FOX-HUNTING. 29 



have ever seen him in any part of the run. This 

 rider is gifted with a vivid imagination and vast 

 powers of invention, and, as a rule, never leaves the 

 road. Then there is the politician who button-holes 

 you at every possible opportunity on the subject of 

 the Affirmation Bill, extracting from you probably, as 

 your attention is most likely not intent on this matter 

 just then, some " oaths " not required by the statute. 

 Then there is, finally, the honest man who comes out, 

 without disguise or pretence, solely for the benefit 

 of his digestion ; who never intends to jump, and 

 never does jump. 



All these varied classes are happy, and not a few 

 of them go home under the firm impression that 

 they have distinguished themselves ; and some even 

 comfort themselves with the reflection that they have 

 " cut down " certain persons, who are probably quite 

 unaware of this operation having been performed 

 upon them, or may possibly be of opinion that they 

 themselves have performed it on the very individuals 

 who are thus rejoicing in this reversed belief. 



