170 



LEAVES FROM A HUNTING DIARY 



May I attempt a few names, giving precedence of course to the 34 

 matrons and maids who, in beautifully fitting habits, graced the tryst ? I 

 must ask our gallant secretary to make a complete list ere the season 

 wanes of the brave fair who hunt with the premier pack in Essex. They 

 number at least 100, and 40 years ago you could have counted them on the 

 fingers of one hand. Truly times have changed, and changed for the 

 better, for what a charm their presence lends to the pastime of hunting ; 

 nay, not hunting, but riding through woodland scenes, and skimming o'er 

 the pastures and intervening fences. What other sport in which the 

 sterner sex delights lends itself to such mutual enjoyment ? — shooting, 

 fishing, cricket, football — name them not, but fall back, if you like, in fair 

 weather on tennis or cycling. 



Mrs. Wellesley Pigott on "The Saint" 



To Mrs. Pigott I am indebted for the above excellent 

 portrait of herself and her horse "The Saint," which carried 

 her so brilliantly (for Mrs. Pioott is a finished horsewoman) 

 with the Essex Hounds for three seasons ending 1896-97. 

 I have to thank her also for the photograph of Pilgrim's House, 

 near Brentwood (see p. 386, Vol. I.), where the famous Colonel 



