68 



LEAVES FROM A HUNTING DIARY 



ever forget the halcyon days when he and Mrs. Tait dwelt 

 at Theydon Place, and dispensed princely hospitality ; it was 

 a case of open house, and we heave a deep sigh of regret 

 when we reflect that the old place no longer exists, and that 

 the well-known Ball and Billiard rooms where we spent so 

 many happy hours have been pulled down and replaced by a 

 modern structure. 



Major John Crawford Tait on Qui Vive 



That a picture of it is left, with a portrait of the Major and 

 his daughter's favourite pony " Kitty," is a matter of con- 

 gratulation to his numerous friends. In the hunting field with 

 the Essex, Major and Mrs. Tait for many years held a 

 prominent place, riding as straight as it was possible to do. 

 Perhaps one of the best tales I ever heard about the Major's 

 Essex experiences was in connection with a Polo Gymkhana. 

 During a tandem or hurdle race, I forget which, six or seven 

 competitors were down together, inextricably mixed up, the 



