94 THE LIFE OF A FOXHOUND. 



stripped and mounted by their respective 

 owners. The contrast was strangely striking 

 between these and the " roughs," and, 

 perhaps, caused my admiration to be greater 

 as I regarded each climbing into the pigskin. 



Our master, as was his wont, and which 

 should be that of every one entitled to the 

 dignity of a M.F.H., made his appearance to 

 the minute of the hour fixed, and, lifting his 

 hat, saluted the field generally, while he gave 

 his hand, and exTchanged warmer salutations 

 with his friends and associates. 



Our first draw was Pickton brake, a large 

 furze cover about a mile and a half from the 

 meet, and there we trotted with the gratifying 

 expectation of a sure find. 



** Mind what I say," remarked Trimbush, 

 " if you don't keep your eyes and ears back- 

 ward as well as forward to-day, you will 

 have a dozen horses go over ye and not a bone 

 left in your skin unbroken. Be quick as 

 lightning, and if you flash over the scent, 

 never mind; don't throw up and check if 

 there's a chance of being ridden over. 1 

 never do. It's not our fault if they won't 

 give us room." 



" I'll take care of myself," replied I. 



