Meet at Culbone. The old hoop-horned deer 

 in covert. The tufters found him, and he attempted to 

 break on to the hill twice, and each time was blanched 

 by the foot-people, and all the efforts of the hounds could 

 not after this drive him from these deep woods, although 

 persevered in until four P.M. 



September id^th. — Meet at Culbone in hopes to find the 

 old stag, but he was not at home. A fine four-year-old 

 took his place, bad luck for him ; the pack ran him on 

 to Oare Common, then by Tumshill to the North Forest, 

 then over Prayway, as if for Blackpits, but turned to 

 the right on nearing the Simonsbath road to Two-gates 

 on Brendon Common, and beat down the valley to Far- 

 leigh ; broke out on to Cheriton Ridge and came to 

 water again at Ilford bridges ; broke from it on the same 



