BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 321 



butler also) a very ingenious and clever man, set his wits to work 

 to prevent the recurrence of a like catastrophe. The pre- 

 sent spring-bar was the fruit of his invention. To him also was 

 to be imputed the merit of a spring in a wooden leg, worn by 

 Tom Jones, the second whipper-in. This Tom Jones, if of less 

 notoriety than his namesake, the hero of Fielding, was probably 

 more distinguished and distinguishable in the field. He was a 

 capital horseman, and very active in the saddle. The wooden 

 leg, so far from being of any inconvenience to him, appeared 

 rather useful than otherwise, in creeping by trees, gate-posts, &c. 

 whenever he could contrive to keep this succedaneum nearest to 

 the obstruction. 



Jack Raven was huntsman ; Skinner and Jones whipped in, 

 and, subsequently, Joe Harrison. 



Mr. Meynell was somewhat particular in his diet, as every 

 one should be who cares for the preservation of those capabilities 

 for bodily exercise, 



" whose use 



Depends so much upon the gastric juice." 



He endeavoured to take the greatest amount of nourishment in 

 the smallest possible compass. His usual hunting breakfast con- 

 sisted of as much as a small tea-cup would contain of a pound of 

 veal, condensed to that quantity. His pocket was always forti- 

 fied with a small bottle of stimulus, similar to that commonly 

 carried in the present day ; but instead of eau-de-vie, cura9oa, 

 or cherry-bounce, it contained a far better stomachic, in the 

 shape of veritable tincture of rhubarb, to the use of which he 

 was constantly addicted. 



The following are extracts from the memoranda of Mr. 

 Loraine Smith, who, during Mr. Meynell's absence, had the 

 command of the Quorn hounds : — 



2t 



