THE LIFE OF A SPORTSMAN 



that I should liave had a good season's sport up to this period 

 and especially as the weather has been so favourable to it, 

 is not in the least to be wondered at, when I say that I have 

 generally hunted with the hounds of the first sportsman that 

 England has Ivitlierto seen.' 



Mr. Baby. — ' Of course you mean Mr. Meynell, who hunts 

 what is called the Quorndon, or Quorn country, whom I have 

 heard so much of, but never had the pleasure of seeing. Per- 

 haps you will favour me with a description of his person and 

 character, which, as I understand you have long enjoyed his 

 friendship and confidence, you must be well qualihed to do ; 

 but, in the meantime, if you. please, we will drink "Success to 

 fox-hunting," in a bumper. Although no fox-hunter myself, I 

 heartily wish it success. It is a manly, fine exercise, afford- 

 ing health to the body, and much matter for a contemplative 

 mind. In few situations of life, indeed, are the faculties of 

 man more prominently displayed. Fortitude, good sense, and 

 collectiveness of mind, have in it a wide field of action, and 

 a sensible sportsman would be a respectable character in any 

 grade of life.' 



Mr. Somerhij. — ' You have not over-rated the good properties 

 of fox-hunting, and allow me to add to your panegyric upon it. 

 In the first place, where will you find better society than by a 

 cover-side in Leicestershire, and numerous other counties ? In 

 the next, it links all classes together, from the peer to the 

 peasant. Then, again, it is the EiKjlishmans peculiar privilege. 

 It is not to be found in any other part of the globe, but in 

 England's true land of liberty — and may it flourish to the end 

 of time ! " Success to fox-hunting" I say, with all my heart, 

 and will now comply with your request : — 



' Mr. Meynell is of the middle height, of a compact and well- 

 proportioned form ; with a highly expressive countenance, and 

 a very intellectual eye. His manners and general deportment 

 are those of a man of the highest fashion, and he combines 

 zeal with talent, which would render him distinguished in any 

 pursuit that might be congenial to his inclination and taste. 

 Fortunately for fox-hunting, he made that his election, and 

 altliougli I hope he has not yet seen half his days, he has 

 done more for the improvement of the science of the chase 

 than any other man. In fact, his opinions have alread}^ become 

 maxims, amongst which are the following : — 



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