48 Random Rkcoli^ections of thk 



until you come close upon it, as the greensward 

 looks level and inviting to let your horse stride 

 along. One day, when hounds went away 

 sharp from the wood, Sir Thomas Whichcote, 

 who, as usual, meant to be in their wake, 

 whilst going very fast, suddenly found himself 

 within a few lengths of the chasm, and without 

 a moment's hesitation went for it, with a suc- 

 cessful result, for his gallant steed made a 

 grand effort, clearing the road, and landing all 

 right on the opposite bank. Not so fortunate 

 was the attempt of a groom from Melton on 

 another occasion, of which I was an eye- 

 witness. He also, like Sir Thomas, was 

 sending his horse along unaware of the danger 

 and obliged to make the best of it. Here, 

 again, the animal did his best and cleared the 

 dip, but pecked on landing, and after struggling 

 for two or three lengths, rolled completely over 

 his rider, on which I hastened to render 

 assistance, and it was satisfactory to find that, 

 beyond being a bit bruised, neither of them 

 appeared to be any the worse. 



There was a wiry, clever, brown horse, with 

 cropped ears, that went by the nickname of 

 " Crop," that Goodall rode for several seasons, 



