XXIII 

 DRIVING TO HOUNDS 



AN INTERESTING PASTIME THE DOCTOR AND THE LITTLE 



MARE A REMARKABLE SPILL 



BOOK of this kind would hardly be com- 

 plete if it failed to mention an interesting if 

 not an exciting feature of hunting ; that is, 

 the viewing of the chase, or as much of it 

 as may be possible, from carriages driven along the high- 

 way. As most persons' introduction to hunting is accom- 

 plished in this way, I venture to take a drive with my 

 readers through such a first run, and I cannot better do 

 this than by giving an account of my own first acquain- 

 tance with the sport. 



Early in the eighties it was my good fortune to move 

 into that beautiful and fertile section of country known as 

 the Genesee Valley, and to see soon after a hunt for the 

 first time in my life — the famous Genesee Valley Hunt, 

 riding cross country to hounds. My ideas of fox-hunting 

 had hitherto been of the vaguest. I remember thinking 

 that all other ways than going after foxes with a gun must 

 be unbecoming to a sportsman. 



My good friend the Doctor invited me one day to ride 



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