188 SYSTEM OF KENNEL AND 



kind. A small leather case, for eau de vie or 

 tincture of rhubarb, according to taste — the latter 

 having been, as reported, the usual cordial taken 

 by the great Mr. Meynell, when exhausted by the 

 fatigue of a long run. Be gustibus non dispu- 

 tandum. That a drop of eau de vie has stood us 

 in orood need when meetinsj with accidents in the 

 hunting-field, we can vouch for, and once in par- 

 ticular, when our fox took his line through a farm- 

 yard up hill, which, there being no other mode of 

 getting to the hounds by a high wall on either side, 

 we were obliged to follow. Our only means of 

 exit was through an open door — not a gate — and 

 being young, hot, and hasty at that time, without 

 considering the difference of rising ground, instead 

 of leading our horse through, which we ought to 

 have done, we had the temerity to ride him. The 

 consequences might have been seen had we allowed 

 ourselves a moment for reflection. In lowering our 

 head to pass under, the back of our neck came in 

 contact with the lintel, which, being rather old, 

 gave way ; but the concussion was so severe, that 

 finding ourselves on the point of fainting, we swal- 

 lowed the contents of our flask, and scrambling out 

 of the saddle lay flat on the grass. 



A good pocket-knife may also be found of great 

 service, containing two strong blades, a picker, and 

 small punch, since tliere are occasions upon which 

 all may be required. A small lancet, in a case by 

 itself, should find a place in the other waistcoat- 

 pocket. 



