MATCiiiNt; (;reen, 1S79 II 



every way <'i capital purchase, for he taught me more about 

 huntiiiL;' in one. season, taking" care of me in tlic process, 

 than I had gained in all my former experience, for although 

 entered with the Belvoir at the e;irl\' age of eight or nine, my 

 opportunities of practice as a younger son of a coimtry parson 

 were few and far between. Of those who comprised the field 

 in those days, who shone conspicuously in the van, I shall 

 have more to say anon, my intention being, as far as possible, 

 to introduce my readers to rider and horse as they appear on 

 the scene, letting each season speak for itself. 



Brief were my diary entries in those early days, and in their 

 scant description of a day's sport bear a marked resemblance 

 to the powers of observation possessed by the man who, having 

 sailed round the world could only recall, when asked what he 

 had seen, " That there was water below and sky above on 

 most occasions." Let me devoutly hope that the friendly 

 reader who scans these pages will not exclaim ere halfway 



through, "Would to that these diaristic notes had 



never expanded." 



First entry, Saturday, February Sth (s/V). — " Had two splendid runs with 

 the Essex Hounds." 



Second note, Saturday, March ist. — Met at Harlow. Found near 

 Harlow, ran to N. Weald. Splendid run, lost leather and hat.^^ 



Third extract, Wednesday, March 5th. — Hired a hunter from Bam bridge 

 £2 2s., had three croppers by hovse coming doimi (evidently this had to be 

 included as it implies a partiality for vohiiitaries upon ordinary occasions), 

 making number up to eleven in Essex. 



Subsequently learnt (this not in diary) that I had paid £2 2S, for the 

 privilege of qualifying that blood chestnut of Bambridge's for a local 

 steeplechase. Nothing like a loose seat went clear of him every time. 



1879. — Next item, Saturday, October i8th. Breakfasted with Cowley j at 

 Harlow at 8.30. Met the Puckeridge at Thorley Wash 10.30. R. B. 

 Colvin was out, had a good run of thirty-eight minutes in the afternoon, 

 with a kill in the open, obtained mask, home 7 p.m., rode polo pony. 



Matching Green, Monday, November 3rd, 1879, opened with a threaten- 

 ing sky and mizzling rain. But before giving a description of it perhaps 

 it would not be out of place to say a few words of the doings of these 

 hounds during cub hunting. Although they began a month later than 

 usual, they have certainly shown some very good sport. The new 

 huntsman, James Bailey, is a thorough workman, and, ably assisted by 

 Fred Firr, first whip (brother of Tom Firr, huntsman to the Ouorn), 

 has accounted for several brace of cubs, some of which have led their 

 followers through merry spins in the open, and there being apparently 



- No doubt stirrup leather was meant. 



t Mr. Cowley was then hunting from the Green Man, Harlow ; he was a very hard 

 rider and possessed two very good hunters, which were equally serviceable as a 

 tandem team ; the leader, a chestnut mare, being one of the best gate jumpers I ever 

 clapped eyes on. 



