392 RIDING TO HOUNDS 



the river Dee — naturally a very rapid river, but then increased by 

 the rains. Sir Watkin Wynn, who (as well as his two brothers) is 

 like a duck in the water, went first, and was followed by about six 

 out of the field. "Half venturing, half shrinking," I went a little 

 way into the stream, and came back again. Seeing the hounds 

 hitting off their fox on the other side, I made a second attempt ; and 

 being mounted on a mare of Sir Watkin's, called Thetis, and trusting 

 to her genii to preserve me, I made a second attempt, and was 

 carried down the stream amongst some huge stones. Not being 

 able to swim, I gave myself up for lost ; but the resolution of the 

 mare, and my holding on l^y the mane, enabled her to regain the 

 opposite bank, and I have never tried such an aquatic excursion 

 since. A man may attempt the Hellespont for a woman ; but, on 

 cooler reflection, he is scarcely justified in running such risks of his 

 life for a fox. 



The following excellent remarks on " anticipating a check, and 

 making a judicious cast (when casting is necessary) — the most useful 

 knowledge in fox-hunting" — are from the pen of John Lockley, 

 Esq., one of the first sportsmen as well as hardest riders of his day 

 — the result of upwards of thirty years' experience in the best 

 countries.''' They were communicated l)y Nimkod, and form an apt 

 conclusion to his admirable letters. 



"At a time when all the world run mad about fox-hunting, I am 

 surprised so few gentlemen have learned to enjoy it rationally. The 

 fashion of the present day is Jiard ricUmj ; and at night, when over 

 the convivial board, their only pleasure seems to Ije in relating the 

 exploits or disasters of tlieir own or their friends' horses : not a 

 word about the best or the worst hound in the pack ; or any idea 

 ever started to ascertain whether by system, or by accident, they had 

 contrived to carry a scent twenty miles over a country to kill a fox : 



* An admirable memoir is given of this celebrated Sportsman, from the pen 

 of NiMROD, in the Sporting Magazine, vol. xv. N.S. p. 409 ; his obituary, in 

 vol. xxiii. p. 420; and a brief notice of this extraordinary man, in vol. xxiv. 

 p. 105. 



