42 LEAVES EROM A IIUNTINC DIARY 



dayliglit when roads are bad and stones can be easily seen, you had only to 

 leave Kehedon Wood (which had been shot through forty-eight hours 

 before) when the horn played didce doniiiin, to have satisfied even that 

 moderate wish. 



We all liked the ride to the covert, 



And the greeting of friends who \vere there ; 



But regret that the fox for the river 



Should ever have stirred from his lair. 



For if he had not tried to swim it, 

 To escape from his foes not a few, 

 He might this identical minute 

 Be laughing at me and at you. 



That the scent was not very holding 

 Was a consolation to some, 

 For what with the fog in the morning, 

 We might have been easily done. 



To say naught of the bad start from Stondon, 

 When all nigh were left in the lurch, 

 Save a lady, and one man, a bold 'un,* 

 Who snicked in with hounds at the churcli. 



Courtfield Wood 



Wednesday, December 4TH — ix the Front. 



The Mate said it was a very poor da}'. 



Mrs. Waters said : Why wern't you out ? We have had a capital 

 day. 



The Huntsman said : A very fair day. 



Miss Jones said : A very nice day ; at least iny father said he enjoyed 

 himself. 



* Mr. Tyndale White and Mrs. Waters. 



