338 



LEAVES FROM A HUNTING DIARY 



Sharp out of the lane, over the briar-covered ditch, and 

 skirting- some small spinneys, we launched out over the 

 big grass fields that, intersected with timber-mended fences, 

 stretch down past Colman's Farm, hounds going a splitting- 

 pace, and reaching Beachetts, near the Hill Hall brickfields, 

 Ijefore the foremost skirmishers had risen the hill, Mr. Chaffey- 

 Collin giving a lead in over some low rails where hounds 

 entered. Racing on through the entire length of the wood, we 

 had nothing but their music to guide us. Unfortunately headed 





The Beachetts 



near the Gaynes Park end, our fox doubled back ; and putting 

 up a brace of fresh ones, the pack divided. We spent another 

 half-hour in the woods in fruitless pursuit without grumbling, 

 for the gallop from Berwick Wood had warmed us up, and 

 zue had stolen a march on the frost. Mr. Fowler came down 

 — where, I don't know, for there was no time to look about you, 

 otherwise a certain young lady * would not have confessed that 

 on her polo mustang she couldn't get near them. No ! it was 

 a cracker. Don't accuse me of spinning it out, for you haven't 

 had my statistics yet, and if this frost continues they are bound 

 to come. 



* Miss G. Waters. 



